Cure for the Common Cold: Essential Oils

According to estimates, adults and children in the U.S. get 1 billion colds each year. There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Cold viruses take up residence in the lining of the nose and grow, eventually attempting to infect the body. If the body is weak or unable to resist the germs, it will get sick. Despite what some people think, there’s no evidence that cold weather, large tonsils or other such wives’ tales can make you “catch” a cold. Evidence does suggest that stress and allergies can increase your chances of getting a cold. Colds generally last from about two days to two weeks. Some common symptoms of a cold include runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever, sore throat, cough and body aches.

Below are a few powerful Essential Oils that ease cold symptoms, followed by a home remedy for combatting those everyday bugs and viruses…

Thyme

Helps drain congestion; proven to fight infections and rid the body of toxins.

You may not realize it when you walk past thyme in the grocery store, but it has been an herbal superhero for thousands of years. A symbol of courage throughout the ages, thyme was added to the bathwater of Roman soldiers to empower them for battle. The soldiers also exchanged sprigs of thyme as a sign of respect. Romans believed that eating thyme either before or during a meal would protect you from poison; this made the herb a particular favorite of the emperors. Greeks and Romans burned bundles of thyme to purify their temples and homes, and to evoke a spirit of courage in those who inhaled it.

In order to boost my immune system during the holidays, I make a chicken bone broth soup and add in several drops of thyme oil. – Dr. Josh Axe

The widespread use of thyme continued throughout the ages. When the Black Death struck in the late 1340s, millions of people turned to thyme for relief and protection. In the days before refrigeration, including thyme in recipes provided some protection against spoiled meat and foodborne disease. The oil has a fresh, herbaceous and medicinal aroma that, among its other mighty super powers, can aid concentration and relieve feelings of depression. The flowering tops and leaves are steam-distilled to capture an essential oil that has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic and calming properties.

Lemon

Can support lymphatic drainage and help to overcome a cold quickly.

Ayurvedic medicine practitioners have been using lemon essential oil to treat a wide spectrum of health conditions for at least 1,000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lemon peel oil has the ability to combat conditions related to dampness such as the common cold, candida, infections, loose stools, respiratory conditions and sore throats. Also, it has been used throughout history to support the health of the liver and as a natural remedy for gallstones. Lemon oil contains the compound d-limonene, which also has powerful anti-cancer properties.

Lemon oil is known for its ability to help cleanse toxins from any part of the body; it is widely used to stimulate lymph drainage, rejuvenate energy, purify skin and repel insects. The rind of the lemon is cold-pressed for the extraction of its essential oil, which has a sweet, citrusy and sharp aroma that is uplifting and refreshing. Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and it can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, lemon oil provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day.

Ginger

Relieves discomfort caused by congestion and infections.

Today, ginger is easily accessible in local grocery stores and markets, but back in the 14th century, its cost was about the same amount as a live sheep or other livestock— thanks to its widespread use as a tonic to treat many ailments. A featured ingredient in many Asian dishes, ginger has a hot, fragrant flavor when used as a kitchen spice. In Western tradition, ginger is most used in sweets such as gingerbread and ginger snaps, and the spice often evokes warm feelings of Christmastime. The root is steam-distilled, and it has a warming and stimulating aroma.

In Chinese medicine, ginger is one of the most used herbs because of its warming properties, which help reduce internal dampness of the body. The most potent form of ginger is the essential oil because it contains the highest levels of gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and numerous other health benefits. Ginger oil is used to treat nausea, digestive distress, menstrual disorders, arthritis, chronic pain and respiratory conditions. It is also known to bring on feelings of courageousness and self-assurance, which is why it’s often referred to as “the oil of empowerment.”

Eucalyptus

Works as an expectorant and help cleanse the body.

According to English folklore, an early English settler had his thumb nearly severed by an ax. His father, who was well versed in Aboriginal folk medicine, advised that he apply a bandage of tightly bound eucalyptus leaves around the cut after it was sutured. Later, when a surgeon saw the wound, he remarked how amazed he was because the thumb healed so quickly and without any trace of infection.

The eucalyptus tree (also known as Tasmanian Blue Gum) is an evergreen tree native to Australia that’s often thought of as the main food source of koala bears. While it provides amazing nutritional support for wildlife, the essential oil that is extracted from eucalyptus leaves also has powerful therapeutic properties. Eucalyptus has a cool, crisp aroma. The main chemical components of Eucalyptus radiata are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol, making it an ideal oil to promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways and for creating a soothing massage experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjuQIxDwBEI

Peppermint

Works as an expectorant and help cleanse the body.

Peppermint is one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes, and historical accounts date its use to ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. In ancient Greece, mint was used in funerary rites, together with rosemary and myrtle, and not simply to offset the smell of decay. In the Bible, mint is referenced along with anise and cumin to be given as a tithe to the Lord, demonstrating its value during that time.

A cross between a variety of wild mints, peppermint was more widely discovered in the 17th century. The essential oils are gathered by steam distillation of the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant. Peppermint essential oil is used for its anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on muscles, the colon and the gastric lining. It has a sharp, minty and intense aroma that serves as a stimulating and invigorating agent.

Peppermint oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can help relieve sore muscles and ease headaches when used topically. It also has anti-microbial properties, so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues.

Home Remedy

Steam Bath

Make a steam bath by mixing 10 drops each of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, placing a towel over your head and inhaling deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.

Dr. Josh Axe, Jordan Rubin, Ty Bollinger