The flu season is still going strong, and medical professionals frequently recommend getting a flu vaccination to avoid falling ill. However, there are some concerns about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine and the potential side effects can range from mild to severe. Instead of relying on a flu shot, there are natural ways to boost your immune system and help your body fight off the flu. One effective method is using essential oils, which are not only safe and easy to use, but come with numerous qualities like anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Essential Oils for Immune System Support
Some of the best essential oils to use to boost your immune system during flu season include lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme. Other good options are garlic, sandalwood, cinnamon, German chamomile, and peppermint. Creating a blend of your favorite immune-boosting oils to store in a dark glass container is the most efficient way to use them.
You can use this blend in various ways, such as:
- Adding the blend to an essential oil diffuser to purify the air.
- Mixing the blend with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil and applying it to the soles of your feet.
- Incorporating the blend into your personal care products.
- Combining the blend with Epsom salts and adding it to a bath.
Always test essential oils on a small patch of skin before using them regularly, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Essential Oils for Symptom Relief
In some cases, you may still fall ill with the flu, but essential oils can provide relief from your symptoms and help you recover faster. The following oils can alleviate various flu symptoms:
- Sinus pressure and headaches: Lavender and chamomile can provide relief from sinus pressure and headaches when used in a diffuser or added to a pot of boiling water.
- Cough: Eucalyptus, cypress, or peppermint can reduce coughing when a few drops are placed under your pillow at night.
- Stuffy nose: Eucalyptus, rosemary or lemon oils can alleviate congestion when used in a diffuser or applied to a warm washcloth held against your nose (just be sure not to touch the cloth to your skin if it’s sensitive or sore).
- Blood flow and warmth: Cinnamon leaf oil added to a bath, diffuser, or combined with a carrier oil to massage into the bottoms of your feet will increase blood flow and warmth in the body.
- Stress and fatigue: Sandalwood oil added to a warm bath can help relieve stress and fatigue caused by the flu.
Prevention is Key
To protect yourself against the flu, begin using these essential oils regularly before you get sick. Incorporating these flu-fighting essential oils into your daily routine will not only kill germs that cause the flu, but also help you feel better more quickly in case you do fall ill.
