Winter is a season of cold and flu. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, making it difficult to cure them as we know that there is no known treatment for the common cold. Flu is a viral infection, so that antibiotics are not beneficial. Medication for cold and flu provide only symptomatic relief but does not cure the disease like an over-the-counter painkiller.

Have you ever heard about the use of essential oils in the treatment of cold and flu? Essential oils are the best alternative treatment for cold and flu. Essential oils can be particularly advantageous for cold and flu. They have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can shorten the common cold.

In this blog, I will guide you about which essential oils are helpful for your immune system to fight the flu.  Here are the best essential oils for alleviating symptoms of cold and flu.

Best Essential Oils for Flu

Tea tree essential  oil

As winter seasons continue, it is the best time to start working with your essential oils. TEA tree oil is a perfect way to clear congestion, such as a runny nose, because it can soothe inflammation.¹ Tea tree oil provides therapeutic benefits due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Put a few drops into your diffuser or put it in a warm bath and relax.

Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus essential oil contains eucalyptol, the main active ingredient that is most effective for cold. The antimicrobial and antiviral properties of eucalyptus are due to eucalyptol which helps to fight bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help lower the temperature in case of fever in flu and pain reliever. Eucalyptus also contains menthol, acts as an expectorant that suppresses cough and relieves sinus and chest congestion.^1-2

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil contains menthol that makes it an excellent option for treating cold and flu. Since menthol acts as an expectorant, fever reducer, and decongestant that can numb or give relief from sore throats, suppresses cough, and ease breathing. Different studies show that peppermint oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties.³

Cinnamon essential oil

Cinnamon essential oils contain cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which have antibacterial and antiviral activities.⁴ Different studies showed that cinnamon essential oil has a powerful effect on flu and cause the inactivation of the influenza virus. Cinnamon oil also strengthens and improves the compromised immune system due to its antioxidant and antifungal properties.

Bottom-line:

There are various essential oils available that you can use for treating cold and flu symptoms either in a diffuser or bathtub. But one thing to remember, they are not only for preventative measures but also many aromatherapists suggest their prophylactic use. Their disinfectant properties also make them a better option for daily use because they clean the air around us from viruses and bacterias.

Reference:

1. Maftuchah, M., Christine, P. I., & Jamaluddin, M. (2020). The Effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus Oil Aromatherapy for Toddlers with Common Cold. JURNAL KEBIDANAN, 10(2), 131-137.
2. Shah, A., & Krishnamurthy, R. (2013). Swine flu and its herbal remedies. Int J Eng Sci, 2(5), 68-78.
3. ECCLES, R., JAWAD, M. S., & MORRIS, S. (1990). The effects of oral administration of (—)‐menthol on nasal resistance to airflow and nasal sensation of airflow in subjects suffering from nasal congestion associated with the common cold. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 42(9), 652-654.
4. Kawatra, Pallavi, and Rathai Rajagopalan. “Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient.” Pharmacognosy research vol. 7,Suppl 1 (2015): S1-6. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.157990