Cold and Flu - 10 Things to Do

Like a cold, there are several different micro-organisms—typically viruses, but also bacteria and others—that can contribute to the symptoms we typically associate with the flu, or influenza. According to Shirley and Len Price, essential oils that are effective on influenza-causing viruses include rosewood, lime, lemon, cypress, eucalyptus (globulus and radiata), helichrysum, black pepper, ravensara, sage, clove bud, and thyme phenol (Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, pages 106-107).

To help treat the symptoms of influenza, D. Gary Young recommends mixing 1/4 cup Epsom salt with 2 drops Eucalyptus radiata, 6 drops frankincense, 3 drops helichrysum, 6 drops spruce, 15 drops ravensara, and 1 drop wintergreen, placing this in a hot bath while it is filling, then soaking in the bath until the water cools (Essential Oil Integrative Medical Guide, page 357).

"One Sunday after church a friend commented that I looked "exhausted." I thought that strange because I had gotten a good night’s sleep. I walked over to a meeting for a mission trip I would be participating in, and an hour later I started getting a headache and felt something happening to my throat. About 30 minutes later I knew I was coming down with the flu as the headache and sore throat intensified and I started feeling shaky.

Fortunately I had Peppermint, Oregano and Thieves in my truck, and as soon as I got in, I rubbed several drops of Oregano on my feet, rubbed Thieves on my neck and throat, and put several drops of Peppermint in my water and started drinking it. By the time I got home the headache and sore throat had lessened.

That evening and for the next several days I took by capsule a combination of Lemon, Mountain Savory and Oregano three times a day. While I could tell my body was fighting an infection (as indicated by my desire to take naps), the oils completely stopped the flu in its tracks and the headache and sore throat never returned."
—Kevin Dunn, California

"Thieves oil is a wonderful oil to use with feeling under the weather. I use it to fight off the flu with high temperatures. Usually within hours my temperature has gone down."
—Jeanette Jolley, California

To learn more about cold and flu remedies, visit aroma-essence.com and read the guide, Colds and Ful - 10 Things to Do.