The natural power of aromatherapy can help with a variety of health imbalances and ailments simply by working with your sense of smell. While aromatherapy oils can be mixed with massage oils and lotions for topical application, a few of them have potent elements that can help relieve flu symptoms, reduce breathing problems, and even manage a cold.

Aromatherapy Basics

Aromatherapy makes use of pure essential oils in a variety of forms; this can include using diffusers, candles, or incense to scent a room; mixing oils into lotions, carrier oils, or creams to be applied topically; or simply inhaling the pure essential oil itself.

Inhaling the oil is one of the quickest ways for the body to absorb the key elements of the oil, and it’s especially helpful for people suffering from allergies or other respiratory problems. The aroma can not only lift your spirits instantly, but it can also get to work at clearing up toxins naturally.

Aromatherapy and Respiratory Problems

The best way to maximize the potential of an essential oil is to use an aromatherapy oil burner. Select an essential oil and add a few drops of water; the high concentration of oil is quite potent and can diffuse into a room immediately. Among the best essential oils for tackling a cold or other respiratory problems are:

• Eucalyptus.


• Peppermint.


• Chamomile.


• Bergamot.


• Rosewood.


• Spearmint.

Eucalyptus 

A natural decongestant, eucalyptus is commonly used as a detoxifier. It can help boost your immune system and relieve congestion almost immediately. Eucalyptus mixed with rose and lemon offers multiple benefits, and can also relieve migraines and other headaches.

Peppermint

With its invigorating but soothing scent, peppermint can be very refreshing if you’re suffering from asthma, allergies, or flu-like symptoms. Its antispasmodic properties can help alleviate stomach aches and indigestion, and can encourage calmness.

Chamomile 

A relaxant and sedative, chamomile can help alleviate the aches and pains associated with the flu. It also eases anxiety and irritation, and can help with inflammation of the respiratory tract. If you have a sore throat along with a cold or flu, a cup of chamomile tea can be very soothing.

Bergamot

Bergamot is one of the most widely used essential oils for holistic treatments, and has been used for thousands of years because of its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It has a sweet and woodsy scent, and can be mixed with other oils for multiple benefits. Bergamot has been used to treat infection, lower stress, and improve depression-like symptoms. It can be used in vapor therapy to alleviate a cold or flu.

Rosewood

With a spicy but sweet smell, rosewood can be especially uplifting during periods of fatigue and low mood associated with a cold or flu. Rosewood oil is commonly used for lowering stress and helping fight a cold, cough, sore throat, or infections.

Spearmint

Spearmint has mood-enhancing benefits and can help relieve a sore stomach. Both spearmint and peppermint have similar properties, but spearmint is less pungent. Because it’s a stimulant, spearmint can help reduce mental fatigue when you have the flu, and it can also help with asthma, colds, and headaches.

Pure essential oils have been used for thousands of years in holistic medicine and can encourage feelings of relaxation and serenity, or even boost our energy levels. Though they aren’t a substitute for medicine or a doctor’s care, a few specific oils can help you manage a cold or the flu, or can relieve asthma and allergy symptoms.

—Sabah Karimi