For those of us who seem to get sick no matter how careful we are, cold and flu season can be a nightmare. Many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription medications to beat these seasonal viruses, but others may prefer natural remedies.
If you’re looking for a more holistic approach, you might benefit from aromatherapy. Certain fragrances and essential oils can help ease cold symptoms and protect against airborne viruses. Here’s what you should know about the benefits of essential oils for colds and the flu.
How Can Aromatherapy Help When You’re Sick?
Aromatherapy is a natural home remedy that has been used to treat a variety of ailments throughout human history. Today, many essential oils are still used for fighting colds and promoting overall wellness. Each essential oil carries different benefits, depending on the plant they come from. Some oils have calming properties that help you fall asleep faster, while others are known to open your airways when you’re congested.
Research shows that essential oils carry antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Human trials are limited, but growing evidence suggests that due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, essential oils could be an effective treatment for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Common RTIs include the common cold, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Adding aroma and essential oils to the air will help you harness the wellness benefits of aromatherapy. With Canopy’s humidifier and diffuser, you can enhance the air in your home with a clean aroma experience. Simply add a few drops of aroma or essential oil to your diffuser or humidifier, and you’ll be breathing and feeling your best.
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Flu Season?
Now that you’re familiar with their antimicrobial properties, you might wonder: What essential oils kill viruses? Try these options when you’re feeling under the weather.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is a commonly used essential oil for cough. This is because the primary component is menthol, which can help suppress coughs and soothe sore throats. Peppermint may also help clear your nasal passages and help you breathe easier. The Canopy x Laneige Aroma Kit includes a cool, crisp peppermint blend that’s perfect for clearing your senses.
Bergamot
The essential oil bergamot comes from a type of citrus fruit rind and boasts antiviral properties in lab environments. In just 10 minutes, diffused bergamot essential oil vapor was able to curb the growth of the influenza virus. In your home diffuser, it may help reduce the presence of viruses in the air. Many of our aroma kits include bergamot, including Canopy x Open Spaces and Canopy x Curie.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil has an extensive history of demonstrating a variety of health benefits, including treating stuffy or runny noses and other symptoms of the common cold. You can enjoy this refreshing aroma in our Canopy x The Sill Aroma Kit Greenhouse Blend.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most widely researched essential oils. While it may not directly fight the cold and flu, it can help you fall asleep and stay asleep longer—and quality sleep is essential for your body’s recovery and immune system function. Consistently getting enough rest will reduce your risk of illness and help your body fight off infections. Try our Little Dreams Aroma Kit for fresh eucalyptus during the day and calming lavender at night.
Prepare your family for cold and flu season with our Aroma Collection. With just a few drops of oil on the provided puck, you can enjoy a clean and highly potent aroma when using your diffuser or humidifier. For a long-lasting scent, you can place the aroma bottle upside-down in your diffuser’s well.
