The 15 Best Essential Oils for Colds 2020 (Plus Recipes)

Colds are viral infections that affect your nose and upper respiratory tract. While it is harmless most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient (1).

It is also contagious, making it important to treat colds from the first sign of its symptoms. While most people will recover within seven to ten days, it is easily contagious.

It is important to take the necessary measures not just to protect yourself but to protect others as well.

Among others, one of the most promising solutions is the use of the best essential oils for colds. Keep on reading and I will share some of the essential oils to use, as well as a few recipes worth trying.

How to Treat a Common Cold

Before we talk about the top essential oils to use, let me give you some tips on how to get rid of colds quickly and effectively.

Prevention is better than cure, even when it comes to the treatment of colds. Wash your hands often for 20 seconds using soap and water. An alcohol-based sanitizer will be equally effective.

Maintain a safe distance from other people, especially those who are sick.

Staying hydrated and getting enough rest can also be effective.

You can also take over-the-counter cold medications, including pain relievers, decongestants, and antihistamines.

If things go out of hand, consult a doctor. Do this when symptoms last more than ten days and if you have a fever more than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Natural Way to Treat Colds

If you do not want to take meds, there are other things that you can do, such as sipping warm liquids and adding moisture to the air.

The best essential oils for colds can help, which is what we will be focusing on in this article.

This is a great alternative for those who are looking for a natural and effective way to treat common colds.

Several studies prove the effectiveness of essential oils for colds. For instance, in a 2010 study, participants were given chamomile essential oil and it proved to be effective against colds because of its bioactive phytochemicals (2).

Meanwhile, in 2003 in vitro study, the viral activity of peppermint essential oil has been explored. While it is focused on the virucidal effects of the oil in herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, the same result can be expected when used against colds (3).

However, there are minimal studies that can provide a scientific basis for using essential oils for colds. Nonetheless, there’s no harm in trying as long as you follow safety protocols!

How to Use Essential Oils for Colds

Using the best essential oil diffusers is one of the most promising ways to beat colds. It will disperse oil into the air. In turn, you can inhale the oil and it will help soothe cold symptoms.

Inhaling the essential oil directly can also work. All that you have to do is to add a few drops of your choice of essential oil on a tissue and breathe gently. Make sure that the tissue does not get in direct contact with the skin. It shouldn’t be too near your nose as it can irritate.

Steam inhalation is another effective way to use essential oils for colds. It can help to clear the pathways to improve breathing.

You can also consider using essential oil bath bombs. This will make bath time more relaxing while addressing the symptoms of a cold.

Top Picks for the Best Essential Oils for Colds

Beat colds fast! Here are some of the best products that you might want to consider using.

Radha Beauty Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The light and refreshing scent of eucalyptus oil have therapeutic benefits. It has a minty fragrance that can open your nasal passages, making it effective if you are suffering from congestion because of colds.

This eucalyptus essential oil will also act as an expectorant. This will break mucus and prevent having a stuffy nose.

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of this essential oil are also great. They will boost your immune system to defend the body from other effects of colds.

Gya Labs Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

For centuries, roman chamomile is known for its medicinal properties. It contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are the ones responsible for many of its health benefits.

Steam inhalation of chamomile essential oil is one of the best ways to use it against colds. This will relieve symptoms and make it easier for you to breathe.

It is also believed to have relaxing benefits, allowing you to rest even if you have a pesky cold.

Majestic Pure Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass is one of the most uplifting essential oils. It can instantly change your mood, making it a great way to fight the feeling of being down when you have a cold.

The refreshing and citrusy scent of this essential oil can also reduce headaches that can happen when you have colds.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is also used for the treatment of fever, which is one thing that can be experienced when you have colds.

Maple Holistics 100% Tea Tree Essential Oil

With antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, tea tree is another great option when it comes to the best essential oils for colds.

It is also known as a natural disinfectant. You can use it for cleaning surfaces that you often touch. This will prevent being in contact with germs that can cause common colds.

Handcraft Blends Peppermint Essential Oil

Menthol essential oils, including peppermint, are some of the best for the treatment of colds. Inhaling this essential oil can help clear your breathing pathways, which can be obstructed when you have a cold.

It also has antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic properties. This will make it effective in alleviating throat and chest congestion.

SenseLab Sandalwood Essential Oil

All the way from India, this essential oil is pure and undiluted. It is a therapeutic-grade oil, so you can be confident about its safety and effectiveness.

The distinct scent of sandalwood is what makes this essential oil easy to recognize. It has a warm scent that will be effective for the treatment of chest colds.

Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, even for the treatment of colds.

The sedative properties of lavender will make it a great way to induce rest when you are suffering from colds.

It also has immune-boosting properties. This will help you to recover from colds quicker while increasing the body’s defenses against other health problems that you can experience.

The inhalation of lavender essential oil can also ease cough and congestion, making it easier to breathe.

Ola Prima Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil has been used even in ancient medicine for the treatment of cold and flu. It has antimicrobial properties that will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It can also improve your immunity to manage the symptoms of colds.

As an expectorant, ginger essential oil can also be effective to help expel mucus. It can also soothe inflammation and aches.

Essential Oil Labs Rosemary Oil

The inhalation of rosemary essential oil can positively impact your mood. If you are ever feeling down because of a cold, using rosemary essential oil can provide an instant boost.

Like many of those that are mentioned in this guide, it also has antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Plus, there is a woodsy scent that can be instantly calming.

Plant Therapy Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil contains carvacrol. This is the one responsible for stopping the growth of bacteria, which can also limit the symptoms of common colds.

The ancient Greeks are amongst the first ones to use oregano in alternative medicine. They used it for treating respiratory ailments, including a cold.

The oil also contains rosmarinic acid. This helps to boost immune support, which will make your body stronger despite having colds.

Healing Solutions Clary Sage Essential Oil

The scent of this essential oil can instantly bring calming benefits for those who have a runny and stuffy nose.

This is effective in fighting sinusitis, congestion, and other problems associated with colds because it is considered a natural antimicrobial.

Cliganic Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

Cinnamon is more than just a delicious and aromatic spice. It is also one of the most effective ways to treat common colds.

It has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It can also be used as a disinfectant, making it easy to get rid of the germs on surfaces that can cause colds.

Cliganic is offering a 90-day guarantee for this essential oil. Within this period, if you are unhappy in any way, let them know and they will issue an unconditional refund.

Forona Organic Frankincense Essential Oil

With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits, the healing properties of frankincense essential oil will be effective in the treatment of colds.

It is also known as a great expectorant, making it easy to expel mucus, especially if you have a stuffy nose.

One of the best ways to take this essential oil is through steam inhalation, which will help in relieving congestion. It can also be used for a hot or cold compress, especially if you have a severe cold that is giving you a headache.

PURA D’OR Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is energizing. So, if you ever feel down because of a cold, this essential oil can instantly uplift your mood. The citrusy and refreshing scent of lemon can instantly awaken your senses.

With the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits of lemon essential oil, it can also be effective in reducing cold and flu-like symptoms. It can help alleviate body pain, congestion, swollen glands, and coughing, among other things.

You can use lemon essential oil for a massage or diffuser. For the best outcomes, you can combine it with tea tree and lavender essential oils. Don’t forget to dilute it with a carrier oil, especially if you will use it topically.

Plant Therapy Clove Bud Essential Oil

Like most of the options for the best essential oils for colds, clove bud also has antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

It can also help to boost your immune system, which is one of the best ways to ward off colds.

Take note, however, that this is a strong essential oil. It should be diluted at all times as it can irritate, especially if you will use it for massage or anything that requires contact with the skin.

Essential Oil Recipes to Try for Colds

Now that you know the best essential oils for colds, it’s time to learn some recipes to make the most out of these oils. Here are some things that you can try.

Nighttime Blend for Colds

This recipe uses some of the best essential oils for sleeping. If you have colds, you will have a runny and stuffy nose. In turn, this can make it more difficult for you to sleep.

• 8 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of lemon essential oil
• 6 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops of chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Mix all the oils in a diffuser and turn it on before you sleep. This will fill the room with relaxing essential oils that will not only treat colds but also put you to sleep quicker.

Essential Oils for Congestion

When you have colds, congestion happens. With the recipe below, your airways will open, making it easier to breathe.

• 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil

Conclusion

Common colds are not only uncomfortable, but it is also contagious. So, from the first signs of a cold, act accordingly. Among others, the best essential oils for colds can be promising!

Consider the essential oils mentioned above for natural remedy. If symptoms get worse, however, try other solutions, or better yet, consult with a medical professional if you want to have peace of mind.

Sources: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605, accessed 06 April 2020
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/, accessed 06 April 2020
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S094471130470255X, accessed 06 April 2020