Essential oils for colds

If you have a runny nose or cough, you don’t have to take pills straight away. There are often gentler alternatives, such as essential oils, that can relieve discomfort.

Essential oils have a positive effect on cold symptoms, especially now during the cold season, and relieve various symptoms quickly and effectively. In general, the following applies to external use: less is more! Even at low doses, oils have a strong effect on the skin and mucous membranes. We have compiled some of these gentle helpers for you and reveal how the oils work, how they are used, e.g. B. as aromatherapy, and what to look out for when using it.

How can I use essential oils?

There are many ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy :

  • Inhalation
  • Fragrance lamps, room humidifiers and sprays
  • Massage oil for skin care and relaxation
  • Balm for the skin, e.g. B. Nose Balm
  • Saunaaufgüsse
  • bath additives, e.g. B. as a cold bath
  • smelling oils
  • Ingestion and internal use
  • mouthwashes
  • Diluted oils for application to the skin

Essential oils in children and babies

Essential oils should be handled with care, especially with babies and small children . In small children, the mucous membranes are much more sensitive in the first months of life than in children and adults. Even a few undiluted drops of an oil can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as impaired consciousness, shortness of breath and cramps. Camphor, thyme, eucalyptus and peppermint oils should not be used for children up to two years of age . People who are close to the toddler should also use essential oils sparingly or avoid them altogether. Basically, the use of essential oils should always be discussed with the pediatrician. Gentle oils like chamomile, fennel, tangerine and lavenderare suitable diluted from the fourth month of life.

Children from the age of 5
Mild oils can be used for children from the age of five. These include fennel, angelica root, chamomile, geranium, manuka, lavender, tangerine, marjoram, peppermint, rose, orange and lemon.

Dosage recommendations
Up to the age of 14, essential oils should be diluted much more than the 3% dilution for adults. A proportion of one percent of the essential oil to the carrier oil (mixing ratio of 1:99) applies as a guideline Examples of suitable carrier oils are coconut oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba oil and almond oil.

What are the side effects of essential oils?

Essential oils should not be applied pure to the skin or mucous membranes, as they can be very irritating. Oils should therefore only be used diluted. You should also be economical with the dosage, since excessive concentrations can lead to severe irritation and headaches. Asthma sufferers should take extra care when using oils, as inhaling the scents can cause respiratory irritation and breathing problems.

Allergic reactions
Before using a new essential oil, first test its tolerance. To do this, drip a little diluted oil in the crook of your arm and wait to see if an allergic reaction occurs. If there is no reaction even after a long wait, you can use the oil.

Essential oils during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you should be careful not to use certain oils, as they promote labor and can therefore trigger premature birth. So avoid these oils:

  • Muskat
  • basil
  • rosemary
  • juniper berries
  • Rose
  • Jasmin
  • clary sage
  • laurel
  • Anis
  • Caraway seed
  • thyme
  • cinnamon leaf
  • Citronella

Why is the effect of essential oils controversial?

  • Essential oils often consist of many hundreds of ingredients and components that are difficult to identify. In addition, the composition of the ingredients varies depending on the harvest, which always results in an oil that is not the same as its predecessor. There are thousands of studies in the field. However, the different compositions make general proof more difficult.
  • The variety of plants is enormous, so that e.g. For example, the oils of seven eucalyptus species have nothing in common in terms of their chemical composition. As a result, they can all have different effects.

eucalyptus oil

This essential oil contains fresh leaves and branches of different types of eucalyptus. Inhaling eucalyptus oil has an antiseptic effect on sore throats and bronchitis. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses, so it has an immune-stimulating effect and loosens mucus. The cooling effect makes breathing through the nose easier again.

clove oil

Clove oil can be used against coughs during the cold season, as well as headaches and body aches. Especially when inhaled, clove oil can quickly help with headaches and body aches. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a slightly anesthetic effect, which is why it can also be used for tooth problems. However, pure clove oil should not be applied to the skin in its pure form as it has a tissue-irritating effect.

thyme oil

The oil is extracted from the fresh, flowering aerial parts by steam distillation. Thyme oil has an expectorant, antibacterial and antispasmodic effect, which is why it is used against strong dry coughs. Thyme liquefies stuck mucus and makes it easier to expectorate. It also has a circulation-enhancing, antiviral and antibacterial effect. Pure thyme oil can be used pure on the skin.

pine needle oil

Pine needle oil is a powerful antiseptic and belongs to the group of expectorants. The oil inhibits inflammation, relieves shortness of breath, works against flu and pneumonia and is a disinfectant and expectorant. Pure pine needle oil is irritating to the skin and has a similar effect to cortisone, only without the side effects of the drug.

juniper oil

Juniper oil has a strong disinfecting effect. It stimulates the immune system to act faster against the common cold. It also helps to relax muscles.

spruce needle oil

Spruce needle oil is obtained from the fresh needles of the spruce. It has a unique warm and spicy scent and is often used for upper and lower respiratory tract infections because of its antispasmodic and expectorant properties. The oil has a toning, antiseptic and deodorizing effect and stimulates breathing. Spruce needle oil also helps against exhaustion, stress, nervousness, as well as circulatory disorders and rheumatic complaints.

peppermint oil

Menthol, from which the essential peppermint oil is extracted, is found in the peppermint leaves and is responsible for the typical fresh minty aroma. If you have a sniffle, it soothes the nasal mucosa, makes it easier to breathe and is particularly valued for its antibacterial properties. But it is also used for headaches and complaints in the stomach and intestines due to its antispasmodic effect.

sage oil

You can find sage oil in many different cold products because of its disinfecting effect . To produce the essential oil, the herb of the plant is distilled. Sage oil has an antiseptic effect in the throat, mouth and throat and can help against bronchitis and asthma.

Cajeputöl

The Cajeput tree, also called myrtle heather, grows in Australia, Malaysia and India. The oil is obtained from the leaves and the fine twig tips by steam distillation. When inhaled, it loosens the mucus in the bronchi and sinuses and makes it easier to expectorate. In addition, it relieves muscle and joint pain. Cajeput oil has an antiseptic effect and is milder than eucalyptus and peppermint oil.

silver fir oil

Silver fir oil has an antiseptic, circulation-enhancing, antispasmodic and antimicrobial effect. It fights viruses, loosens congestion and inhibits inflammation in the throat and lungs. It also strengthens the immune system and promotes faster healing.

anise oil

The oil of the spice plant anise has a strong expectorant, antispasmodic and antibacterial effect. It liquefies secretions and makes it easier to cough up, making it particularly useful for bronchitis. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the respiratory tract and fights bacterial inflammation. Anise oil relieves headaches and breathing difficulties.

Orange and Lemon Oil

Orange and lemon oil have a circulation-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and germ-killing effect. They strengthen the immune system and relax muscles. In addition, lemon oil stimulates heat production in the body. Orange oil also helps against tension and muscle pain.

tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a true all-rounder for health. It not only helps against inflammatory skin problems or fungal diseases, but also against colds. The oil fights a sore throat and loosens mucus in the throat and nose.

cedarwood oil

Cedarwood oil is extracted from the wood of the tree. It has an antibacterial effect against infections and is anti-inflammatory. The oil relieves strong urge to cough, promotes blood circulation and strengthens the immune system.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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