How To Fight The Flu, Naturally

Every year when the cooler months arrive, offices, buses and coffee shops erupt in a cacophony of coughing and sniffling.

It’s inevitable, but according to aromatherapy specialist Pat Princi-Jones from the Oil Garden, essential oils can be used to help combat common winter ailments. Here’s how…

CLEAR A STUFFY NOSE
In terms of decongestants for winter, Princi-Jones recommends eucalyptus, lemon, Australian sandalwood, peppermint and pine oils. “These contain cineol, linalool and alpha-Pinene which give them their decongestant action,” says Princi-Jones, “as well as a cooling and clearing effect on the body. They not only provide relief to the symptoms, but also build immunity.”

HOW TO
Diffuse 6–9 drops to ease nasal secretions and headaches. A quick inhalation with a few drops of lavender in a bowl of hot, steamy water will also help soothe and ease nasal secretions, a blocked nose and throbbing headache. Mix a drop of each of these five oils in one tbsp coconut oil and massage under nostrils morning and night to offer relief, help build immunity and prevent your cold from developing into a chest infection.

DE-STRESS QUICKLY
If winter has got you stressed, try oils such as lavender and chamomile, which are renowned for their sedative and calming effect on the central nervous system, says Princi-Jones, while florals such as neroli and ylang-ylang will help reduce anxiety. “Grapefruit, lemon and especially bergamot, sweet orange
and mandarin oils are also excellent nerve tonics,”
she adds.

HOW TO
Diffuse three drops each of lavender, bergamot and cedarwood. Massage your chest and back with frankincense, sweet orange and ylang-ylang (two drops of each in one tbsp of coconut oil) to ease anxiety.

IMPROVE SLEEP
A good night’s sleep while struggling through flu symptoms is crucial during winter, and Princi-Jones uses oils such as lavender and Roman chamomile to quiet the mind in preparation for sleep, as well as mandarin and frankincense, which are renowned sedatives. “These oils have a tonic effect, reduce inflammation and are soothing and comforting as well,” she says.

HOW TO
Diffusing these beautiful sweet notes in the bedroom will ensure sound sleep for all the family as well as aid breathing conditions. Massage one drop of each in one tbsp of coconut oil to the chest, neck and upper back to intensify the treatment and even help fight fevers of common cold. Regular use will improve sleep quality, fight germs and build immunity.

HAYFEVER
Princi-Jones says hayfever sufferers can get relief with peppermint, German chamomile and lavender oil. “This is the perfect mix because it reduces inflammation and is also pain relieving. These oils are antibacterial and, either combined or on their own, may not only fight infection, but also reduce the urge to sneeze.”

HOW TO
Diffuse two drops of each throughout the day as needed to combat the nagging symptoms of this condition. Dispense a drop of lavender on a tissue or hanky and inhale regularly to soothe the bronchial tract. Massage one drop of each of above oils into one tbsp of coconut oil onto neck, behind ears and upper back to ease headaches and respiratory congestion.

This article originally appeared in the August issue of marie claire.