We at Glimja love essential oils.
We have them in our Humio, in aroma lamps, in skincare, in steam baths, and in the bath. Essential oils have many uses and each has its unique quality and gift.
With a small home pharmacy of essential oils at home, you can get natural support during a cold and enjoy their fantastic scents. Here are 9 hacks we think help best.
1. Cold steam bath for stuffy noses and cough
This is an old proven home remedy that works. Essential oils suitable for this are peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to boiled water in a pot; they should be added when the water is just freshly boiled.
- Breathe in the steam under a towel.
- Note: it’s important to keep your eyes closed the entire time as it otherwise stings badly.
- A few minutes under a towel morning and evening provides relief.
2. Rub the chest for cough
If you have a sore throat or develop a cough, you can rub the chest and upper back with essential oils diluted in oil. It opens the airways and refreshes.
Ingredients
- 2 dl olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, or almond oil.
- 20 drops of eucalyptus oil open the airways (use only 4 drops for use on small children).
- 20 drops of peppermint oil (not for small children).
- 10 drops of essential rosemary oil (not for small children).
Mix everything in a dark glass jar with a lid, store in a cool place.
3. Rub black cumin oil on the chest
Yes, it’s not an essential oil but we included it as a bonus since the scent is almost as potent as an essential oil.
- Massage diluted or pure black cumin oil directly on the chest. Feel free to place your hands over your nose and breathe in the aroma.
The scent of the oil is said to relax muscles and is soothing for troublesome coughs and strained breathing.
4. Gargle tea tree for a sore throat or when a cold is coming on
Tea tree is antibacterial and antiseptic. Perfect for clearing the throat of harmful agents.
- Fill half a glass with water and add 3 drops of tea tree oil, stir.
- Gargle a couple of times.
- Spit it out!
- Take another sip and swish around in your mouth.
- Spit it out!
5. Gargle lavender for a sore throat
Lavender is calming and antibacterial. It works excellently when you have a sore throat.
- Mix 3 drops of lavender oil in 3/4 glass of water and stir.
- Gargle with the mixture to soothe a sore and tender throat.
- Spit it out!
6. Relaxation at bedtime
Sleeping and resting is important when you have a cold, but it’s not always easy. Lavender can help you with its calming and relaxing properties.
Drop 2-3 drops of lavender oil on a tissue and place it on your pillow so you can breathe in the scent.
7. Relieve headache with peppermint and lavender
If you have a headache, you can rub a homemade herbal salve on your temples. Peppermint relieves headaches and eases colds. Lavender is calming and relaxing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 dl coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon shea butter or cocoa butter
- 10 drops of essential peppermint oil
- 1 drop of essential lavender oil
Place coconut oil and shea butter or cocoa butter in a water bath and gently melt until liquid.
Add the essential oils.
Pour into a small glass jar and let cool.
Use a little of the salve on your temples.
8. Soothing bath with eucalyptus and peppermint
Add a few drops of eucalyptus and peppermint to the bath for colds or breathing difficulties.
Of course, you can use other essential oils depending on what you are after. For example, if you want more energy, choose rosemary (not for pregnant women). If you don’t have a bathtub, make a foot bath.
9. Cleanse the air with a room spray
Make a scent spray with water and essential oils and spray in the room to cleanse the air and keep germs away. It freshens the air and supports breathing.
- Add 1-2 dl water and 20 drops of any essential oil into a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle well before each spray.
Essential oils good for this include peppermint, lavender, cedar, rosemary, lemon. But most work depending on what you want.
- Rosemary purifies the air and enhances concentration.
- Cedarwood reduces stress.
- Bergamot counteracts fatigue and creates a lighthearted atmosphere.
- Lemon revitalizes and sharpens the mind.
Things to consider with essential oils
- Pure essential oil is very concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin.
- Do not use during pregnancy unless you know the oil is suitable for pregnant women.
- Do not use on children under 3 years.
- Always keep them out of reach.
Do you have questions or other great tips on how to use essential oils? Feel free to share in a comment!
