At Glimja, we love essential oils.
We use them in our Humio, in aroma lamps, in skincare, in steam baths, and in the bathtub. Essential oils have many applications, and each has its unique quality and gift.
With a small home pharmacy of essential oils, you can get natural support during colds and enjoy their amazing scents. Here are 9 hacks we think work best.
1. Cold steam bath for stuffy noses and coughs
This is a tried and tested 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 just when the water has finished boiling.
Inhale the steam under a towel.
Note: it is important to keep your eyes closed the entire time as it will otherwise sting badly.
A few minutes under the towel morning and evening provides relief.
2. Apply to chest for cough
If you have a sore throat or develop a cough, you can apply essential oils diluted in carrier oil to your chest and upper back. This opens airways and gives you an energy boost.
Ingredients
2 dl olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, or almond oil.
20 drops eucalyptus oil opens airways (use only 4 drops when applying to small children).
20 drops peppermint oil (not for small children).
10 drops rosemary oil (not for small children).
Mix everything in a dark glass jar with a lid, store in a cool place.
3. Apply black seed oil to your chest
Yes, it's not an essential oil, but we included it as a hack anyway since the scent is almost as potent as an essential oil.
Massage diluted or pure black seed oil directly onto your chest. You can also place your hands over your nose and inhale the aroma. The scent of the oil is said to be muscle relaxing and is soothing for troublesome coughs and labored breathing.
4. Gargle with tea tree for sore throats or when a cold is coming on
Tea tree is anti-bacterial and antiseptic. Perfect for clearing harmful elements from your throat.
Fill half a glass with water and add 3 drops of tea tree oil, stir.
Gargle a few times.
Spit it out!
Take another sip and swish around your mouth.
Spit it out!
5. Gargle with lavender for a sore throat
Lavender is calming and antibacterial. It therefore 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 are important when you have a cold, but it's not the easiest thing to do. Lavender can help you through its calming and relaxing properties. Drop 2-3 drops of lavender oil on a handkerchief and place it on your pillow so that you can inhale the scent.
7. Relieve headaches with peppermint and lavender
If you have a headache, you can apply a homemade herbal salve to your temples. Peppermint relieves headaches and helps with colds. Lavender is calming and relaxing.
Ingredients
1/2 dl coconut oil
1 teaspoon shea butter or cocoa butter
10 drops peppermint essential oil
1 drop lavender essential oil
Place coconut oil and shea butter or cocoa butter in a water bath and melt gently 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 your bath when you have a cold or breathing difficulties. You can of course use other essential oils as well depending on what you're looking for. If you want more energy, choose rosemary (not for pregnant women). If you don't have a bathtub, make a foot bath.
9. Purify the air with a room spray
Make a scent spray with water and essential oils and spray it 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 in a glass spray bottle.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before each spray. Essential oils that work well for this include peppermint, lavender, cedar, rosemary, and lemon. But most will work depending on what you're looking for.
Rosemary purifies the air and enhances concentration.
Cedar reduces stress.
Bergamot counteracts fatigue and creates a light-hearted atmosphere.
Lemon vitalizes and sharpens the mind.
Things to keep in mind with essential oils
Pure essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin.
Do not use during pregnancy unless you know it's an oil suitable for pregnant women.
Do not use for children under 3 years of age.
Always keep them out of reach.
Do you have questions or other good tips on how to use essential oils? Please share in a comment!
