7 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Colds
Herbal essential oils for Colds are natural extracts derived from plants, used to treat and alleviate the symptoms of respiratory infections.
These oils have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and decongestant properties, which help to soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
Some examples of herbal essential oils used to treat colds include Eucalyptus, which helps to open airways and relieve coughs; Peppermint, which cools and soothes the nasal passages; Ginger, which reduces inflammation and eases congestion; Thyme, which has antimicrobial properties that combat bacterial and viral infections; and Rosemary, which helps to ease respiratory issues and promote a healthy immune system.
By incorporating these herbal essential oils into one's daily routine, individuals can potentially alleviate their cold symptoms and support their overall health and well-being.
According to "Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)", essential oils for colds can be used as complementary self-treatment or therapy, which may help relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Below there's a list of the 7 best herbal essential oils for colds.
- 1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 2. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
- 3. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 6. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 7. Sambucus nigra essential oils
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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been traditionally used to treat colds due to their decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The menthol and eucalyptol present in this herbal preparation help to relieve congestion and soothe the respiratory tract, thereby reducing the severity of cold symptoms.
The bioactive constituents, including menthone and bornyl acetate, exhibit expectorant and bronchodilatory effects, making it easier to expel mucus and promote airflow in the lungs.
Regular use of Eucalyptus globulus essential oils has been reported to help alleviate cold symptoms, reduce the duration of illness, and provide relief from coughs, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
Related Study
According to "Harefuah", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils for colds may possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral activities which could help alleviate respiratory ailments.
2. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
Echinacea purpurea essential oils have been traditionally used to treat the common cold and flu due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help to boost the body's immune system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sore throats.
The bioactive constituents of Echinacea purpurea essential oils, including alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, have been shown to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that help to combat the underlying causes of the cold.
By using Echinacea purpurea essential oils, individuals can experience benefits such as reduced severity and duration of cold symptoms, improved immune function, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to the study, Echinacea purpurea essential oils for colds, when taken over a 4-month duration as a standardized extract (Echinaforce), demonstrated efficacy in reducing the total number of cold episodes, the number of days with colds, and cold episodes requiring additional medication.
3. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
Thymus vulgaris essential oils, also known as thyme oil, have been traditionally used to treat colds and respiratory issues due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
The bioactive constituents of thyme oil, including thymol and carvacrol, help to combat bacterial and viral infections, reduce congestion, and ease coughs, making it an effective natural remedy for relieving cold symptoms.
Thyme oil's ability to thin mucus and promote drainage also helps to alleviate congestion and promote a healthy respiratory system.
The benefits of using thyme oil to treat colds include reduced duration and severity of symptoms, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall immune function.
Related Study
According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils for colds may be effective in alleviating cough and dyspnea, and shortening the length of the disease due to its spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties.
4. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat the common cold, leveraging its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties to combat the underlying causes of the ailment.
The herbal preparation's ability to thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the body helps alleviate congestion and coughs associated with the cold.
The bioactive constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and pinene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
By harnessing these properties, Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils offer a natural and effective way to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, promoting a speedy recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, derived from the rhizome of the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including colds and flu.
The bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, such as gingerols and shogaols, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to soothe a sore throat, reduce congestion, and alleviate cough.
By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, Zingiber officinale essential oils help to alleviate symptoms associated with colds, such as runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat colds include relieving respiratory issues, boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being, making it a natural and effective remedy for this common ailment.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Zingiber officinale essential oils, likely present in the So-cheong-ryong-tang (SCRT) extract, have been found to significantly decrease the severity of common cold symptoms, particularly in patients with the Wind-cold pattern cold.
6. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to treat colds and flu due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by relieving congestion, reducing fever, and soothing a sore throat, making it easier to breathe and recover.
The bioactive constituents of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections.
The benefits of using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils to treat colds include reduced symptoms, faster recovery, and improved immune function, making it a popular natural remedy for this common ailment.
7. Sambucus nigra essential oils
Sambucus nigra essential oils, derived from the elderflower, have been traditionally used to treat the common cold and flu due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents of Sambucus nigra, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, help to soothe a sore throat, reduce congestion, and alleviate symptoms of the common cold.
The antiviral properties of Sambucus nigra essential oils, particularly the presence of isorhapontigenin, help to inhibit the replication of viral particles, thereby reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Overall, Sambucus nigra essential oils offer a natural and effective remedy for treating the common cold and flu, providing relief from symptoms and promoting overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ", Sambucus nigra essential oils, specifically Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, have been found to increase the production of five cytokines (1.3-6.2 fold) compared to the control, indicating its potential immunostimulatory properties in fighting colds.