When you come down with an illness, the first thing on your mind is probably how to feel better. Aromatherapy is a complementary holistic therapy that uses the essential oils of plants. Although many people believe that aromatherapy is simply the practice of using scents for olfactory reasons, it is a broad holistic practice that uses essential oils in a variety of ways to enhance healing of the body and mind. Aromatherapy is used both internally and externally for people with illnesses such as colds and flu. Aromatherapy, however, is no substitute for scientifically proven medical care.
Lemon Oil as a Remedy
There are many ways to use lemon oil and the juice of lemon. A folk remedy for curing colds and flu is a combination of lemon juice, lemon peel, a drop of lemon essential oil, brandy and water. Lemon essential oil, or citron, can be used internally as a fever reducer or for sinusitis or green mucosa, according to Jeanne Rose, author of "The Aromatherapy Book."
Black Pepper Oil Inhalant
Steamed distilled black pepper oil is used by aromatherapists in essential oil mixtures as an inhalant for colds, flu and bronchitis. Considered warming and stimulating, it also serves as an expectorant. A comforting blend of basil, eucalyptus, fennel, birch and black pepper can be used as a holistic inhalant or diffuser mixture to soothe the lungs.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Naturopathic doctors claim the highly volatile oil of the eucalyptus tree contains antimicrobial and antiviral elements that promote clear lungs and a sense of well-being. Bastyr University, a natural-healing center in Seattle, Wash., says eucalyptus oil contains terpene alcohol and cineole, which are commonly used to treat flu symptoms. You can add eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath for a soak or combine the essential oil with olive oil and rub it on the chest. Always dilute essential oils before using them.
Ginger
Ginger has a familiar taste and scent because it makes it way into so many dishes and baked goods. But ginger's wholesome goodness and warming qualities also make it a folk medicine, too. According to aromatherapists, ginger oil or root can be taken internally to soothe diarrhea or stomachache and can be used externally in compresses to soothe sore throat, swollen glands and chest pains resulting from cold or flu. A friction rub created from ginger oil, cypress oil, thyme oil and rosemary oil diluted in extra-virgin olive oil or pure almond oil soothes the aches and soreness that is common with the flu. Do not use almond oil if you are allergic to nuts.
Peppermint Massage
The cooling effects of peppermint essential oil can ease sore muscles and headaches caused by illness. Add peppermint essential oil to peanut or olive oil and gently rub it into the shoulders and temples. Peppermint essential oil should always be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes.
Breathing Thyme
You can use a diffuser to reap the beneficial effects of thyme essential oil, or you can combine thyme with a carrier oil and apply to the sides of the nose bridge to deliver the antimicrobial effects to a stuffed nose. Many aromatherapists like to use thyme for its cleansing properties and believe that the clean scent of thyme offers a welcome alternative to more traditional pine or lemon aromas.
