by Kelly Morris

Created on: August 27, 2008

Aromatherapy has much to offer in the way of treating colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other seasonal illnesses. Essential oils can treat coughs, relieve congestion, treat achy muscles and chills, and bring down a fever.

The recommended method of use is an aromatherapy bath. Essential oils can also be used in a massage, but baths are preferred for treating colds and the flu. The warm water will help relax achy muscles and the steam will help ease congestions. The warm water will also take away the chills. The healing benefit of the oils is delivered in two ways in an aromatherapy bath- through the skin, as the bather soaks in the tub, and through the aromatic scent of the oils in the steam from the water. For these reasons, baths are recommended over massage during colds and the flu.

Use a total of eight to ten drops in a tub of hot water. You can combine oils if you like. Choose oils that have a scent you find appealing. Those will be most healing for you.

Bay laurel, lemon, lime, orange, tea tree, and thyme oils are all good for treating colds and the flu.

Eucalyptus is good for treating colds and the flu, and is particularly good for relieving congestion.

Anise is also good for treating colds and the flu, and is particularly good for achy muscles. Ginger will treat aching muscles and the chills as well.

Benzoin is good for treating coughs, bronchitis, and laryngitis. Cedarwood, either Atlas or Virginian, will also help with coughing and bronchitis. You can also try frankincense, marjoram, melissa (lemon balm), myrrh, or violet leaf.

Pine is good for treating colds and flu, as well as sinusitis.

Yarrow will help bring down a fever.

For a headache or earache, you can try German Chamomile. Lavender is also good for headaches, and will help you rest if your illness has been keeping you up at night.

Consider some of the following treatments:

For a cold with a stuffed up head, try a bath with 6 drops of eucalyptus and 4 drops of lemon oil.

For flu with aching muscles and chills, try a bath with 4 drops anise, 4 drops tea tree oil, and 2 drops ginger.

For bronchitis with severe coughing, try a bath with 6 drops frankincense and 4 drops cedarwood (either atlas or Virginian).

If your cold has been keeping you awake at night, try a bedtime bath with 7 drops lavender OR German chamomile and 3 drops lemon. Do NOT use both lavender and German chamomile- only use 10 drops of oil total in your bath.

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