Rest, warmth, and fluids are typical remedies for the common cold. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications tackle sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, congestion, and other cold symptoms. Did you know that some OTC medications have natural oils that fight illness? Here are some of those ingredients and how they help:

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from eucalyptus tree leaves. The vapor is believed to relieve congestion and is often applied to the neck, chest, temples, and back. Some healthcare providers recommend it for treating bronchitis and the flu as well. It is said to be antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Although eucalyptus oil is helpful when applied to the skin, it should never be ingested.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil is also distilled from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It has been used for centuries by Australian aborigines and gained wider popularity around the 1920s. Tea tree oil is regarded as an antibacterial and is also believed to be antifungal and antiviral. When used with steam inhalation, it is said to be helpful in alleviating cold and flu symptoms. Like eucalyptus oil, it should not be ingested.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil relieves respiratory problems and congestion. Peppermint oil contains menthol, a common ingredient in cough drops and chest rubs. Peppermint oil may also reduce fever. When mixed with a carrier oil, it can be applied to the temples, forehead, externally to the sides of the nose, and on the back of the neck to relieve headaches and pressure.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is spoken of as another respiratory helper. Rosemary oil’s vapors may relieve throat congestion and treat respiratory allergies, colds, sore throats, and the flu. It is also said to have antiseptic properties that fight bronchial and respiratory infections. Since rosemary oil may help prevent involuntary muscle spasms, it has been used for treating bronchial asthma.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is probably the most versatile of the oils in this article. It may be used as a disinfectant and as an antiseptic. The oil is believed to stimulate the immune, circulatory, and respiratory systems. It is also said to defend well against sore throats, influenza, colds, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Lavender could also stimulate the production of white blood cells.

Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit oil is regarded for its antimicrobial effects. It is reportedly effective against some bacterial strains, such as staph and pneumonia. It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which may help you fight off a cold.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil can relieve muscle aches and helps fight sickness. It encourages the body to sweat, cleansing the system and bringing down a high temperature. It acts as an antihistamine to help ease cold symptoms. It also is a great decongestant, loosening mucus for more productive coughs. As an antiseptic, it boosts the immune system. It is also anti-inflammatory, helping with pain relief.

Pine Oil

Pine oil comes from the needles of the Pinus sylvestris tree and is closely related to eucalyptus. Pine oil is an antibacterial and an antifungal that also kills yeast and pathogens. It is useful as a cough remedy and may alleviate respiratory infections and colds.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is said to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. These may prevent you from getting sick when you feel like you’re coming down with something. If you already have a cold or cough, it may be used as a chest rub to relieve congestion. Lemon oil is also believed to help with respiratory issues. These essential oils are a great natural way to treat or fight sickness. They are beneficial regardless of whether they are used as chest rubs or as part of an aromatherapy treatment. A Standard Cold and Flu Kit is available which contains the first six essential oils. A Deluxe Cold and Flu Kit is also available, containing all nine of the above-mentioned oils. As temperatures and immune strength drop, make these essential oils part of your cold and flu fighters.   Sources: articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/tea-tree-oil.aspx#_edn12 healthline.com/health/cold-flu/essential-oils-for-colds articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/grapefruit-oil.aspx draxe.com/pine-oil/    
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