Most people know the misery of a cold and go all-out to find remedies. If your go-to cold medicine isn’t providing relief, consider using alternative methods to treat your symptoms. Essential oils may treat symptoms like congestion and even shorten your cold’s duration.
Benefits
- Essential oils may serve as an alternative to medication.
- Certain oils can help you sleep, which may reduce your risk of cold.
- Some oils can help treat viral infections, while others can reduce fever.
Essential oils are an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Some essential oils may help you fall asleep. Adequate sleep may help prevent colds.
Research shows people who sleep less than six hours a night have four times the risk of catching a cold than people who sleep seven hours a night or more.
Essential oils that promote relaxation and sleep include:
- lavender
- chamomile
- bergamot
- sandalwood
Although essential oils have been used as folk remedies for centuries, there isn’t a lot of scientific research to support their effectiveness against the common cold. Some studies do support their use, though.
One 2010 study showed that inhaling steam with chamomile essential oil helped relieve cold symptoms. A separate 2010 study found that melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, has antiviral properties.
A severe cold can sometimes morph into a nasty case of bronchitis. According to a 2010 review, eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These properties have historically been used to treat the common cold. Inhaled or oral eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineole, may safely fight viruses and respiratory problems such as bronchitis. Eucalyptus is also used to create a cool compress to reduce fever.
Peppermint oil is used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. It contains menthol, an ingredient found in topical rubs that helps relieve congestion. A 2003 in vitro studydemonstrated the viral activity of peppermint oil. Menthol is also used in many cough drops to help soothe sore throats and quiet coughs.
