Winter Is Coming or might have already come where you live. But fret not, I have five essential oils that will help you get through the coldest of winter,even if you don’t live in Winterfell.

Essential oils have been used during seasons for decades. Be it to fight allergies or other ailments, Aromatherapy has always been present to relieve the afflictions. Now, it’s time to fight symptoms that come with the season of winter. So, let’s get you packed on the essential oils that will help you with the most common ailment of winter: colds.

Aromatherapy is among the many alternative medicine nature offers us. If you are not fond of essential oils, you can always fight colds and other ailments with medicinal syrups.

GINGER (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is a perennial herb growing from a rhizome with downward extending roots. Ginger is native to China and spread throughout Asia, where it was and still is, considered highly medicinal. As far as fighting winter ailments is concerned, Zingiber Officinale therapeutic uses include : colds, chills, influenza and sinus congestion.

EUCALYPTUS RADIATA (Eucalyptus Radiata)

Not to be confused with the other Eucalyptus essential oils!

Eucalyptus Radiata is a tree growing to 100 feet with black bark at the lower level and smooth bark at the top. Its natural habitat is along banks of creeks or rivers and coastal mountains in New South Wales, Australia. Its therapeutic uses help with: respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, colds and sinusite. It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

THYME LINALOL (Thymus Vulgaris)

Native to Southern Europe, Thymus Vulgaris is a bushy perennial evergreen dwarf shrub with branches of woody stems. It is well known as a culinary herb. Back in the days, it was medicinally used by the Greeks and the Romans. There are different types of of thyme essential oils, the one being referred to here is the chemotype linalool.

Thyme Linalol therapeutic uses include : coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throat among others.

It’s therapeutic properties are also interesting. They include but are not limited to : antifungal, anti-bacterial and anti-infecious. Thyme Linalol is a great ally to have during the winter months

PEPPERMINT (Mentha Piperita)

Mentha Piperita is a plant with small, highly aromatic leaves and spikes of small pinkish-mauve flowers. According to Greek mythology, Mentha takes its name from a nymph named Minthe. In the US, cultivation of peppermint began in 1855.

Peppermint essential oil therapeutic uses include amongst others : sinus congestion which is a common symptom when one has a cold. It is thus used by many to free the airways thanks to one of its therapeutic property that is being a decongestant. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-infecious and anti-inflammatory. Peppermint has good properties and uses needed to fight a cold.

Peppermint should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Avoid using undiluted in baths and showers.

NIAOULI (Melaleuca Quinquenervia)

Niouli is by far one of the great allies to fight the ailments of winter. It is a tree growing to 60 feet high with peeling white bark and fluffy white “bottle-brush” flowers. This plant is often referred to as “true niaouli” to avoid confusion with closely related species. Native to New Caledonia, it has long be used in indigenous medecine.

It’s therapeutic used include : bronchitis, respiratory tract, sinus congestion, sore throat, cough and colds. These are the common symptoms associated with colds. As far as its therapeutic properties go to relieve cold symptoms, Melaleuca Quinquenervia is a decongestant and anti-bacterial as well.

How To Use The Essential Oils

Now that you’ve learned of the five essential oils for this winter, let’s see different way to use them.

Diffuser

You can use a diffuser to enjoy the benefits of any essential oil. The diffuser will add a plea sent scent to the room. Make sure to read the diffuser’s manual on how to add essential oils.

Steam Inhaling

Steam inhaling is the oldest way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. It is basically allowing hot water in which essential oils have been added to be inhale into the body, either through the noise or mouth.

• Heat water until it become steaming hot (as in, you see steam while heating)
• Place water in a bowl making sure you don’t burn yourself
• Add essential oil(s) of choice and place head over the bowl. (optional but recommended : you can cover your head with a towel)
• Inhale and enjoy. You’re welcome!