Essential Oils for Healthier Living

Oils to help relieve the Common Cold

Did you know that essential oils can kill viruses and bacteria? Certain molecules can also help prevent the common cold and flu and your body doesn’t develop a resistance like antibiotics.
The following immune system boosting oils can be used for various ailments and gives a healthy alternative to taking drugs and medications.

Oregano is a popular essential oil that can treat the cold and flu. It is an essential oil that heats up and tingles when applied to your shoulders, back and even feet. Be careful and dilute with butter or olive oil, do not use water. Apply on your body, but not your face.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus have been commonly used to relieve sinus congestion and open the lungs and respiratory system. They are cool and soothing essential oils and can be applied to the throat, chest, neck, and back.

Lemon can boost the immune system when taken with water orally. This essential oil is a healthy addition to your recommended daily 8 glasses of water.

Frankincense is a strong, but expensive immune-boosting oil, frankincense is a valuable and effective essential oil that really works on the common cold. Apply directly on the skin or take several drops orally for cold relief.

Cinnamon is great for improving the immune system and supports the digestive system and pancreas. Apply on the feet or inhale.


Pain Therapy with Essential Oils
Essential oils are also used for pain relief. They can reduce inflammation, provide local anesthesia, and cause a sensations of warming or cooling with certain application of hot or cool oils on the skin. Many massage therapists use certain essential oils such as lavender as well as clary sage, chamomile, helichrysum, sweet marjoram, and sandalwood to reduce muscle pain and swelling. Midwives have used essential oils for years to relieve labor contractions and birth pains.

Lavender is a very popular pain relief and relaxing essential oil. Commonly used to treat muscle spasm, sprain, strain, cramp, contracture and rheumatic pain, it acts a sedative and can also relieve headaches, nervous tension, and insomnia. Lavender can also be applied directly to the skin for swelling and regeneration.

Boost Your Immune System with Essential Oils

The powerful immune boosting properties of essential oils have been well documented and the uses are varied. Many use oils diffused into the air to act as an air purifier, naturally detoxifying pathogens in the air. In addition, many oils act to prevent infections. Eucalyptus, oregano, lemon, and cinnamon are commonly used for this purpose.

For a natural and effective way to help manage stress, boost mood, fight off infection, and deal with pain, try essential oils. Make sure to sure to research their uses and recommendations for certain conditions before applying to skin or taking orally.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your NC health insurance quotes. Call 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.