If you are suffering from the flu, you will be happy to learn that essential oils for flu can be a very useful way of managing your symptoms. Learn the best oils to use, plus, get the best recipes, including a Better than Vicks Rub, Flu Body Aches Bath and more!
What Is the Flu?
Flu, also known as respiratory influenza, is a viral infection of the lungs, nose, and throat.
Let’s take a brief look at the relationship between diseases that are sometimes mistaken for the flu or related to the flu:
- Influenza A and Influenza B are viruses that attack the respiratory system.
- A cold is a viral infection that may also attack the respiratory system, but it is less aggressive.
- Avian, Swine and H3N2 are subtypes of influenza A.
- The stomach flu is a viral infection also, but it attacks the stomach and intestines. These viruses are a different strain than cold or Influenza A and B.
It is important to note that both colds and the flu are NOT bacterial. For this reason, antibiotics will not help.
Symptoms of the Flu
- Fever at or above 102 degrees
- Body Aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Light Headedness
- No energy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
After 2-3 days, symptoms often move to cold symptoms including:
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny Noise
The difference between the Flu and Cold:
- The flu hits harder and much faster. Colds develop more slowly.
- In adults if a fever is present it typically means flu.
- The flu lasts longer.
- If you have a runny nose and sore throat early, it is probably a cold. This is more common and less dangerous.
How the Flu is Spread
The flu is highly contagious and transmitted through sneezing, coughs or another contact with someone that is contagious. The virus can be transmitted even before someone shows symptoms. The ability to spread is quite invasive. A 2013 study from Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina found that the flu viruses could spread into the air from a cough or sneeze and travel as far as six feet. This is why washing your hands regularly is so important!
Please note: The information provided below is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have used essential oils and has NOT been scientifically verified with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please seek professional medical attention.
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Essential Oils for Flu
These essential oils can support you while you have the flu. They are not a cure or substitute for care from a qualified medical professional.
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
- Myrrh
- Thyme
- Basil
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Immune Aid
- Cypress
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I’ve fallen in love with both the company and their oils. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
Flu Protocols
Topical Protocol #1
- 5 drops Oregano
- 5 drops Lemon
- 5 drops Immune Aid
Place oils in a 15ml roller bottle and fill with a carrier oil. Apply on the throat, behind ears, along the spine and on the bottoms of the feet.
Topical Protocol #2
- 5 drops Immune Aid
- 5 drops Tea Tree
- 5 drops Lemon
- 5 drops Oregano
Place oils in a 15ml roller bottle and fill with a carrier oil. Apply on the throat, behind ears, along the spine and on the bottoms of the feet.
Topical Protocol #3
- 2 drops Oregano
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 2 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 1/2 ounce carrier oil
Apply to the feet every three hours.
“Better than Vicks” Rub
- 1 tablespoon grated beeswax
- 3 tablespoons shea butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 10 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Eucalyptus (omit in children under 10)
Instructions
1. Melt the beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat when melted. Add coconut oil and stir until melted. Add essential oils and stir well.
3. Transfer to a glass or safe plastic jar. Cover.
4. Apply to the chest as needed.
Diffuser Recipes for Cold and Flu
To prevent spreading, diffuse the air. Immune Aid or any of the oils mentioned above are good options. Immune Aid should also be used to clean.
Body Aches Bath
- 1/2 cup carrier oil
- 15 drops Thyme
- 5 drops Eucalyptus
Combine ingredients in a glass bottle. Add the desired amount to a bath to ease aches and pains.
Soak for at least 20 minutes.
(This blend is not for children.)
Flu Related Joint Pain
- 5 drops lavender
- 3 drops frankincense
- 2 drops turmeric
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
- Place lavender, frankincense, turmeric and carrier oil in a small oil-safe container.
- Massage affected area as needed.
Immune Boosting Bath Blend
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 1/2 cup epsom salts
- 7 drops tea tree
- 7 drops lavender
- 4 drops of lemon
- In a small glass bowl, combine carrier oil, Epsom salts, tea tree, lavender, and lemon. Stir to combine.
- Draw a warm bath and use the entire blend.
- Soak for at least 20 minutes.
Flu Stomach Blend #1
- 8 drops ginger
- 8 drops lavender
- 3 drops peppermint
- 2 drops spearmint
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- Combine essential oils and carrier oil in an oil safe bottled.
- Apply behind the ears and to the stomach hourly.
Flu Stomach Blend #2
- 8 drops ginger
- 8 drops lavender
- 3 drops peppermint
- 2 drops spearmint
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- Combine essential oils and carrier oil in an oil safe bottled. Apply behind the ears and to the stomach hourly.
Additional Ways to Use Essential Oils for Flu:
- Oil Pull once a day – This is actually one of my favorite ways to use essential oils for the flu. It is best to do this in the morning – with 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 drop Oregano, 1 drop Tea Tree, 1 drop Lemon. After pulling for 10 minutes, spit the mixture into the trash. Rinse your mouth well and then brush your teeth. (This isn’t going to taste good and Oregano can be very hot. Use caution.)
- A great easy way to use essential oils for the flu is to add a drop Lemon and Peppermint to your water.
- Use Oregano oil or Cinnamon oil and Lemon oil as a gargle for sore throats. (Oregano is not for the faint at heart and neither oregano or cinnamon should be used on children.)
Other Natural Remedies for Flu:
- Garlic Ginger Tonic – Stir 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey into a cup of hot water. Let steep for 5 minutes and then drink.
- Humidifier – A 2009 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that indoor humid air can slow down the spread of the virus. So this may be helpful in preventing spreading among family members. Ideally, set you humidifier to 40% to 50%.
- Coconut Oil – Believe it or not, coconut oil can help with your stuffy nose. According to German scientists, consuming 2 tablespoons a day can ease congestion in 48 hours and speed recovery time by 57 percent.
Natural Ways to Prevent Flu:
- One place where germs are lurking that you may not think about often enough is your keyboard. This is a place that you MUST disinfect.
- Wash longer! It takes 20 seconds of active hand washing to clean off cold and flu germs. Washing your hands is a better alternative to using a hand sanitizer, but you can use this recipe for a sanitizer gel in a pinch!
- Carry your own pen. It is such a simple thing, but you have no idea who has signed a receipt before you.
- Skip handrails. Unless you have an injury or need them for stability for some other reason, try to avoid touching handrails. They are loaded with germs that you are better off without!
- Sleep for the win! Studies show that those who sleep six or less hours a night have a greater chance of getting sick than those who sleep more than seven hours.
- Meditate! I have harped on this for all kinds of reasons, and preventing flu is another to add to this list. According to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study, people who practiced mindfulness meditation regularly for eight weeks were sick less and miss 76% fewer days of work than those who don’t meditate.
- Exercise! Forty minutes of moderate exercise a day can cut your risk of cold and flu in half.
The garlic ginger tonic says to use 2 Cups of garlic. Is that correct?
There’s a Nasty canine flu outbreak on the dog show circuit. The incubation period is quite long, so you often don’t even know that your dog has been exposed. Can you please recommend a protocol for prevention? I take thieves in a capsule for myself, and apply it under my nose. It’s too hot to do that for a dog. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Clancy
This is worth sharing! Great info about flu and cold. Would love to try those essential oils too!Thanks!
Amazing post!! There is truly an ultimate guide to essential oils for flu.
Hi, Wendy! Thank you so much for putting together this ultimate DIY recipe for essential oils against flu. They’re definitely handy and helpful. Regards!
I highly recommend oregano oil. It has been my own natural home remedy. For flu and cold, I diffuse oregano oil mostly in the evening before going to bed. Thanks for sharing recipes!
Finding essential oils blends is excellent! I like lavender oil! Lavender oil is my favorite oil because it has so many uses, but it’s most known for its calming and relaxing properties.
I love lavender oil! It is a perfect antidepressant, lavender can have an uplifting effect on your mood and is also an excellent oil for sleep.