Feeling under the weather? If you think you may have the flu, know that it’s pretty common, as it affects between 9.2 and 35.6 million Americans every year. In this blog, we’ll discuss some natural remedies for flu symptoms.
Flu symptoms
You’ve probably had the flu a time or two in your lifetime at this point, but it’s important to remember a few important things about it. First, flu viruses are constantly changing, which makes them difficult for researchers to develop medications for them. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the flu can be a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It’s especially harmful for the elderly and for young children or babies. As such, it’s important to understand flu symptoms (some or all of which may be felt):
- Sudden onset
- Fever or chills (though not all flus present with a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Natural remedies for flu
More often than not, the flu will run its course and go away on its own. To ensure that this happens, it’s important to increase self-care until the infection is gone. One way to do so is by using essential oils for flu relief.
One of the most effective ways to use essential oils for flu relief is through a topical rub or through aromatherapy. Strongly scented essential oils can help alleviate flu symptoms by clearing your nasal passage, reducing headaches, and potentially even reducing fever or treating infections.
Essential oils for flu
Note that the most effective ways to treat flu symptoms with essential oils are through topical application or through aromatherapy. The best use or application method depends on the type of essential oil and its benefits. Below, find some of the most effective essential oils for flu symptom relief:
- Lemon: clears nasal passages to make breathing easier
- Lavender: relieves fatigue, headaches, stress, and depression
- Peppermint: reduces coughing, sinusitis, and throat infections
- Thyme: may help fight respiratory infections due to antibacterial properties
- Eucalyptus: reduces fevers and fights viruses
- Tea tree oil: fights bacteria and infections
- Chamomile: may provide relief for sore throats, chest colds, allergies, anxiety, and infections
- Clove: can be used to clean surface or air thanks to antiviral and antifungal properties
- Cinnamon: can be used to clean surfaces or air
- Rosemary: can be used to clean surfaces or air
Skinny & Co. products to try for flu symptom relief
To experience relief from flu symptoms, you have several options when it comes to Skinny & Co. products. For topical application, you can try the Fresh Cucumber Essential Oil Roller (containing lavender), the Fresh Cucumber Whipped Body Butter (containing lavender), the Calming Lavender Almond Body Melt (containing lavender and chamomile), Calming Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover (containing lavender and chamomile), or the Clarifying Cleansing Balm & Makeup Remover (containing tea tree oil and peppermint).
For aromatherapy through inhalation, you might consider lighting a Fresh Cucumber Coconut Oil and Beeswax Candle (containing lavender).
You can also use a couple of other Skinny & Co. products for alternate uses than the ones they are generally sold for. For example, you can use the Rejuvenating Rosemary Shampoo Bar as both a shampoo and body wash that further activates the rosemary essential oil it contains through the steam of your shower. Additionally, our Peppermint Oil Pulling Coconut Oil can be applied topically to your skin for topical activation of the peppermint essential oil it possesses.
Final thoughts
If you notice any adverse reactions to the therapeutic-grade essential oils contained in Skinny & Co. products, discontinue use immediately. (These are rare but can occur.) You should also seek medical attention for your flu if symptoms do not ease up or go away within 5-7 days.