Joseph
Staying healthy during cold and flu season requires some seriously effective essential oils.
Using citrus oils for colds is an excellent choice!
Citrus essential oils are rich in a natural ingredient called D-limonene, Well researched. We know it can support white blood cells, calm inflammation, and even reduce the presence of certain microbes.
Thanks to d-limonene, citrus oils can help
Maintaining a healthy respiratory system.
It is especially useful for clearing your breath.
Citrus oils and limonene D have also been studied for their mood-improving effects. Use these oils when you want to calm physical or emotional stress – which can definitely be present if you are dealing with a cold (or the flu, or even allergies).
Use citrus oil inhalers for the common cold
This is a prescription for an inhaler for citrus care.
I love using inhalers for colds and other respiratory problems, because they deliver essential oils (and in this case, D-limonene) directly to the “action spot”: your nose!
Inhalers are also comfortable.
It’s the size and shape of a lip balm tube, so your inhaler will fit in a pocket or bag, or wherever you wish to conceal it. You can take it out and use it anytime and anywhere. Nobody smells essential oils but you.
Citrus and anise inhaler for the common cold
- 4 drops of bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)
- 4 drops of distilled lemon essential oil (Citrus aurantifolia)
- 4 drops of orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
- 3 drops of anise essential oil (Pimpinella anisum)
Didn’t you manufacture an essential oil inhaler?
Simple!
Just insert the cotton or polyester wick into the plastic wrap of the inhaler, then drop your essential oils onto the wick. Put the bottom of the plastic in place, and you’re ready to breathe!
Could you Watch Andrea guide you through the process in this video.
Andrea’s recipe in the video is another inhaler for colds and flu. Her recipe does not contain any citrus oils so it gives you quite a few options when blended for your respiratory health. Any of these oils will work well as alternatives in this recipe, and vice versa.
A touch of anise essential oil for a common cold!
Anise adds its own touch of soothing inflammation to this inhaler thanks to its dominant ingredient: Trans-Anthol.
Studies have also shown that transethole can reduce inflammation, and that it may be active against some viruses.
And anise oil smells delicious, similar to the smell of licorice! In this inhaler recipe, she layers a sweet-spicy scent underneath the bright citrus.
However, Transanthole does have some safety considerations that you should be aware of.
at Essential Oils Safety, Second EditionTisserand and Young recommends avoiding anise essential oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have endometriosis, estrogen-related cancer, or a bleeding disorder.
Also, do not use anise if you are taking anticoagulant medications. It is very powerful for sensitive skin and children under the age of five.
If you want to skip the anise in this mix, go ahead. Citrus oils are powerful on their own!
You can also substitute anise with any of the essential oils Andrea uses in the YouTube recipe mentioned above. (Here’s the link if you need it again!)
Quotes
Hirota, R., Roger, NN, Nakamura, H., Song, H.-S., Sawamura, M., and Suganuma, N. (2010) The anti-inflammatory effects of limonene from yuzu (Citrus Junus Tanaka) essential oil on eosinophils. Journal of Food Science 75, 87-92.
Lima, NG, de Souza, DP, Pimenta, FC, Alves, MF, de Souza, FS, (2012a) anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of limonene fragrance (R) – (+) – limonene, a natural compound found in foods And plants. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior 103, 450-454.
Baylac, S. and Racine, P. (2003) Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase with essential oils and other natural aromatic extracts. International Journal of Aromatherapy 13, 2/3, 138-142.
Lang, G. and Buchbauer, G. (2012) A review of recent research findings (2008-2010) on essential oils as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Review. Flavor and Fragrances Journal 27, 13-39.
