This cold and flu season has been intense so far. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite natural hacks for staying healthy, treating symptoms & recovering quickly.
Put up your Defences
Our Defence Blend (formerly named ‘Thieves’) is a powerhouse blend of antiviral and antibacterial essential oils. We love using it in a DIY Hand Sanitizer to keep from getting sick while out and about. The DIY Surface Spray is great if someone in a household or shared space is sick and you want to stop the spread of germs.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
- Add 75 drops Defence Blend to 50 ml alcohol in a 200 ml sanitizer beaker and stir well
- Add 100 ml of our Witch Hazel Hydrosol and combine
- Pour your sanitizing spray into 3 x 50 ml spray bottles
DIY Surface Spray
- In a clean beaker combine 5 ml of defence blend with 250 ml alcohol
- Add 100 ml White Vinegar and 150 ml distilled water
- Stir well
- Pour into 2 x 500 ml spray bottles
Let’s talk congestion
Essential oils can be so, so effective against congestion, but it’s important to know the correct oil to employ for the type of congestion you’re experiencing.
Sinus congestion
If it’s blocked sinuses that’s ailing you, Rosemary is the oil (or hydrosol) for you.
Inhaling Rosemary Highland using an inhaler tube or even just taking deep breaths from the bottle will instantly give relief.
Applying Rosemary in Jojoba Oil topically over the sinuses can be helpful for extreme blockage and pressure. Spritz frequently with Rosemary Hydrosol or create a mask with 2 or 3 drops of Rosemary in raw honey, applied to damp skin (this will also be lovely for your skin!).
Our Breathe Free Blend is specifically formulated for sinus congestion.
Chest congestion
On the other hand, if you have congestion settled into your chest, eucalyptus is the better choice.
Deeply inhaling eucalyptus (radiata for ongoing use, globulus for more intense application*) into your lungs can help to break up hardened mucus. Place a few drops on a wash cloth and bring it into a hot shower with you, take lots of deep breaths.
Rubbing eucalyptus balm over your chest can also be very helpful, place a few drops into coconut oil, shae butter or a simple balm.
Our Cold & Flu Blend is specifically formulated for chest congestion.
*read the descriptions of each Eucalyptus to find the variety that’s best for you
Cleansing & Immune Boosting Diffusion
Whether it’s in a shared workspace or your home, diffusing particular essential oils can help to clear the environment of airborne infection and strengthen everyone’s immune systems.
Our favourite cold & flu season combos & blends
Forest Bath or Black Spruce & Sweet Orange
- great option for a home with small children
- immune stimulating, antibacterial, decongesting & cheerful
- anti-viral
- decongesting
- synergistic action of many oils
Spike Lavender & Eucalyptus Radiata
- calms the nervous system and helps you rest
- strong decongestant and antiviral
- helps strengthen the body to recover from illness
- designed to combat sinus congestion
- nice, fresh aroma (not too medicinal smelling)
- synergistic action of many oils
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