For those who get the common cold frequently, you all know what a pain getting a sore throat can be. Literally.
Due to colds being so common, medication for sore throats are everywhere. Pink or blue or yellow, some with bunnies on them, and most available in three different digestible forms, including gummies!
Something for everyone, but is it really?
Why not get down to the basic ingredients used in your favorite sore throat remedies and bypass the other chemicals? Why not try essential oils and aromatherapy?
Why Use Essential Oils?
All around the world, there is a considerable dependency on pharmacies and drugs to cure medical issues. For some, there is no alternative. However, there are others who cannot find relief for their ailments in this way and may experience harmful side effects if they continue to try.
Luckily, aromatherapy and the use of essential oils are natural health remedies that aren’t as invasive to your body’s natural chemistry and overall well being.
That being said, everybody has a different genetic makeup. Certain oils that work for some might not work for others or could even cause allergic reactions for those who are unused to the oil or scents. So, as for any new health experience, proceed slowly at first to see how your body reacts to it and move on from there. Additionally, natural remedies like this are not meant to be replacements for actual medical advice, especially when it comes to respiratory infections like strep throat and bronchitis.
The Best Essential Oils For Sore Throats?
There are multitudes of essential oils, each with its own special properties that can improve multitudes of ailments, both physical and mental. However, listed below are the essential oils that are best suited to help a sore throat.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil has long been used throughout history as a relaxer and overall home remedy, due in part to menthol being one of its key components. Menthol is often used as a pain reliever and soothing agent, seen in health supplements like lozenges. It is also used in lotions, gels, and general topical creams to relieve congestion and clear your airways, and is believed to have powerful antimicrobial properties.
Eucalyptus Oil
Known for its antibacterial properties, eucalyptus essential oil is often used to bolster immune systems and maintain an overall wellness of the respiratory system.
It is especially beneficial to sore throats because it can be used as a cough suppressant. While an uncomfortable experience on its own, coughing can actually greatly exacerbate the pain of a sore throat and make it last longer due to the repetitive strain.
Ginger Oil
Ginger has long been used for supporting the respiratory system due to its soothing properties that, among other things, can relieve throat pain. Not only does it soothe your body, but it can also protect you from bacterias and give your immune system a useful boost.
This protection from bacteria is particularly important in the case of helping sore throats, as some sore throats are caused by bacterial infections.
Thyme Oil
An extremely versatile oil, thyme is used for cooking, beauty products, and health products, among other things, and is believed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
In terms of health, it is best known for improving immune health and providing significant aid for issues with the respiratory system. It is also known as a soothing agent for overall oral health, seen in some dental products.
Other Oil Options
There are other oils that are used for pain relief but are not specifically geared for sore throat relief. However, your body may react to certain oils differently than others, so some may be worth a try.
Some of these oils include: lemon essential oil, lavender essential oil, frankincense essential oil, oregano oil, and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil, in particular, is thought to have antiviral properties that may help with sickness. You might also consider using citrus oils, as these are believed to have strong antioxidant properties.
Additionally, mixing certain essential oils together has been shown to be successful in targeting certain ailments. If you choose to try this, do so carefully so as to avoid any irritants or allergies.
How To Use Essential Oils
There are three main ways to use essential oils, each targeting a specific healing process.
Diffusers
Diffusing essential oils is best for when you want to achieve your results through scent inhalation, which can be particularly soothing when you have a scratchy throat. This is the most effective way to achieve results for your mental health and is considerably safer than using a candle or incense.
Diffusers are appliances where you add a few drops of essential oil to water, set a timer, and then the diffuser releases the mix into the air as a thin mist. They are a perfect addition to any home or office, enabling comfort for the user.
There are many different types of diffusers to use, but our Essential Oil Diffuser goes beyond the norm by including seven different LED light colors, an automatic shut off function after the oil and water have run out, and a guarantee that our Essential Oil Diffuser is ETL certified for your safety. They are durable, easy-to-use, and ready to last for thirteen hours at a time without ceasing!
Topical Application
There are many forms in which essential oils are available topically, be it in balms, lotions, or simply bottled in their oil state. They are most helpful for application to specific physical areas of pain but typically have the best results when applied on the head and/or feet.
Topical application is one of the easiest ways to include aromatherapy in your life, but you have to use it wisely. Undiluted oils are extremely powerful and can be an irritant to the skin and your other organs. Always be sure to dilute the oils according to the instructions given when you buy them. If none are given, diluting with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil is usually a good option.
If you have naturally sensitive skin, monitor your first time using the oils to see if you get a reaction, especially if you are using these for skincare purposes. If so, consider using a topical choice with a lower concentration of oil.
Ingestion
If you choose to ingest essential oils, only do so under the instruction of a doctor. There are specific types of oil to be used for ingestion that are separate from the oil used in diffusers and topical applications, but they are still very potent and can be dangerous when not used correctly.
Some doctors will only recommend you use such oils in food, and even then, still very sparingly. Either way, proceed with caution if this is your choice of essential oil use.
When Should You Not Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are derived from natural ingredients and are, therefore, a more healthy option than many drugstore medications. However, they can still have adverse effects for some people, especially in their concentrated, undiluted form.
Different chemical and genetic makeups can react to essential oils differently, sometimes unfavorably. For those who are especially sensitive to scents or have sensitive skin, consulting a doctor or aromatherapist is always a good option before delving into the realm of essential oils. Additionally, you should always look up the scents you attain beforehand to see the positive and negative reactions that could come with them.
Keep in mind that children might react differently to the oils, finding it too overwhelming and consequently must be monitored upon first use. Essential oils can also be harmful for pets, so you must consult a vet first before using them.
Additionally, while used to alleviate discomfort and boost health for thousands of years, essential oils are not explicitly approved by the FDA to treat mental and physical issues. This is mainly due to lack of research, but nevertheless should be a factor in your decision on whether or not you wish to use essential oils.
What Should You Look Out For When Buying Essential Oils?
Above all else, make sure the label of the essential oil is in a language you can understand. Being able to read and understand the ingredients of what you’re buying is important for any product used for health improvement, but is especially important when what you’re buying is so concentrated and can easily cause unpleasant reactions for uninformed customers.
Furthermore, when looking at labels, be sure to check that the name of the oil is also listed in its scientific Latin name. The country of origin should also be included. This helps ensure that your essential oil comes from a reliable source.
Be sure to only choose essential oils packaged in glass containers. Due to the high concentration of pure essential oils, plastic bottles can break down after time and contaminate the oil inside, making it harmful to you.
Make sure to only buy oils in their purest form. If the label doesn’t implicitly state that, then it is likely the oil has been mixed with chemicals or other oils and therefore shouldn’t be used.
Summary
To conclude, essential oils are a natural DIY way to both soothe your sore throat as well as bolster your physical and mental health. They can help avert future sore throats and ensure your body chemistry stays balanced and unperturbed by drugs and other medications.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil#forms
https://www.healthline.com/health/9-ways-eucalyptus-oil-can-help#cough-relief
https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-for-sore-throat#antimicrobial
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