7 soothing tips for cough and cold

Try these easy, natural remedies for coughs & colds at home and read about which essential oils can be used in aromatherapy to help relieve cough or cold symptoms!

 1. Throat and chest massage

Massaging the throat and chest with essential oils feels oh so good and, when you’re looking for a natural at-home regimen, can relieve symptoms of cough and cold. Cedarwood and Frankincense are often used as a chest rub. Cypress, Peppermint, and Helichrysum are also popular choices to use during a soothing massage.

Natural massage:

Try massaging a chest rub of diluted Cedarwood, Peppermint (both used in aromatherapy to help relieve colds and coughs), Frankincense, Cypress and Helichrysum for sensations of cooling. Plus, breathing in your favorite aromas is always enjoyable. 

Throat massage:

Rub a diluted mixture of Lemon, Peppermint and Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil onto the throat. Start at the base of the ears and continue with downward strokes along the sides of the neck. Rub from the underside of the chin down both sides of the trachea. Repeat up to three times daily.

Don’t have a spare moment to mix up your own oil blend? Add our Thieves® Chest Rub to your routine. Take control of your comfort with the help of this chest rub’s aromatic vapours. Thieves® Chest Rub is a powerful combination of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus, making it a favourite choice for relieving nasal congestion.

2. Sinus massage

Sinus congestion or stuffy noses are never fun. Try these tips and get ready for a fresher breathing experience:

• Gently massage near the nostrils with a local application of diluted Cedarwood essential oil. Cedarwood is often used in aromatherapy to help relieve cold symptoms. Make sure to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

• Combine a few drops of Lavender oil or Peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and rub the mixture onto the nose, massaging near the nostrils.

• Before bed, use Lavender and Peppermint oils to massage the outside of your sinuses. Lavender is a go-to in aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms of colds and coughs. As with all essential oils, be careful to keep them away from the eyes, mouth and the inside of the nose.

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3. Steam inhalation

Deep breaths in… deep breaths out! Have you ever noticed that your sinuses seem to clear when you take a hot shower? The steam helps moisturize and soothe your nasal passages. Combine this steam with essential oils for a comforting aroma.

Turn your hot showers into easy steam sessions with the help of our Easy Breeze™ Awakening Shower Steamers. Simply place one shower steamer onto the shower floor or shelf where it gets wet but does not obstruct the main water stream. Breathe in the fragrant Eucalyptus Globulus and Peppermint-infused steam for a spa-like experience before you start your day. 

Unfortunately, staying in the shower forever isn’t an option (our lives are too busy, plus think about the water conservation!), but not to worry! We suggest these easy steam bowl alternatives: 

For help relieving cough and cold symptoms:

Combine 3–12 drops of Lemon, Lavender, Marjoram and Lime oil in a bowl or pot of steaming warm or hot water. Deeply inhale the steam. Remember to take a break if you are overheating!  

For supporting cold relief:

Place 3–12 drops of Marjoram, Lavender, Cedarwood and Peppermint oils in a bowl of steaming water. Position your face above the bowl and slowly breathe in the steam for approximately 5–10 minutes. This practice can be completed up to three times each day.

4. Direct essential oil inhalation

If steaming water is not readily available to you, we’ve got an even easier method to try. Apply 1–6 drops of Lime, Lemon or Peppermint essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale occasionally up to three times daily.

5. Calming bath

There’s no doubt about it: anything that comforts and soothes is an absolute blessing and can be a great natural remedy for coughs and colds. The good news is that a warm essential oil bath can feel utterly blissful. Adding the following essential oils to bathwater will add a unique aroma while you inhale the warm steam from the bath.

Oil-infused bubble bath:

Combine 2–8 drops total of any of the following essential oils with an equal amount of liquid soap or shampoo: 

• Geranium
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Tea Tree
• Thyme

Add the mixture to a warm bath and gently blend it into the water with your hands. Soak in the bath for 10 minutes and enjoy!

Not in the mood for a bubble bath? Our Relaxing Bath Bombs are a fun, fizzy way to unwind. They offer the aroma of Lime, Cedarwood and Lavender.

6. Warm compress

Compresses can be just what the doctor ordered. Infuse your compress with essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to help relieve cough and cold symptoms. 

Add 2 drops of any of the following essential oils to a bottle filled with 500 ml of warm water:

• Cedarwood
• Lime
• Marjoram
• Helichrysum
• Clove 
• Cypress
• Sacred Frankincense
• Thyme
• Tea Tree
• Geranium
• Peppermint
• Jade Lemon
• Lemon
• Lavender

Shake the bottle thoroughly, then soak your compress (a clean, absorbent washcloth). Gently squeeze the compress to remove excess moisture. Apply the compress directly on the forehead, across the nose and cheeks, on the throat or on the chest. Cover the compress with a t-shirt or towel and leave it in place for 2−4 hours. You can apply your compress up to three times each day.

7. Warm liquids

Take advantage of the natural, soothing effects of heat. First, rub a local application of diluted Frankincense, Thyme, Lavender, Tea Tree or Peppermint essential oil onto your throat or forehead. You can even use it as a chest rub! Then, while you’re relaxing and breathing in the aroma of the oils, drink a soothing cup of tea that features our flavourful Dietary Plus Essential Oils. 

Combine 1 cup hot water, 1 drop Cinnamon Bark+, 1 drop Lemon+ and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved and enjoy this delicious tea. 

Warm liquids can feel good on the throat and can become a relaxing part of your bedtime routine. 

In addition to utilizing these ideas, remember that getting adequate rest, eating healthy foods and taking care of your body are essential to recovery. Get well soon!