Wellness
The Best Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Season
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The common cold is annoying. It can stop us from living our best lives and leave us feeling depleted, depressed, and laid out for days. If we do come down with the common cold, doctors tell us the best treatment is to rest, hydrate, and let the virus run its course. Here’s how essential oils can help.
What causes the common cold?
The common cold is caused by a virus. Unlike bacterial infections, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, because they need your cells to ‘host’ them. They penetrate our cells, duplicating more viruses and breaking through barriers. This is something bacteria, fungi, parasites, and almost all other elements cannot do.
Viruses grow and reproduce only after they’ve invaded our living cells. The body’s immune system can fight off some viruses before they cause illness, but others (colds, for example) are typically said to “run their course.”
How do we stop it?
Many of our modern medicines are simply synthetic versions of nature’s oldest medicine - essential oils. With the power of plants in the form of essential oils, we can help strengthen our immune system during a viral attack, and/or shorten the length and severity of the common cold or flu. Every time we place something synthetic or processed into our body, we create more work for our systems. When we take synthetics, our bodies have to do more work, filtering the ingredients through our kidneys and liver to make sure none of them are harmful.
When we are sick, our bodies are spending so much energy fighting those icky viruses; we don’t have any extra energy to expend. Our bodies recognize plant-based treatments like essential oils as natural and don’t need to take extra precautionary action.
Unlike antibiotics and synthetic medicines, essential oils are small enough to pass through our cells’ membranes. This means essential oils are the only defense that can enter the cell to fight off the virus for you. Pretty amazing!
For a stuffy nose...
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil can be an effective remedy in easing congestion, chesty coughs, and thinning mucus. It helps to relieve stuffy noses and may safely fight viruses and respiratory problems such as bronchitis.”
Thyme
Thyme was commonly used by the Egyptians and ancient Greeks to help fight against infectious illnesses. “Thyme oil is thought to have antispasmodic properties and has been shown to be effective at reducing coughs and reducing the duration of respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold.”
Douglas Fir
Respected for its ability to help support the respiratory system, this oil is effective in antibacterial activity against the respiratory tract and was found to demonstrate an antioxidant effect in the body.
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For a stuffy nose...
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil can be an effective remedy in easing congestion, chesty coughs, and thinning mucus. It helps to relieve stuffy noses and may safely fight viruses and respiratory problems such as bronchitis.”
Thyme
Thyme was commonly used by the Egyptians and ancient Greeks to help fight against infectious illnesses. “Thyme oil is thought to have antispasmodic properties and has been shown to be effective at reducing coughs and reducing the duration of respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold.”
Douglas Fir
Respected for its ability to help support the respiratory system, this oil is effective in antibacterial activity against the respiratory tract and was found to demonstrate an antioxidant effect in the body.
For a sore throat...
Melaleuca
Melaleuca, also known as Tea Tree oil, has been researched extensively and shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Use this essential oil for coughs, bronchial congestion, and sore throats. Studies show Melaleuca essential oil may inhibit influenza virus entry into the host cell. Tea Tree essential oils can also be used as a natural disinfectant, use it to kill germs on surfaces and in the air.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil was found to have analgesic (pain-blocking) and anti-inflammatory activity. As a warming oil, Rosemary is good for relieving aches and pains, a sore throat, and any symptoms due to inflammation.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is antifungal, antioxidizing, and aids rhinitis. A natural disinfectant, Lemon oil is ideal for fighting viruses as well as reducing the most common cold and flu symptoms. It’s no surprise Lemon has long been considered a cure-all.
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For a sore throat...
Melaleuca
Melaleuca, also known as Tea Tree oil, has been researched extensively and shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Use this essential oil for coughs, bronchial congestion, and sore throats. Studies show Melaleuca essential oil may inhibit influenza virus entry into the host cell. Tea Tree essential oils can also be used as a natural disinfectant, use it to kill germs on surfaces and in the air.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil was found to have analgesic (pain-blocking) and anti-inflammatory activity. As a warming oil, Rosemary is good for relieving aches and pains, a sore throat, and any symptoms due to inflammation.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is antifungal, antioxidizing, and aids rhinitis. A natural disinfectant, Lemon oil is ideal for fighting viruses as well as reducing the most common cold and flu symptoms. It’s no surprise Lemon has long been considered a cure-all.
For a cough...
Cardamom
Cardamom essential oil is a powerful antispasmodic, decongestant, and expectorant that helps the respiratory system relieve cough symptoms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to aid the reduction of muscle aches and pains.
Marjoram
Marjoram comes from the mint botanical family and has been shown to have antifungal properties. It serves as an expectorant; aiding to expel loose mucus from the system. It can also be relaxing and serve as a sedative to the muscles that constrict sometimes contributing headaches.
Basil
Basil essential oil was used anciently for respiratory problems and is shown to have antibacterial properties that strongly inhibit drug-resistant bacteria. Basil oil also has powerful antispasmodic properties helping to reduce cough symptoms.
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For a cough...
Cardamom
Cardamom essential oil is a powerful antispasmodic, decongestant, and expectorant that helps the respiratory system relieve cough symptoms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to aid the reduction of muscle aches and pains.
Marjoram
Marjoram comes from the mint botanical family and has been shown to have antifungal properties. It serves as an expectorant; aiding to expel loose mucus from the system. It can also be relaxing and serve as a sedative to the muscles that constrict sometimes contributing headaches.
Basil
Basil essential oil was used anciently for respiratory problems and is shown to have antibacterial properties that strongly inhibit drug-resistant bacteria. Basil oil also has powerful antispasmodic properties helping to reduce cough symptoms.
For nausea...
Peppermint
For centuries, peppermint has been used to aid digestive difficulties and freshen breath. Peppermint oil has even been shown to reduce the intensity of nausea to cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Ginger
Ginger, an ancient esteemed spice known for its support of the digestive system, can lower nausea, fever, and decrease vomiting.
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For nausea...
Peppermint
For centuries, peppermint has been used to aid digestive difficulties and freshen breath. Peppermint oil has even been shown to reduce the intensity of nausea to cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Ginger
Ginger, an ancient esteemed spice known for its support of the digestive system, can lower nausea, fever, and decrease vomiting.
For inflammation…
Copaiba
Copaiba is a flowering plant, and Copaiba oil is simply the steam distilled from its resin. Copaiba essential oil has been shown to increase antioxidative properties in the body, reducing inflammation.
Roman Chamomile
Known for its calming and relaxing properties, Roman Chamomile can block the signaling chemical involved in inflammation.
Frankincense
Frankincense has been considered a holy oil in the East for centuries and is studied as an anticancer remedy. Not only can it reduce inflammation caused by cold and flu viruses, but it has shown to produce cellular death in infected human cancer cells.
If you’re a science nerd like me and love to geek out on essential oils, check out my video, The Hype on Essential Oils! Jump to 15:15 to see the breakdown of the cellular membrane and viruses or visit SoulPerspective365 to learn more about essential oils.
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For inflammation…
Copaiba
Copaiba is a flowering plant, and Copaiba oil is simply the steam distilled from its resin. Copaiba essential oil has been shown to increase antioxidative properties in the body, reducing inflammation.
Roman Chamomile
Known for its calming and relaxing properties, Roman Chamomile can block the signaling chemical involved in inflammation.
Frankincense
Frankincense has been considered a holy oil in the East for centuries and is studied as an anticancer remedy. Not only can it reduce inflammation caused by cold and flu viruses, but it has shown to produce cellular death in infected human cancer cells.
If you’re a science nerd like me and love to geek out on essential oils, check out my video, The Hype on Essential Oils! Jump to 15:15 to see the breakdown of the cellular membrane and viruses or visit SoulPerspective365 to learn more about essential oils.
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
