1. Lavender Essential Oil

Great for the whole family and a multitude of uses Lavender essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties, but it is gentle enough for use with children.  So this should be a go to for our littlies to fight illness and boost the immune system.  If your littlie is struggling to get to sleep at night because of feeling yucky, place 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of roman chamomile essential oil in the diffuser and run at 18 minute intervals through the night.

2. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is great for the respiratory system, but will also boost energy when that fatigue of fighting illness sets in.  Diffuse 3 drops of lemon with 3 drops of peppermint for relief with a boost.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil

As well as clearing your nasal passages like a gush of arctic air, peppermint essential oil is an immune stimulant.   Immune stimulants can strengthen the immune system by directly inhibiting the micro-organisms, or by stimulating the immune system. Lavender and lemon also work in the same way.   Peppermint can also lower a fever if you want/need to do this.  Dilute in a carrier oil and apply to the feet.  Or inhale from the bottle to clear your nose.  Avoid using with children under 6 years old.

4. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Used in a diffuser or within a carrier oil in the bath, tea tree oil is a great alternative for littlies under 6 to help fight the congestion and the resulting discomfort caused by the cold or the flu.

5. Oregano Essential Oil

Known as “nature’s antibiotic” this is a “hot” and powerful essential oil that must be diluted and used with care.  It will work to rid your body of the nasties making you feel unwell.  I use this as my last resort if other remedies haven’t worked because like an antibiotic it can affect your gut flora, although certainly not so badly as a pharmaceutical antibiotic and you only want to be using it for a few days.  Take 3-4 drops 2-3 times daily for up to 3 days.  I place in a capsule with Frankincense, Melaleuca, Lemon and On Guard (read more on this magical blend next!)

6.  On Guard Essential Oil

I love this blend of oils.  It is known as doTERRA’s Protective Blend because the mix of oils strengthen the immune system and work with each other to create a powerful blend gentle enough for your kids.

When I feel any illness coming on, when I notice symptoms in my girls or if there is lots of illness around I start applying On Guard to the soles of the feet in a carrier oil.  If this doesn’t work I go to the Frankincense, Melaleuca, Lemon and On Guard mix in a capsule 3 times a day (without the oregano) and then the oregano is my final step if this still doesn’t work.  Believe me, if you get onto using On Guard fast enough, 9 times out of 10 it will work!  doTERRA also do this blend as a handy (excuse the pun) foaming handwash to kill germs, a cleaner concentrate, a toothpaste and beadlets for on the go!

7. Frankincense Essential Oil

I’ve already mentioned use of Frankincense as part of my capsule mix when illness hits.  This is because Frankincense supports the respiratory tract and calms the mind while the immune system fights viruses.

Pure Frankincense is very gentle; even more so than Lavender. It has no known adverse effects yet it’s an essential oil that stands out above all others for it’s regenerative properties on a cellular level. Frankincense has antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, analgesic (weak), and expectorant properties, so is great to calm a cough.

For children under 6, Lavender & Frankincense  together, on bottoms of feet or along the spine is a also a great mix to keep a child calm and relaxed during illness and discomfort.

8. Deep Blue Essential Oil

You know those aches and pains you get with the flu?  Well, long and short is you won’t with this blend.  Unfortunately the Deep Blue blend should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding, which is a shame as there are many aches and pains associated with these conditions too!  Also avoid using with children under 6.

9. Breathe Essential Oil

Another amazing proprietary blend from doTERRA.  Breathe includes Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Melissa, and Cardamom and will help to maintains clear airways and support breathing when congestion hits and support overall respiratory health.

10. Digestzen Essential Oil

Flus don’t just hit your respiratory system.  When you or the children get the dreaded stomach flu it can really suck!  (And we don’t need any more detail than that …)

In partnership with On Guard to kill germs, rub the DigestZen blend (already diluted in coconut oil) on the abdomen.  It’s a blend of ginger, peppermint, tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise, each with properties specifically aimed at stomach/digestive upset.

Where to Buy Your Essential Oils to Stock up your Natural Medicine Cabinet for Winter!

This is one of the most vital things you must know about essential oils… Not all essential oils are created equally. Many are filled with chemical nasties and will not work therapeutically at all, so when buying, make sure you are buying therapeutic grade from a reputable supplier. If you want to order from the doTERRA range click here.  If you want to read about you can get hold of these oils at a huge discount by ordering them as part of a kit, click here.  As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!

Have I missed anything?  Do you have an essential oil or other natural medicine recommendation for cold and flu?  If so, comment below!

Much love x x