That sinking feeling when a cold or flu starts—stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, body aches—is all too familiar. We try to prevent illness at home with good nutrition and simple routines, but recently my daughter August and my husband still came down with a nasty bug. On Instagram Stories I shared a few of the remedies I reached for, and this post describes one of my most reliable tools: a simple essential oil blend I use at the first sign of symptoms.
Over the years I’ve posted other home remedies like a garlic salve and elderberry syrup. This essential oil blend is one I’ve used consistently for more than a year, and it works particularly well for relieving a runny nose and easing coughing. At first my own mother was skeptical about essential oils. When August developed a cold soon after we moved to Oregon, I mixed this blend and applied it to her back, feet, and behind her ears. Within 10–15 minutes her congestion and coughing eased noticeably. The effect lasted a couple of hours, and reapplying gave the same relief. My mom started calling it August’s “medicine” and began using it whenever symptoms reappeared.
When making this blend for children, adjust the dilution according to age and size. I typically use a 1% dilution for young children, which is about 3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. Because fractional drops are impractical, I often prepare larger batches—for example, 6 drops of essential oil (3 drops of each oil) in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Any neutral carrier oil will work: avocado, jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond are all fine choices. For guidance on safe dilutions for different ages, consult reputable resources on essential oil safety for babies and children.
I appreciate blends made specifically for children, such as the KidSafe line from Plant Therapy, because many of those blends are formulated with breastfeeding mothers and young kids in mind. Always double-check product safety for your specific situation, as not every blend is appropriate for every person.
Homemade Essential Oil Blend For Cold And Flu
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil (avocado, jojoba, fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond, etc.)
- 3 drops of a child-safe decongestant blend (often labeled as “Sniffle Stopper” or similar)
- 3 drops of a germ-fighting blend suited for children (sometimes called “Germ Destroyer” or a KidSafe immune blend). If you are making this for adults only, a thieves-style blend can be substituted.
Note: If you prefer convenience, many retailers offer a KidSafe wellness sampler that includes child-safe decongestant and immune blends. Choose products specifically formulated for children if you plan to use the mixture on young ones.
Directions:
- Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a roller bottle for easy application.
- Apply every 2–3 hours as needed. Common application sites include the soles of the feet, the area behind the ears, and along the upper back near the spine.
- Use this blend alongside other supportive remedies such as rest, hydration, steam inhalation, or herbal syrups like elderberry, as appropriate.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for infants, young children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, or anyone with known medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice, and you should seek medical attention for serious or worsening symptoms.
What are your go-to essential oil blends or natural remedies when someone in your home gets sick?
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