Essential oil is defined as a “concentrated, hydrophobic” liquid. It has volatile aromatic plant compounds. The essential oils are extracted after the process of distillation from literally the essence of the plants i.e. flower petals, leaves, barks, roots, and resins. The oil and water-based compounds are separated after distillation and thus a highly concentrated aromatic oil is obtained.
Essential oils are known for their therapeutic benefits for a long time now. This concentrate is known to have several healing properties and is famous in the medical world. They are known to cure a lot of illnesses through aromatherapy. They are widely known as the best antidepressants, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory oils. They also have the properties of calming agents, are derived from nature, and are a cost-effective home remedy for various health concerns.
Human beings are most vulnerable to respiratory diseases as they continuously breathe and remain in contact with a number of viruses, bacteria, and allergens spread in the atmosphere, soil (and literally everywhere). Just after a mild infection, we are quick to acquire a sore throat, congested cough, blocked nasal passages, headache, flu, and cough, which is usually accompanied by a low-grade fever. All these symptoms make a person lethargic and irritable, can be long-lasting and inconvenient if not treated promptly. Our natural instincts take us directly to a doctor and his prescription full of anti-allergic medicines, antibiotics, and pain relievers.
The essential oils are a natural home-based therapy for a sore throat, cough and blocked nasal passages. The essential oils used for curing sore throat are natural expectorants, sedatives, stimulants, analgesics, are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, and provide moisture to the mucous membrane. Here is a list of some of the essential oils that can be used for healing a sore throat.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the best essential oils known for its calming properties. It acts magically for a sore throat, cough, and congestion. The aromatic components of the lavender oil are quick to cut through the mucus and phlegm blocking the nasal and air passages. It clears the respiratory tract resulting in improved breathing. The soothing properties of the lavender oil calm the inflammation build up relieving cough and sore throat.
How is it used?
There are two known ways of using it. A few drops of lavender essential oil is topically applied to the pillow enabling aromatherapy to clear the blockages. The other way is to mix it with known carrier oils. The resulting mixture is then massaged on the chest. Both of these ways are known to act positively against the sore throat germs.
Myrtle Oil
Myrtle oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of these qualities help to relieve a spasmodic cough, irritated throat, and pain (due to it).
How is it used?
The oil is massaged on the chest just before bed to get the best results.
Thyme Oil
Thyme essential oil is a very powerful antibacterial. It is effective even against antibiotic-resistant species of bacteria. It reduces muscle spasms thus preventing cough and sore throat.
How is it used?
It is used in combination with other oils. It can be taken orally after dilution with another carrier oil. It can also be applied directly to the skin of the neck and chest to cure swollen tonsils and hoarseness of the throat.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is a magic plant having antimicrobial properties. The infection is curbed by stimulating the immune system. It also helps to get rid of the pain. It acts against the mucus and phlegm and thus clears the congested passages.
How is it used?
It can be used in a steam vaporizer or a bathtub and inhaled slowly over a period. A few drops can be added to warm water and used for gargling. It can be added to a carrier oil and massaged on to the chest and throat. Eucalyptus throat lozenges are also available.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils to work against respiratory tract infections. Menthol is an active ingredient of this oil; it cools the throat, soothes the infection and inflammation, and clears the mucus build-up. Moreover, it consists of antioxidants that have decongestant properties, and thus a sore throat is cleared.
How is it used?
It can be massaged on the throat and chest. It can also be added to the vaporizer to achieve aromatherapy and added to the peppermint tea.
Lemon Oil
Lemon is known to have many antibacterial properties and thus lemon oil is equally operative for such purposes. It is a rich source of Vitamin C which is anti-inflammatory in nature. It is a natural throat moisturizer building up saliva and getting rid of mucus by killing the bacteria.
How is it used?
It can be used for gargling or added to lemon tea. It also works well with aromatherapy to relieve congestion.
Juniper Berry Oil
Juniper Berry oil works wonders for a sore throat as it contains antioxidants, antibacterial and antifungal compounds that effectively combat the respiratory tract disease.
How is it used?
This oil is inhaled bringing aromatherapy into work. It can also be applied to the skin and taken orally to get the best results. Always take it in low concentrations.
Sage Essential Oil
Sage is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial component. It is beneficial for a sore throat and helps to get rid of coughs.
How is it used?
The best way to use it is to add it to a diffuser and inhale. It can also be taken in the form of tea and throat sprays.
Essential oils are without a doubt a great therapy for a sore throat. The above-mentioned oils can be used separately or mixed with other carrier oils to obtain a solution equally effective against sore, strep throat, and respiratory infections. Make sure to get a doctor’s help if the symptoms prolong and are not cured.
Khalid Irfan is a Fitness expert who enjoys spending time in gym. He also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand his horizons.
