If you are experiencing sore throat, you definitely need to use essential oil for sore throat to address it before it becomes worse. We often develop this condition due to multiple factors caused by weather changes. During the winter season, sore throat is often a big issue for many, but not everyone knows about the efficacy of essential oils. Essential oils have several benefits, and not too long ago, they were discovered to be effective against sore throat. If you suffer from this condition frequently, essential oils may be just what your system needs to prevail.
In this article, we what to introduce some of the best essential oils you can use to cure this condition, but before we do so, here are some of the symptoms of sore throat.
Sore Throat symptoms
There are different signs and symptoms of sore throat, which includes
- Swallowing difficulty
- Itchy/painful sensations in the throat region
- Difficulty talking and swallowing
- Swollen tonsils
- Muffled or hoarse voice
Infections that may cause sore throat
If the sore throat is caused by an infection, you may experience one or a few of the following symptoms
- Body aches
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These are some of the symptoms or signs of sore throat. But which essential oil is effective against it? So note that not all essential oils can cure sore throat or sore throat symptoms. So using the right one matters if you want to experience quick relief. At this juncture, let us give you a rundown of effective essential oils for sore throat treatment.
Eucalyptus
The first essential oil on our list is eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is effective for safeguarding the upper and lower respiratory tract. This oil prevents infections because they have antimicrobial properties. Conventionally, eucalyptus is a key ingredient in antiseptic treatment products because of its effectiveness against staph and strep bacteria. So if yours is a strep throat, this is one essential oil for strep throat you want to try out. For quick results, drop a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale it about three times a day. Continue until the condition wanes.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is another effective oil that checks the growth of bacterial pathogens. If your condition is caused by bacteria infections, peppermint oil will eliminate the bacteria and grant you quick relief. Peppermint oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties making it an ideal solution for cold-related sore throat as well. To use peppermint oil effectively, place two or three drops in hot water and inhale several times a day. But note that you may salivate a little more than normal but don’t let that bother you. If you do it consistently, you will get well faster than you expected.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is effective against bacterial pathogens that infect the mouth and throat canal. When inhaled as fumes, the molecules rest on the infected areas and cure them. Tea tree oil can also cure influenza, bronchitis, and cough. So using it will grant you complete relief. But be prepared to inhale it several times a day for best results.
Lavender
Lavender has anti-inflammatory agents that cure sore throat symptoms. It doesn’t matter if the condition is caused by staph or strep bacteria. Once you inhale it, you will notice your throat muscles relax, and the oil will begin to take effect immediately. You can use Lavender by dropping a few drops into hot water or a piece of cloth and inhaling. While doing so, make sure the oil doesn’t touch your nose, so it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Thyme
Common bacteria cause many health conditions, including sore throat; that is why one of the best essential oil for sore throat you can use is Thyme. If the sore throat has degenerated into a cough, you will find Thyme quite handy. You can apply it to a piece of cloth, drop it in hot water or diffuse it into the air. Another option is to massage your throat with the oil and let the skin absorb it. But for this last method, you will have to mix it with a carrier oil first.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is an essential oil that has a compound called cineole. This compound is quite helpful in breaking up mucus infection and also reduces inflammation. For worse sore throat symptoms, Rosemary oil will soothe your throat while curing the root cause of the problem.
Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil is sourced from trees that belong to the Genus Boswellia tree. Traditionally, it has a positive effect on the respiratory tract. Furthermore, Frankincense can cure catarrh, bronchitis, cough, and mild asthma. Just make sure you use it consistently.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has been a trusted oil for fighting germs, viruses, and bacteria. It contains Carvacrol which is a potent compound with antimicrobial effects. You can use it to treat virus-induced cough and sore throat.
Bergamot oil
Bergamot contains camphene which is like camphor. When Inhaled, it soothes the throat and the respiratory tract, and as the effect pervades the chest region, it cures cold symptoms. If your condition is caused by cold or generally unstable weather, this is an ideal option. Bergamot also has antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage caused by harmful germs.
Geranium
Geranium is another very good essential oil for strep throat. The active agent in this oil is called Pelargonium Sidoides, which is a therapeutic herb. Geranium has a pleasing scent that lasts long after you use it. You can use Geranium by diffusing it or adding some drops to a warm bath for bathing or hot water to inhale the molecules.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a protector and healing oil. It provides fast cough and sore throat relief. Even if you don’t have a sore throat, regularly inhaling Cinnamon oil will protect your upper and lower respiratory tract from bacteria infections.
Other essential oils you can use as blends
Besides the options highlighted above, there are essential oils you can combine to make a blend. Mixing some of the oils listed above with the following oils below will make your sore throat remedy a lot more effective.
- Lemongrass oil
- Basil
- Citrus fruits
- Chamomile
How to use essential oil for sore throat
If you want to get the best results when using essential oils for sore throat, you need to do it right. Basically, these oils are to be inhaled through the nose or mouth, but we recommend both.
Always dilute essential oils before use
Before you inhale any, make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil. Even if you inhale it with hot water, failure to dilute it will lead to throat or skin irritation.
Diffusion: One method is to diffuse it in a diffuser but only do so after diluting it with a carrier oil first. How often you diffuse it on your living area should depend on whether you will be home for a long time as well as the severity of the condition.
Hot water: You can inhale it by adding a few drops to hot water. Place a cloth over your head and move closer to the bowl. As you breathe in, the molecules will penetrate your organs and take effect.
Steam bath: Or you can add a few drops of diluted essential oil into your bath water and bathe with it.
Cloth: If you are going to be on the move for most part of the day, you can use a cloth or tissue. Just apply a few drops to the tissue, bring it close to your nose, and inhale the scent. Make sure you do this several times daily.
Skin massage: Also called a warm compress, you can massage your throat and chest with essential oil. Add some drops into warm water; soak a towel in the water and massage your head, neck, and chest with it. As your skin absorbs the oil, you will gradually begin to experience relief.
Carrier oil options
As we pointed out in previous paragraphs, it is vital that you dilute your essential oil for strep throat with a carrier oil before using it. Make sure you mix the solution well before use. Carrier oils you can use for dilution include argan, apricot, coconut, grapeseed, olive, sesame, and sunflower oils. There are many more, but these oils are readily available, and you can buy them over the counter or online.
Essential oil for sore throat is an effective remedy for throat and chest infections that cause pains and muffled vocal cords. You can use essential oils by inhaling them through the throat or mouth, or both. However, make sure you dilute the oil with a carrier oil before you and use the solution consistently for quick relief.
Essential oil for sore throat FAQ
What is an essential oil blend for sore throat?
An essential oil blend for sore throat is simply the combination of two or more essential oils to form a potent solution.
Is peppermint oil an effective cure for sore throat?
Yes, it is. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which provides soothing relief to the throat muscles. It also contains antibacterial properties for ridding the respiratory tract of bacteria.
How many times a day should I use essential oil?
You are advised to use essential oil as many times as possible. The more often you do, the sooner you will feel better.
Are there side effects I should be aware of?
Yes, they are. Essential oil for sore throat may irritate your skin or cause your throat to itch if you don’t mix it with a carrier oil.
