Staying well during the cold winter months can be a challenge. The close proximity of crowds of people in unventilated areas and the overabundance of germs residing on every public surface area is enough to bowl over even the most resilient individuals. It just seems like no matter how much homemade hand sanitizer you may slather on, catching a cold is sometimes unavoidable.
For times when you’re starting to feel a bit peaky, it’s best to start using immune-supporting herbs and essential oils to help facilitate your body’s defense mechanisms. (source)
Oregano Oil Roll-On for Cold and Flu Care
One of my favorite remedies to use during cold and flu season is my tried and true oregano oil roll-on.
It might sound a bit “woo-woo”, but I promise that there’s actual science behind the effectiveness of oregano oil against all kinds of microbes. In fact, oregano oil is one of the most potent essential oils for killing bacteria and viruses and has been shown to have a 99% kill rate against in vitro colonies of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a microorganism responsible for a variety of lung and throat infections. (source)
Normally, oregano oil is made by using fresh grown oregano and infusing it with olive oil that can be taken orally or applied topically. This is a fantastic remedy that I highly recommend!
However, I don’t currently have any fresh oregano growing in the garden this year, so oregano essential oil it is (which I have great reason to believe is even better than infused olive oil since oregano essential oil is known to be antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic).
The nice thing about using the EO is that you can throw this remedy together in a snap as opposed to waiting 4-6 weeks for the infused olive oil method. If you want to get real crazy you could even add some oregano essential oil TO your oil infusion and create a double whammy remedy for cold and flu season. I might have to try that next time!
Today, I’m going to show you how to make a simple oregano oil roll-on recipe using the essential oil.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
• An empty 10ml roll-on bottle
• 2 drops oregano essential oil (yep, that’s it!)
• Carrier oil (I used jojoba oil, but you can also use olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, or sweet almond oil, etc.)
Loving Preparation – Oregano Oil Roll-On Recipe
1. Add in the 2 drops of oregano essential oil to the empty roll-on bottle.
2. Next, fill to the shoulder with your carrier oil of choice.
3. Attach the roller and cap closed.
4. Roll between your palms to mix thoroughly.
To Use
At the first signs of illness, apply the roll-on to the bottoms of the feet and rub it in until completely absorbed.
Put on some good socks to help keep your feet warm and reapply the oregano oil 2-3 times daily to help boost immunity.
I’m not so sure about the whole “your feet have larger pores than the rest of your body” thing, but what I do know is that essential oils, no matter where they are applied to the body, will be absorbed through the skin and carried throughout the body in your bloodstream. From there the EOs will effectively do their work by helping your immune system eradicate intruders. (source)
Another reason I like to apply this oil to the bottoms of the feet is that I don’t particularly enjoy the scent of oregano essential oil on its own. Applying it to my feet means that the scent of it is as far away from my nose as possible which means I can use this roll-on without wrinkling my nose.
I hope you give it a try!
Have you used oregano oil for cold and flu care before? Please let me know in the comments!
You may also enjoy reading:
Top 5 Natural Flu Remedies
12 Ways to Feel Better During a Cold or Flu
Natural Cold Remedies Part 1- The Healing Power of Elder
