When you’re down for the count, one of the best things you can do to feel better is to sink into a hot bath. And not just any bath! How about one that’s infused with immune-boosting, germ-killing, muscle-soothing, and respiratory-cleansing essential oils?
If that sounds like just the ticket, then you’re in for a real treat!
Cold and Flu Bath Concentrate for All Things Cold and Flu
There has never been a time when a good hot bath while sick with a cold or flu didn’t improve my symptoms. Whether I had a bad case of bronchitis, fever and chills, muscle aches, sinus pressure, sore throat, you name it, a bath somehow soothed everything away, leaving me feeling heavy, languid, and ready for some good, restful sleep.
However, when you’re coming down with the flu, the last thing you want to do is prepare a remedy. The effort is too much to fathom when you’re feeling lousy, am I right?
That’s where this cold and flu bath concentrate comes in handy because you can throw it together beforehand and have it ready to go when you need it most. And, if you happen to need it now, it’s still a snap to make if you can manage it.
So, let’s get into the recipe!
Here’s what you’ll need to make 30ml of cold and flu bath concentrate:
• One empty 15ml essential oil bottle
• 2 tsp vegetable glycerin
• 45 drops rosemary cineol essential oil
• 36 drops of Ravensara essential oil
• 36 drops frankincense se essential oil
• 9 drops of oregano essential oil
• 9 drops of peppermint essential oil
Preparation – Cold and Flu Bath Concentrate Recipe
1. Measure the vegetable glycerin into the empty 15ml essential oil bottle.
2. Next, add the essential oils.
3. Cap closed and shake vigorously to mix.
To Use
Start by running a hot bath.
In a bowl, add several TB of bubble bath and add 5-10 drops of cold and flu bath concentrate.
Mix thoroughly, and then allow the running bath water to rinse the solution from the bowl into your bath.
You’ll notice that the essential oils disperse right into the water without floating on the surface (we don't want this to happen). That’s what makes this concentrate so great!
All you have to do now is sink into the water and feel the oils go to work!
Alternatively, mix 5-10 drops of the cold and flu bath concentrate into a heaping cup of Epsom salts.
Mix well, then add it to the bath.
You can use the water as the bath fills to get everything dispersed evenly.
Why These Essential Oils Work for Cold and Flu
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is so good for many things, and cold and flu care is one of them. This essential oil is jam-packed with rejuvenating, restorative, and cold-fighting properties that help you get well faster. It’s also an excellent expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent. It’s also anti-anxiety, which is nice if you’re stressed over missing work or school. (source)
Oregano Essential Oil
This essential oil is a true powerhouse for kicking colds to the curb. Oregano essential oil is a potent antimicrobial and antiviral oil that drastically reduces the severity, symptoms, and duration of upper respiratory colds and flu. (source) (source)
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils for physical discomfort and breathing ailments. Its cooling properties help soothe the bodily aches and pains that tend to accompany colds and flu, quiet nausea, and even sharpen your focus when your brain feels muddled by unpleasant symptoms.
I especially like using peppermint for opening bronchial airways and restoring healthy circulation to cold hands and feet. (source)
Ravensara Essential Oil
Ravensara is one of my favorite essential oils to use during cold and flu season since it is known to be a rather potent immunostimulant and an excellent alternative to tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil. In fact, it’s so versatile that it can be used in place of many other essential oils, just like lavender. It also has the unique ability to enhance other essential oils when used in a blend.
Its analgesic, expectorant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties make ravensara a great companion when respiratory tract infections take root, and you need a bit of decongestion or sinus pressure relief. Its pain-relieving properties are soothing for body aches and other physical discomforts. (source)
Basically, it’s an amazing oil to have on hand!
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary is an excellent essential oil for stuffy lungs and sinuses, improving circulation, soothing bodily aches and pains, relieving nausea, and warming the body when chills settle in.
Its bright and camphorous aroma helps reduce stress levels and sharpens focus despite feeling like your head is ten times bigger than it should be. (source)
All in all, this cold and flu bath concentrate does it all when it comes to soothing uncomfortable symptoms. I really think you should give it a try.
Don't forget to try out my Forest Bath Milk Concentrate version on my EO blog! It's delightful!
You may also enjoy reading:
12 Ways to Feel Better During a Cold or Flu
The Best Remedies You can Buy for Cold and Flu
My Top 5 Preventative Cold and Flu Remedies
Sickroom Spray Recipe for Cold and Flu
Other Sources
Battaglia, Salvatore. The complete guide to aromatherapy. International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Cathy Herceg says
What an amazing blend for the bath when youre sick. I don’t want to get out. Gonna look up a diffuser remedy next...
Tash says
Woohoo! So happy you liked it!