6 Essential Oils That May Help Kick Your Cold Symptoms to the Curb

Eucalyptus helps combat coughing and mucous buildup. Rebecca Park, a registered nurse from New York, recommends it because it not only eases your cold symptoms, but has also been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, an acupuncture physician, recommends diffusing the eucalyptus oil or breathing it in. "I like to take a bowl of hot water and drape a towel over my head, creating a tent around the bowl," she told POPSUGAR. "I'll put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in and inhale the steam."

Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal that comes from the Australian tea tree. According to Dr. Trattner, tea tree oil is best when used in a diluted form or as a lotion. She suggests not using the oil in its pure form on your skin, instead finding a precompounded form that will safely kill off germs and fungus.

Thyme oil has been shown to prevent the growth of bacteria associated with respiratory illnesses, among others. "Its germ-killing qualities are so effective, you'll find thyme oil as the active ingredient in many commercial green cleaning products," said Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com, who noted that thyme oil is also known to be antiviral. Add it to hot water and inhale the steam.

Lavender is one of the most widely used and celebrated essential oils. Dr. Trattner recommends it for its ability to fight germs. Try diffusing lavender in your home while you're sick — at the very least, it may help you get some much-needed rest.