Ahhhh-CHOO! It's a nasty, germ-covered world out there folks, and cold and flu season is in full swing. Essential oils are no replacement for hand-washing, getting enough rest and staying home when you're contagious, but they can help to alleviate symptoms such as congestion and fatigue, and there are also some amazing anti-bacterial and anti-viral oils that are perfect for diffusing at this time of year. Here are five diffuser blends to use when germs are in the air or you're feeling under the weather. We've added some bonus synergy blend suggestions at the end!

Deep Breath

This blend features essential oils that are amazing for the airways, as well as for stressful times when a deep breath is indeed needed. We've included Scotch Pine to help to loosen and expel mucus; Petitgrain for its antibacterial and calming properties; Peppermint to open up the airways; Marjoram to aid with respiratory distress and infection; Eucalyptus Globulus because it is fantastic for treating phlegmy cough, cold symptoms, bronchitis and pneumonia; and Frankincense Sacra because it is an excellent expectorant and great for general respiratory problems. Breathe in..... breathe out.

3 drops Petitgrain

3 drops Scotch Pine

2 drops Frankincense Sacra

1 drops Marjoram

1 drops Eucalyptus Globulus

Lung Congestion

For when that congestion has really gone deep and settled in. Inhale and let the Scotch Pine loosen and expel mucus; the Marjoram calm, sedate, soothe your aches and help your respiratory distress; the Eucalyptus Globulus benefit any phlegmy cough, cold symptoms, bronchitis or pneumonia; the Frankincense Carterii slow and deepen breathing, reduce excess mucus and stimulate the immune system; and the Sandalwood decongest your lymphatic system.

1 drop Scotch Pine

2 drops Marjoram

1 drop Eucalyptus Globulus 

2 drops Frankincense Carterii

2 drops Sandalwood 

Antidote for Fatigue

Just getting over a cold or flu? Here's an amazing blend for the diffuser to help you get back on your feet, tackle that fatigue and keep your focus on track. Get a mental and emotional boost from the Peppermint, Grapefruit and Rosemary with the added benefit of headache relief from the Peppermint, easing of your cough thanks to the Basil, and Rosemary's known benefits for any lingering symptoms.

1 drop Peppermint

2 drops Basil

2 drops Rosemary Cineol 

4 drops Grapefruit 

The Purifier

It is pretty nasty out there folks, so here's a blend we've concocted to clear out your lungs and purify the air. It will help regulate and aid breathing during this horrid time. We've included Ravintsara, our favourite essential oil for cold and flu; Scotch Pine to loosen and expel that mucus and Peppermint to open the airways, soothe your head and give you a bit of pep. Use either Frankincense Sacra (for chest congestion or phlegmy cough) or Carterii (to deepen breathing and stimulate the immune system).

3 drops Ravintsara

2 drops Scotch Pine

2 drops Frankincense

1 drops Peppermint

So Fresh and So Clean

These essential oils are top notch when it comes to eliminating odours, leaving a fresh, herbaceous, airy and clean scent. Try this blend in the diffuser to combat any negative energy and to leave your space smelling and feeling oh so fresh and clean! As an added bonus, you'll get the decongestion benefits of Cypress, the immune stimulation of Lemongrass and Tea Tree, a brain boost from Rosemary, Grapefruit's space-clearing super powers and Tea Tree's whole host of benefits for the respiratory system.

3 drops Grapefruit 

2 drops Lemongrass 

2 drops Cypress 

1 drop Rosemary 

1 drop Tea Tree 

Prefer a ready-made option? Our must-have synergy blends for this time of year are: 

• All Better: A mild, effective remedy especially formulated for young children and babies, with Eucalyptus radiata & smithii, Ravintsara, Tea Tree, Lavender and Thyme.
• Squeaky Clean: A fantastic blend of all the best action-packed antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oils, perfect for cleaning, with Lemon, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Thyme, Cedarwood and Peppermint. This blend was designed to be used for cleaning surfaces but is also delightful in the diffuser.
• Thick As Thieves: Ideal for immune system boosting during the winter months, this blend is our take on the fabled Thieves recipe, with some extra kick! We've taken our own recipe of Clove Bud, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus and Rosemary and added Ravintsara and Thyme. This one is meant for the diffuser.
• Under The Weather: If you're in the market for a little preventative immune system boost, or you're smack dab in the middle of a nasty flu, here's the synergy for you! This blend covers all of the bases: decongestant, pain relief, and the essential oils in this blend (Ravintsara, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Thyme and Manuka) are reported to be anti-infectious!