Hey friends, it’s Maddie!
If you know me, you know I like to keep things as natural and balanced as possible, especially when it comes to my kids and our home. Mom life is busy enough without the flu taking the whole house down.
Let me be clear: essential oils aren’t a cure, and I’m not skipping my doctor’s advice, wellness checkups, or good old-fashioned handwashing. I think of oils as my “quick attack” and maintenance tools, things I use right away and every day to support my home before I ever need to pull out the big guns.
Here’s how I get ready for flu season:
1. Start with the Basics
Before I even reach for oils, I focus on the foundations:
• Gut-healthy soups (bone broth, garlic, onions, herbs) to support immunity.
• As much sunshine as possible (natural vitamin D helps regulate immune function).
• Extra vitamin D and C - nutrient insurance when the days get darker and shorter.
2. Stock the Essential Oils Toolbox
Before flu season ramps up, I make sure my shelves are stocked. My must-haves are:
• Lemon – fresh, uplifting, and known for its antimicrobial compounds (like limonene).
• Wild Orange – bright and mood-lifting, makes the house feel alive.
• Peppermint – cooling, clearing, and great for head congestion.
• Eucalyptus – supports easier breathing when noses are stuffy.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca) – powerhouse for surface cleaning and “germ defense.”
• Lavender – calming for moods and sleep (only diffused, not on skin).
I also keep roller bottles, fractionated coconut oil for safe dilution, and a couple diffusers ready to go.
3. Clean Naturally (Daily Maintenance)
When flu season hits, I want the house fresh and surfaces wiped down constantly. But instead of dousing everything in harsh chemicals, I use essential oils as my maintenance layer. They’re not a replacement for disinfectant wipes if something serious is going around, but for day-to-day cleaning, they keep the house smelling clean and feeling lighter.
Here’s my go-to DIY cleaner with Castile soap:
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup distilled white vinegar (optional, for extra germ-fighting)
• 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
Castile soap lifts dirt and grime, vinegar helps cut bacteria on surfaces, and lemon + tea tree bring natural antimicrobial compounds like limonene and terpinen-4-ol into the mix. Together, it’s tough on sticky fingerprints but safe enough for toys, counters, and doorknobs.
4. Diffuse Daily
Diffusing oils not only makes the air smell amazing but also supports mood and a sense of wellness.
Favorites in my house:
• Wild Orange + Eucalyptus + Lavender → uplifting, clearing, calming.
• Lemon + Peppermint → clean, sharp, energizing (especially when the house feels heavy).
Fun fact: Studies show citrus essential oils can help reduce airborne microbes and neutralize odors, which is why they’re often called “natural air purifiers.”
5. Immune Support Rollers
I make rollers for the whole family, it’s quick, easy, and feels proactive.
Immune Boost Blend (10 mL roller bottle):
• 3 drops lemon
• 2 drops tea tree
• 2 drops frankincense (if I have it)
• Fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil
We roll it on feet before bed (kids are less fussy that way), and I’ll add to wrists or neck during the day.
6. Emotional Wellness (Because Flu Season Isn’t Just Physical)
Flu season can bring long days indoors and cranky moods. This is where citrus oils shine:
• Wild Orange or Lemon in the diffuser → instant mood lift.
• Lavender + Frankincense in the evening → calm for the whole family.
Sometimes just opening a bottle and taking a deep breath is enough to reset my mind.
7. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Moms, listen, if you burn out, the whole ship sinks. I make sure to sneak in simple self-care:
• Warm bath with lavender and eucalyptus.
• Quick “wake up” blend of lemon + peppermint in the diffuser.
Little things keep me healthy enough to keep everyone else afloat.
SAFETY TIPS
• ALWAYS dilute oils on kids skin is more sensitive.
• Don’t apply citrus oils before sun exposure (they can cause photosensitivity).
• Use high-quality oils meant for topical and aromatic use.
• Remember: oils are for maintenance and support, not replacements for medicine.
Wrapping It Up
For me, essential oils are my one of my “first line” during flu season: a quick attack when someone looks like they’re coming down with something, and daily maintenance to keep our environment clean, calm, and bright.
When paired with good gut health, sunshine, and solid nutrition, they help me feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. My house smells amazing, my kids feel comforted, and I know I’ve got tools in place before the germs even show up.
Stay well, friends!
-Maddie
