Preventing and treating infectious illness is the number one proven medicinal application for essential oils. A great many oils have scientifically proven antibacterial, antiviral, and even immune-boosting actions. Using oils to prevent colds and flu is a very simple affair -- here's a little background, along with quick recipes and techniques to stay healthy through the cooler months.
The easiest method of using oils for immune support is simple inhalation. Inhaling essential oils has two important aspects: The oils come in contact with the cells of the respiratory system, and they're circulated throughout your body. How is it you can catch a cold from someone (who is already ill) sneezing? It's by inhaling the microbes that they've spread into the air. When essential oils are absorbed through the cells in your sinuses, bronchial tubes and lungs, they directly support immunity in these cells, while having systemic actions as well.
Research indicates that essential oils can prevent or limit viral replication via "pretreatment". In other words, cells that have come in contact with antiviral essential oils first are not as easily infected by viruses. (This particular effect was shown with melissa essential oil and the herpes virus, and should prove true with other correctly paired oil/virus combinations). This is important specifically for the first line of defense, the cells of the respiratory system lining.
When the oils get into our bloodstream through inhalation, research has shown this has a direct effect on our immune function. The cells in our body which consume and eliminate foreign invaders, called phagocytes, step up their action. This research was done with eucalyptus, and the result is thought to happen with with any oil containing the natural chemical "1,8-cineole" (also found in rosemary). Further, these oils reduce the inflammation caused by viral invaders (as an aside, they can be helpful for conditions of bronchitis, asthma, and rhinosinusitis).
There's also a huge body of data showing that oils can destroy bacteria and viruses. Research using lemongrass and geranium diffused in the air in a closed room showed an incredible reduction in the overall bacterial count. The same study indicated bacteria on surfaces were eliminated as well. Certainly this same action is going on within our bodies as well, particularly as we know essential oils show up in the bloodstream after inhalation.
So you have a range of potential applications when using oils for immune support. The most simple is the regular inhalation of one or more oils straight from the bottle, or a device such as a pocket diffuser. This is really a little vial with fibrous material in it to hold the oils. Research indicates that the use of eucalyptus radiata alone will boost immune function. If you'd like a more synergistic blend designed to inactivate microbes at the same time, use one part melissa, and 3 parts each eucalyptus, bay laurel and thyme of the linalool chemotype.
For a more profound, holistic action, use these same oils in a nebulizing diffuser -- one that makes a mist of pure essential oils (without water). An even more powerful blend can be made by including melissa and lavender in your formula. Set one up in your home and/or workplace with a timer such that it turns on for 5 minutes every hour. In this way, you're constantly exposed to the oils' vapor, and the environment is being disinfected at the same time.
Consider you can topically apply these oils as well. Make a ten percent dilution in any carrier oil and massage small amounts daily into the lymph areas of your neck, as well as the tops and bottoms of the balls of your feet. Reduce the concentration accordingly for children (the younger the more dilute) -- these oils are not "hot", and will be safe for use.
Many users of essential oils have reported that while everyone around them got sick, they were the only ones who stayed well. You can offer this wonderful health benefit to your family and friends in these upcoming Fall and Winter months -- these techniques and oils can really make a difference in being well.
Author Resource:-
The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs pure essential oils and flower essences in her professional wellness practice.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlelayout.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
