What Essential Oils Can Fight Viruses
By Cal Orey
Forget
risky drugs or waiting for a vaccine and use one of these nature’s pharmacy potions
for immune health instead.
People have been using essential oils to help beat flu and
plagues for centuries. Top health doctors know certain essential oils contain
antiviral and antibacterial components for bolstering immunity against germs.
In the twenty-first century, viruses and bacterial
infections are contracted wherever you go, be it at the workplace, store,
airplane, or even your home with family and friends. Essential oils and their
protective compounds may help guard you from catching a virus or flu—deadly
even in a present-day pandemic as we live with a novel virus spreading around
the globe.
As we learn more about Covid-19, a new respiratory virus—coronavirus--and
other viruses and the flu (common in the fall and winter) we are not powerless.
Nobody is immune. But it doesn't take a virologist to figure out that if you bolster
your immune system, your body will be in better shape to ward off a virus and fight
the symptoms of getting sick and if you do fall ill you may get well faster.
Here are essential oils that you can use to stave off
viruses as part of your anti-virus arsenal to stay well.
5 Oils to Bolster Your Immune System
#1
Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is one of the best essential oils to keep the flu at
because it apparently boosts your immune system. Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, founder
of the Pacific Aromatherapy Institute points out that “the most effective
essential oils for viral infections are those with sizable contents of cineole,
mono terpene alcohol, and mono terpene hydrocarbons.” He adds, “These types of
components form an effective antiviral synergy.”
What
Scent-sational Rx to Use: Mix 6 drops of eucalyptus oil into a large pot of hot
water. Cover your head with a lightweight towel and inhale the steam for a few
minutes.
Why
You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Research shows that eucalyptus oil may be helpful because
of its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Bronchitis, which is a viral
health ailment that can be contagious, too, can be made less severe and
recovery may be quicker than if one inhales eucalyptus oil.
#2 Lavender.
During the fall and winter months when the temperature drops and we’re indoors
more and closer to people, colds are common. But the right essential oil can
help bolster your immunity and keep a miserable cold at bay!
What Scent-sational Rx to Use:
Take a lavender-scented bath. Mix 3 drops of essential lavender oil with ¼ cup
of jojoba or almond oil. Put the concoction into a tub filled with water.
Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine:
Lavender is a calming bacteria-fighting essential oil. Its anti-inflammatory
compounds can help to keep you safeguarded against germs found on surfaces and
the environment.
#3 Rosemary.
When you have that irritating tickle in your throat and need to cough, well,
its’ irritating. Hacking can hurt, too!
What Scent-sational Rx to Use: Combine
4 drops of rosemary essential oil into a diffuser or vaporizer. Or simply put
the oil onto a handkerchief and take a whiff or two.
Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine:
Rosemary can be an aid to lessen the need to cough with due credit to a
compound called 1,8-cinole. It may calm the muscles in the respiratory system,
preventing coughing.
#4 Lemon.
Ouch! A sore throat is an unwelcome irritation of scratch pain when you talk
and swallow. It can be a sign that you may be coming down with a cold or flu. (Refer
to #1.) Or it could be caused by seasonal allergies or even talking too much.
What Scent-sational Rx to Use:
Try putting 1 drop of lemon oil in 8 ounces of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon raw
honey for taste. Repeat twice daily.
Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine:
The oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This popular oil
also may trigger saliva, which can keep the throat hydrated. Use the magical
cure--you’ll be chatting soon!
#5 Sage. The primary
compounds include the main antibacterial compounds, including a-pinene,
camphor, b-pinene, nyrcene, and limonene—which may help lessen the risk of
developing inflammation, and even protect again microbes.
What Scent-sational Rx to Use:
Make a spray or lotion including sage oil isn’t a bad idea. Note to self: Bring
a sage spray before entering hotel rooms when traveling, and at home after
being around people.
Why You’ll Feel Essentially Fine: Sage
oil is a versatile essential oil. It can be used in a vaporizer to zap germs
and fight viruses. You can use it diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil.
Sage is also a culinary oil—which means diluted you can use it (1 toothpick
drop) in a soup or fish dish with garlic, another germ warrior.
The bottom line: The essential oil
cure may be the cure-all for you. Plus, taking care of you during uncertain
times – can provide more health benefits and keep your immune system healthy.
8 Anti-Virus Warrior Tips to
Fight Against Germs
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking water, herbal teas, and vitamin C-rich liquids can flush out any toxins that you accumulate.
2. Wash your hands often to keep germs away.
3. Eat right. Plant-based foods contain carotenoids and
flavonoids that have antiviral and antibacterial activity. So eating nutritious
produce daily will help keep your immune system strong.
4. Forego sugar. Sugar can interfere with the proper
functioning of the immune system.
5. Take vitamin C and D or get it in fortified foods like
cereal, juice, or milk. Most of the research says that it improves the immune
system.
6. Zinc yourself well. Zinc is a potent virus-fighter that
can cut the time you spend in misery.
7. Exercise, exercise, exercise. It lowers stress levels
and ups better sleep to allow the immune to get revitalized." pointed out
the health practitioner that taught me well.
8. Chill out. By keeping your stress levels down, sleep
better and you can keep your immune system up and healthy.
Cal Orey, M.A. Is an
author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar,
Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs
and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the
Good Cook Book Club.) For more information, htp://www.calorey.com
