Antiviral Essential Oils

Combatting Colds, Flu and Other Viruses....

Don't you just hate that feeling when you know you are coming down with a cold, a sore throat or even worse the flu!

If you are like me, then you will probably reach for the vitamin C, and maybe some other health supplements.......but it's also worthwhile trying out some antiviral oils as well. Using essential oils helps reduce the ability of viruses to reproduce.

Not only that, but antiviral essential oils also help lift you up emotionally......and this can lead to faster healing!

Most essential oils have some antiviral properties, but some are much better at combatting and treating viruses than others! Try to start using oils as soon as your symptoms start....it's easier to fend off viruses if they are caught early. In fact, using them as a prevention is probably the best course of action!

Don't forget, though, that self-treatment should work alongside and together with professional health care. If symptoms persist always seek medical advice.

So.....how do we know which ones to choose?

Bergamot, cinnamon bark, clary sage, clove, dill, anise, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper , lavender, lemongrass, melissa , neroil, rose, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

Bergamot, lavender and juniper or eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender are both good blends to use for most common viral infections.

Here are some essential oils to ward off or treat specific viral conditions.

• Strengthening and Boosting Your Immune System

  A healthy immune system really helps resist most common viruses.

  Geranium, lavender, lemon, melissa, rose, rosemary, ravenara, tea tree, thyme and eucalyptus radiata are all wonderful for building up your immune system.

  Best applied as an aromatherapy massage, in a bath, diffused in a room or steam inhaled.

• Colds and Flu

  It's much easier to ward off a cold or the flu if you notice it early - start treating yorself as quickly as you can!

  Lemon, cinnamon, marjoram, black pepper, ginger, peppermint, ravensara, oregano, thyme, fennel, basil, clove, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, lavender and frankincense are all beneficial when dealing with cold and flu symptoms.

  Best applied as a rub, in a bath, as hot or cold compresses, diffused in a room or steam inhaled.

• Fevers

  It's fine to treat a mild fever with essential oils, but keep in mind good common sense and seek medical advice when needed.

  Bergamot, black pepper, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus radiata, eucalyptus globulus, ginger, lemon, melissa, ravensara, tea tree, sandalwood, chamomile and rosemary all help in the treatment of mild fevers. Best applied as a cold compress, a rub, diffused in a room or steam inhaled.

  Caution: Do not use body massage when there is a fever involved.

• Respiratory Problems

  Eucalyptus radiata , tea tree, ravensara and hyssop can be helpful here.

  Best applied through aromatherapy massage or used in a room diffuser.

• Cold Sores

  Melissa (also known as Lemon Balm), peppermint, spearmint, and bergamot have been reported to be effective at reducing or helping to stop an outbreak of cold sores.

• Herpes Virus

  Melissa essential oil is reputed to be particularly effective against the herpes virus (HSV). Other antiviral essential oils found effective against the herpes virus include bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree (much used more recently).

Ways to use antiviral esential oils.....

• In a bath.....

  If you feel cold or flu symptoms coming on try this! Blend the following essential oils in a small cup of full-fat milk and then put in a warm bath:
  5 drops bergamot, 3 drops lavender, 3 drops black pepper and 2 drops juniper

  Enjoy a good soak!

  Or, of course, you could create your own bath recipe!

• Aromatherapy massage.....

  Blend up to 10 drops of antiviral oils in 25ml of carrier oil.
  I use a mix lavender, thyme and eucalyptus for the onset of cold symptoms.

• In a room spray.....

  Mix about 7 drops of your chosen antiviral essential oils in a cup of water, and put into a fine spray bottle. Spray your rooms as needed!

• In a diffuser.....

  Again....choose your antiviral oils and burn them with a little water in a diffuser.

• As a steam inhalation.....

  Pour hot water into a bowl and add 3 drops of your chosen essential oil(s). Place your head about 30cm above the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Have the towel draping over your head and the bowl so that it forms a 'tent'. Keep your eyes shut and breathe deeply through your nose for a couple of minutes.

  Caution: Do not use this method if you suffer from asthma.