Anti-viral essential oils have been proven effective in treating a variety illnesses. Aromatherapists often recommend the use of essential oils to strengthen the immune system and prevent illness. Used properly, essential oils may help you stay healthy, too.
Effectiveness of Anti-Viral Oils
Essential Oils for Respiratory Infections
A proven use for anti-viral essential oil is in the treatment of some upper respiratory infections. One study tested the effectiveness of 13 essential oils in the treatment of several types of respiratory viruses. It was concluded that cinnamon, thyme and clove were effective antimicrobials that are useful in treating these various infections.
Another study conducted in Italy found that eucalyptus oil was effective in treating various respiratory viruses and bacteria including strains of influenza, Streptococcus and pneumonia.
Treating Infection
There is also evidence that anti-viral oils are helpful in treating infection that modern drugs can't heal. A study conducted at the Central Institute of Nedical and Aromatic Plants in Lucknow, India discovered that rosemary oil was helpful in the treatment of drug-resistant mutations of E. coli, Candida albicans and Mycobacterium smegmatis.
Another study conducted in China found that rosemary, as well as clove oils were effective in treating the same infections.
Herpes
Even herpes has been found to be vulnerable to anti-viral essential oils. One German study found peppermint oil was very effective in treating herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. They stated that, applied topically, peppermint oil may be suitable as a virucidal agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes infections.
Another German study concluded that tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil both showed promise in the treatment of herpes simplex virus due to their antiviral effect.
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) was also found to be an effective topical treatment for the herpes virus in another German study.
Essential Oil Safety
With so much scientific evidence, you may be anxious to start using essential oil for yourself. before you do, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all fragrant oils are essential oils. Be sure that the oils you purchase are truly pure essential oils and not simply scented oils used to decorate the home. The word "aromatherapy" does not denote that a product is a pure oil.
Second, essential oils are very potent so more doesn't mean better. Using too much can actually do more hard than good. Some oils can cause skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Always dilute essential oils before applying them topically and only use them as directed by a skilled aromatherapist.
Lastly, never take essential oils internally. The safest way to use essential oils is topically (diluted) or with an oil diffuser for inhalation. Other ways to use essential oils is by using them in a therapeutic bath, a compress, mixed into candles or mixed into massage oil.
Using Essential Oils
When using essential oil in a diffuser, it is typical to add 10 drops of oil to the diffuser. If you opt to combine oils, make sure your total of both oils is no more than 10 drops. Inhaling diffused oils for 15 minutes every two hours is generally considered safe, but you should ask a professional for guidance.
When used topically, essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritations. Carrier oils are normally vegetable oils such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. A safe dilution is 7 to 14 drops of essential oil to one once of carrier oil.
Types of Anti-Viral Essential Oils
There are many essential oils with anti-viral properties. Here are a few commonly used oils:
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Eucalyptus
- Thyme
- Clove
- Oregano
There are several excellent sources for top quality essential oils. A top brand of tea tree oil, for example, is Thursday Plantation from Australia. Their products can be found in stores worldwide. Another resource of high quality essential oils is Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon. Young Living Essential Oils carries a wide rage of essential oils as well as diffusers and other healthy living products.
Try Essential Oils
If you want to boost your immune system as well as your spirits, give essential oils a try. Anti-viral oils can help you stay healthy and fight viral infections. Always consult with a professional before using essential oils and only use them as directed. If you are taking medications, be sure to discuss using essential oils with your doctor. Once you experience the healing benefits of essential oils, you will want to incorporate these oils into your life regularly.
