November 23, 2009
Antiviral Essential Oil Facts – Healing With Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Remedies
Why should you know your antiviral essential oil facts? Using aromatherapy remedies is an excellent way to protect your health naturally.
While there is definitely a time and place for prescription medication, many over the counter and prescription drugs have negative side effects.
Using natural remedies such as aromatherapy can be a good way of preventing some illnesses in the first place. And if you do get sick, they can often help relieve your symptoms and clear up the virus sooner.
Do Antiviral Essential Oils Work?
Published studies show positive results for antiviral activity. Here are two examples:
Respiratory Tract Infections
“Cinnamon and thyme showed the strongest action followed by clove… thyme can be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent for the treatment of some respiratory tract infections in man.”
Drug Resistant Infections
“… rosemary oil may be useful in counteracting gram-positive bacterial, fungal, and drug-resistant infections.”
Doubts about Aromatherapy
While many medical professionals acknowledge that some essential oils improve mood and relaxation, many argue that there is not enough scientific proof of aromatherapy’s effectiveness.
Here’s why: Very few controlled, double-blind studies have been conducted because the results can’t be patented. There’s no profit in it!
Regardless of the lack of scientific studies, there’s a whole world of anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of aromatherapy remedies. Not to mention a history that goes back to ancient times.
Aromatherapy in Mainstream Medicine
In France, healing with aromatherapy is part of mainstream medicine. French doctors use an “Aromatogram” to help them decide which essential oils to use.
First a doctor takes a sample of infected tissue or secretion from the patient. She cultures the sample and divides it into petri dishes. Then she puts a different essential oil into each petri dish to see which oils slow the growth of the virus the most. She prescribes the aromatherapy oils that show the strongest activity against the virus.
What are the Strongest Antiviral Essential Oils?
The effectiveness of an essential oil depends on how its molecular structure interacts with the structure of a particular virus. This means that some essential oils are more effective for certain viruses than others.
That said, ALL aromatherapy oils are most effective when you use them proactively to prevent infection. They increase the body’s immunity to infection, and they also slow the replication of viral cells.
Best Antiviral Essential Oils for the Flu
Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Naiouli, Oregano, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Ravensara, Rose Otto, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree and Thyme
Best Antiviral Essential Oils for Cold Sores (Herpes Virus)
Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Melissa, Peppermint and Tea Tree
How to Use Antiviral Aromatherapy Oils
Disinfecting Surfaces: Put a drop of tea tree and a drop of lavender oil on a damp cloth and use it to wipe down surfaces. Use it to disinfect all the hard surfaces germy hands have touched.
Clearing the Air: Add 5 drops orange, 3 drops cinnamon and 3 drops clove oil to your aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer for a warming antiviral essential oil blend. Or use 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops bergamot and 3 drops eucalyptus for a fresh, invigorating disinfectant blend.
Steam Inhalation: (Excellent for respiratory tract infections.) Boil a quart (liter) or two of water in a pot. Put the pot on a table (remember to protect the table!) and add 1 drop tea tree, 1 drop thyme and 1 drop eucalyptus oil. Use a towel to make a tent over your head and the pot. Stay in the ‘tent’ for 10 to 20 minutes, taking short breaks as needed.
Preventing Infections: Use this massage oil blend morning and night to boost your immune system and weaken attacking viruses. Add 10 drops lavender, 7 drops tea tree, 1 drop geranium, 1 drop palmarosa and 1 drop lemongrass to 4 tablespoons (60ml) carrier oil. Massage into your feet, especially the area above and below the base of your toes (corresponds to the lymph/respiratory meridians.)
Essential Oil Safety
Antiviral essential oils are powerful substances. Please use them properly in dilution, and never internally unless under the direction of a qualified medical aromatherapist.
Disclaimer
This information is obtained from current and reliable sources but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. This information is for information and entertainment purposes only. Nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation as to its fitness for any use.
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