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Using Essential Oils for Natural Immune System Support

By: Misty Rae Cech, ND

While much emphasis has been placed on the mood-elevating, anti-depressant effects of essential oils, the medical aromatherapy literature repeatedly states that the most promising use of natural aromatic oils is in treating infectious illness and supporting immune system function. Many guides are available for detailed instructions for using essential oils in this way - here we'll offer a primer on using aromatherapy to bolster your own immune response and supporting your body through the cold and flu season.

For a brief review, essential oils are the pure aromatic compounds naturally extracted from herbs, trees, roots and flowers. They are the chemicals that give plants their smell; the luscious aroma of Jasmine or the sharp scent of Wintergreen. Plants make these chemicals as defense from invaders such as bacteria, fungus, viruses and insects. Each plant's oil has a unique composition, hence there are thousands of variations of essential oils, each with it's own chemical profile. Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are easily absorbed into the human body, passing through cell membranes, then further on into the bloodstream. Essential oils can protect us from microbes and viruses in different ways: by clearing the air around us naturally, by fortifying our immune system, and by destroying microbial invaders once in our bodies.

For starters, lets look at keeping the air and our environment pure and healthy. A cold-air nebulizing diffuser works best for this, as it creates a fine mist of essential oils which disperse throughout your living or work space. Diffusing essential oils into your environment provides three primary benefits: First, the oils are directly eliminating microbes in the air, thus reducing the concentration of live pathogens you may be inhaling or touching at any time and reducing the load on your immune system. Second, most essential oils, and particularly the strong anti-microbial ones, have an uplifting effect on the psyche and a sharpening effect on the mind. Your space will smell nicer, and generally will be more pleasant to be in. This can be very pronounced in certain workspaces where the air can be heavy. Lastly, in many cases, essential oils will actually fortify your own immune system to prevent you from catching an illness in the first place - some studies have shown mammalian cells having increased resistance to microbial invaders after exposure to essential oils. Many single oils can be used for this - Eucalyptus Radiata or Eucalyptus Globulus are excellent all-around choices, as is Ravensara, and the oil of Rosemary of the Cineol chemotype. A popular oil blend can be made using 3 parts clove bud oil, 5 parts lemon oil, 1 and a half parts Eucalyptus Radiata, 1 and a half parts Rosemary Cineol and 2 parts Cinnamon Bark oil. Diffuse these oils to your heart's content - it's a wonderful combination!

The next step is strengthening your body's own immune defense. Aromatherapy oils have been noted to prevent viruses from actually penetrating our cell walls, keeping bacterial levels in check, and cleansing toxins from our bodies. Two very important immune boosting oils are Niaouli and Bay Laurel leaf. Niaouli is a powerful overall fortifier of the immune system; apply 10-20 drops over the body immediately after a shower for best absorption. This is particularly recommended during the 'cold and flu season' to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms. Laurel is of particular support to the lymph system; a few drops can be applied to the nodes at the neck for relief of swollen glands in many cases. Using a few drops on the solar plexus in the same manner as Niaouli described above once or twice a week will also provide general immune system support. These methods in combination may provide significant protection when you're feeling susceptible to illness, or those around you are getting ill and you'd be more than happy to avoid it!

While prevention is the best medicine, some relief can be had if you've already contracted a cold or flu. At the very first signs, application of ten to twenty drops to the skin of both Eucalyptus Radiata and Laurel to the skin after shower. Eucalyptus can be applied to the chest and back; Laurel can be applied directly to the lymph nodes of the neck. Orally ingesting one drop of Bay Laurel once or twice a day at the first sign of sore throat is also indicated (be sure of the quality of your essential oil source!); this may have a dramatic effect reducing further symptoms. Green Myrtle, with it's medicinal actions but sweeter aroma, can be used in cases of bronchial infection where Eucalyptus may be found to strong. Ravensara used in the same manner is called for in cases of colds and flu - it can be a stronger antiviral than the above mentioned oils, and has a pleasing aroma. If the skin is sensitive to these oils, they can be diluted down to 5% in a carrier oil, or inhaled directly from a nebulizer. As with all aromatherapy use, listen to what your body is telling you. If an oil seems offensive, don't use it! This is your natural indicator that you may be sensitive to the oil, or it's simply not the right one for your condition. And of course, consult a health professional if your symptoms continue to worsen.

In general, Eucalyptus Radiata and Globulus, Green Myrtle and Ravensara can be applied to the skin (dilute if any sensitivity is suspected) or used with a diffuser or inhaler to loosen mucus and support the body's cleansing process. Rosemary Verbenone is indicated for sinusitis and bronchitis - The medical aromatherapy literature indicates this may be inhaled, applied topically in small amounts, or even ingested (with great caution) one drop two or three times daily. Also, one drop of Bay Laurel can be taken internally at the onset of a sore throat, as it directly supports the lymph system in the area.

When selecting natural medicines within your own self-treatment program, do as much research and gather as much professional advice as possible to precisely apply these botanicals. A 'shotgun' approach will not likely have as dramatic an effect, and can be dangerous with improper use of certain varieties of essential oils. There are several books available for the aromatherapy practitioner with protocols translated from the European aromatherapy literature, and the number of naturopathic doctors with such knowledge is growing. With the right knowledge, using therapeutic grade essential oils to support your immune system and overall health can be very rewarding, and even fun!

Article Source: http://www.topicinfo.com

Find out more about aromatherapy and buy essential oils online through www.anandaapothecary.com.

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