4 Essential Oils to Help Support Your Immune System
Schools are out indefinitely, the government is asking us to stay indoors, and some state leaders have even implemented a curfew. With all the different media coverage of the Coronavirus, I can feel the stress of the community. As the Coronavirus spreads, I hear more and more on how to reduce contact, and what to do if you are exposed, but not much on how to boost our immunity. When we are under a great amount of stress, our immune systems can begin to weaken, making us easy targets of contracting the virus.
I wanted to educate and empower the community on a holistic and easy approach to immune system support through aromatherapy!
For some reason the stores are sold out of tissue and can goods, but the fresh produce and vitamins are still in stock. Not only should we be washing our hands and practicing social distancing, but we should also be building up our immune system. There are many ways to help build the immune system, you can exercise regularly, take vitamins, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and use aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and wellness both physically and emotionally. These plant extracts are commonly known as essential oils. Essential oils contain the essence of a plant’s fragrance, it is obtained through distillation or other methods such as cold pressing.
1. Lemmon Essential Oil- First on the list, is trusty zesty lemon. Lemon is naturally an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying agent. It is also a powerful antioxidant which can be valuable to the immune system. Additionally, it’s a mood boosting oil, aiding in you feeling emotionally refreshed and renewed, very important for people that are stuck in the house which can be a very stressful time. Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and wipe your surfaces down.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil- Tea tree can wear many hats; it is essential to any oil pack. (see what I did there) This powerful oil is great for treating acne, a great natural hand sanitizer (just in case a pandemic breaks out and stores are shutdown), and amazing in supporting the immune system. Tea tree oil contains properties that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi. Add a few drops to your diffuser or humidifier.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil- Of course old faithful eucalyptus made this list, (I can smell it right now). Eucalyptus like tea tree wear many hats, however you must make sure you grab the right one since there are over 300 varieties, Eucalyptus Radiata will be our go to for immune system support. This oil has many benefits for immune system support, because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Drop a few into the shower before entering and thank me later.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil- Peppermint is incredibly versatile, it can help with headaches, aid in protecting the body from colds, and boost your mood. Peppermint is also beneficial to the immune system because of it’s antibacterial and antifungal properties. Put a few drops in a spray bottle or diffuser for a rich rising.
There are a wide variety of essential oils that support the immune system directly and indirectly. These essential oils can be used with a carrier oils such as (almond, grapeseed, jojoba), together with water, by itself or together as a blend. Please use caution and further research to figure out which of these oils work best for you.
Quick blending tip to help boost your immune system and reduce your anxiety, using a diffuser or a pot of boiling water, stovetop.
4 drops of Peppermint
4 drops of Lavender
4 drops of Tea Tree