Essential Oils for Immunity
Although diet, sleep and lifestyle make a big difference when it comes to keeping your immune system healthy, essential oils can be a huge support! Find out here which essential oils are the best for keeping your immune system strong. use essential oils for diy cleaning and beauty, hormonal support, detoxing, skin care, overall health and of course to support the immune system.
Aromatherapy is a healing art and science that supports and enhances immunity and mind-body wellness. At its core are the essential oils, which are extracted from different parts of plants and abundant in healing properties. essential oils can support the immune system by soothing anxiety and reducing stress. Consider these examples to help enhance your immunity and strengthen your mental and physical well-being.
- Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil includes the naturally occurring constituents carvacrol and thymol which can support overall health and maintain a healthy immune system. It also be used to enhance the flavor of foods and your favorite savory recipes. This oil is rich in antioxidants and may also help maintain healthy microbial balance.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is produced via steam distillation of the tree’s leaves and twigs. There are multiple varieties of Eucalyptus trees (over 500!), but most popularly, only three different varieties of Eucalyptus essential oils are sold: Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus citriodora. They have their own spin on Eucalyptus benefits: globulus for respiratory / antibacterial effects, radiata for immune system support and deep muscle tissue issues such as strains and sprains, and citriodora for mosquito repellents or fungal infections.
Eucalyptus globulus contains a high percentage of the constituent eucalyptol. Applied topically, it is often used to support the respiratory system and to soothe muscles after exercise.
Eucalyptus Blue is for very cleansing and maintains healthy nasal passageways. It is harvested from Ecuador.
Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is useful for massage after activity, and can be diffused for a stimulating and rejuvenating environment. This oil has a mildly pungent, sweet, and fruity aroma, and includes the naturally occurring constituents 1, 8 cineole and eucalyptol.
- Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil includes the naturally occurring constituents zingiberene and beta-phellandrene which help make it an amazing support for health and wellbeing. It can also be a delicious, spicy addition to many recipes.
One of the most potent compounds in ginger that gives it it’s therapeutic strength is gingerol. Most of the gingerol present in ginger root comes from the oily resin. Since it is completely tapped from the oily resin, ginger essential oil contains a high concentration of gingerol to support the immune system and promote a healthy response to inflammation.
- Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is derived from cold pressing the peel of the lemon rather the the acidic juicy inside. Because of this, it is much less acidic than lemon juice and contains higher concentrations of beneficial compounds and antioxidants.
This incredible oil helps to support the body in regular detoxification processes. Lemon oil also helps maintain a healthy lymphatic system which in turn supports the immune system.
- Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is tapped from the resin of the frankincense tree that is native to areas of the middle east. It includes the naturally occurring constituent boswellic acid, and has a woodsy, warm, balsamic aroma.
It is a wonderfully powerful oil to use topically to support health and the immune system. Applying this oil topically may help smooth the appearance of healthy-looking skin, and is excellent to use for massage after activity.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
With a fresh, crisp aroma, Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) helps maintain healthy microbial balance, supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. This oil includes naturally occurring constituents terpinene-4-ol, gamma terpinene and alpha-terpinene which help to give it is therapeutic properties. Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is among the most versatile oils out there that has antimicrobial properties. It is an effective decongestant and expectorant, and popular in many home remedies. Whether it’s for your immune system, or for treating acne, cold sores, or cough and chest congestion.
- Peppermint Essential Oil
Not only is Peppermint (Mentha piperita) a great oil to support the immune system and respiratory system, but it is also one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for digestion. It promotes healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal system comfort.
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries in Europe and in ancient Japan and China for it’s healthy properties. Mentha piperita. Peppermint is among the most common essential oils. It can be used to help reliev headaches and indigestion. It has detoxifying properties and believed to help reduce sugar cravings.
While it features a pretty strong aroma, it’s pleasant on the airways and soothing on the respiratory system. Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat viral and fungal infections, including cold sore. It is suitable for direct inhalation, steam bowls, diffusion, and diluted topical application.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune system is among the most complex and diverse systems in the body. It is one of the most critical purveyors of our physical wellness. A healthy immune system will be able to help you fight off more serious kinds of illnesses, so it is of your best interest to keep your immune system as strong as you can any time of the year.
Essential oils can beautifully support your immune system by diffusing or spraying them in a room, house cleaning, or apply them directly to the skin. If this is your first time learning about how to use essential oils, here are some interesting ideas to try and get acquainted with these powerful gifts from nature:
APPLY TOPICALLY
If you are feeling under the weather, try applying the following blends on the soles of your feet and cover them with socks. The feet are among the fastest absorbing areas of the body so putting essential oils there will help them get to your blood stream faster!
Other fast absorbing areas include the neck and the area behind the ears. It is also recommended to put essential oils on your chest and throat if you have cough, chest congestion or a clogged nose.
DIFFUSE
One way to kill airborne viruses and bacteria is to diffuse essential oils using a diffuser. This will not only make your home smell like a luxurious hotel room, but also put humidity in the air, relieving dry sinuses and coughs. There are many essential oil diffuser blend recipes out there depending on your desired effect. Here are some diffuser blend recipes to try that promote immunity boosting and healing effects:
When using essential oils, keep the following in mind:
- Low concentrations of essential oils should be used with children, elderly, and pregnant women (less than 2 percent).
- Use essential oils in a well-ventilated area and keep concentrated oils away from children and pets.
- Keep bottles tightly closed to prevent evaporation and oxidation.
- Before using essential oils, test your body’s reaction on a small patch of skin.
- If you are pregnant or under care for a medical condition, consult with your doctor before using essential oils.
- Never ingest oils and never use undiluted oils on the skin.
Remember that aromatherapy can greatly benefit your health, but is not a cure for ailments. It’s a complementary treatment used to help alleviate symptoms.
Aromatherapy is not meant to replace a diagnosis or treatment by a physician.
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