Research into the medicinal actions of essential oils has consistently emphasized a few particular benefits. Some of the most important, and most clearly effective, are the uses for oils to prevent and treat infectious illness. No need to wait and catch a cold to see if aromatherapy will work for you! Using a few oils consistently throughout the cooler months can keep you and your family healthy throughout the season. Sometimes we make a big deal about aromatherapy not just being about inhalation of essential oils -- but in the case of immune system boosting and protection from viral illnesses, inhalation is the way to go. The most common way to catch a cold will be from inhaling microbes in the air. One feature of inhaling essential oils is they actually offer protection to the cells lining our sinuses, bronchial tubes and lungs. Secondarily, they course through your bloodstream and signal your immune system to be on alert. Research using melissa and other oils for the treatment of herpes infections has shown that pre-treating cells with essential oils significantly limits viral replication in that cell. Essentially, that cell does not become infected, or spread infection, as it otherwise would. And there's nothing special about the herpes virus, it's simply easy to study. Other combinations of oils, directly targeting viruses which cause influenza for example, can have the same effect. This is our first line of defense. After essential oils are inhaled, they enter our bloodstream in small but measurable amounts. Research has shown inhalation of eucalyptus to cause cells of our immune system to work harder at attacking and eliminating foreign invaders. Concurrently, the oil reduces inflammation in our respiratory system, an effect that directly counters the result of viral infection. There's also a huge body of data showing that oils can destroy bacteria and viruses. Research using lemongrass and geranium diffused in the air in a closed room showed an incredible reduction in the overall bacterial count. The same study indicated bacteria on surfaces were eliminated as well. Certainly this same action is going on within our bodies as well, particularly as we know essential oils show up in the bloodstream after inhalation. The easiest way to support immunity with oils is to carry a small vial of an antimicrobial oil (or blend) with you and inhale from it a few times per day. It has been shown that blue gum eucalyptus oil alone can boost immune function -- though its anti-microbial properties are not so strong. For a blend with a more complete action, use equal parts of eucalyptus, laurel leaf (potentially the most antiviral oil for protection from respiratory ailments) and tea tree -- maybe with a few drops of melissa in there for good measure. Stepping up to more complete protection, using a method that will more easily protect your whole family, look into a nebulizing diffuser. Look for one that makes a mist of just the oil, without mixing it with water (as "ultrasonic" diffusers do). You can purchase a programmable appliance timer to work with the diffuser, and set it so that it runs for five to seven minutes every hour. This is generally the most conservative and effective way to use your oils -- though you can simply set it on the very lowest output and let it run continually. Consider you can topically apply these oils as well. Make a ten percent dilution in any carrier oil and massage small amounts daily into the lymph areas of your neck, as well as the tops and bottoms of the balls of your feet. Reduce the concentration accordingly for children (the younger the more dilute) -- these oils are not "hot", and will be safe for use. So if you're wanting to not catch anyone's cold this winter, and perhaps even prevent your entire family -- school kids and all -- from doing the same, get yourself set up with antiviral essential oils and a diffuser. Won't it be a much nicer Fall and Winter with everyone staying happy and healthy!
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Essential oils have potent antibacterial, antiviral and immune-stimulating effects. Here's how to use them to prevent illness in this upcoming cold and flu season.
The author the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy in Boulder, Colorado, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oils through the website.
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