Essential Oils for Immunity

Essential oils are some of the most powerful antimicrobials known today, and as such they are very important in fighting many types of infectious disease. You don’t have to wait until you are sick to take advantage of their healing benefits. I increase the use of essential oils with strong antimicrobial properties during the cold and flu season, and during the summer I use oils known for their insect repellent properties.

Powerful Antimicrobials

Many studies have been conducted to prove the powerful antimicrobial effects of the essential oils. For example, in 2001, one of the most comprehensive studies was conducted to prove the killing power of 67 essential oils against various bacteria, yeast, viruses, and mold.

The tests were performed at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, together with Sue Chao and her colleagues. Clove, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, mountain savory, and peppermint proved to have the strongest antimicrobial actions. Many other studies have confirmed these findings.

Tea tree, pine, patchouli, lavender, cajuput, and black pepper are other oils with antimicrobial properties.


Immune Stimulants

Immune stimulants can strengthen the immune system by directly inhibiting the micro-organisms, or by stimulating the immune system. The essential oils of cajuput, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, tea tree and thyme are considered immune stimulants. Dr. Jan Valnet, M.D, lists eucalyptus, garlic, sandalwood, cinnamon, lavender, German Chamomile and peppermint as being very useful.

Get rid of the toxins

Essential oils also have depurative (cleansing) properties that eliminate waste material and toxins. Germs don’t attack healthy tissues, so it is important to keep the internal environment clean. Angelica root, carrot seed, cypress, grapefruit, juniper berry, lemon, and rosemary have depurative properties.

Things you can do to incorporate antimicrobial and immune stimulant essential oils into your life:

• Make a room spritzer and purify the air to eliminate germs
• Make your own perfume
• Diffuse oils in your diffuser
• Use the essential oils for cleaning
• Sniff straight from the bottle
• Add essential oils to the Vita Flex points
• Add essential oils to lotion, liquid soap, or shampoo (make sure they don’t cause skin sensitivity)
• Add a few drops to dishwashing soap
• Put a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale
• If the oil is not contraindicated, mix with bath salts and take a healing bath
• Add a few drops on a cotton ball or cloth and tuck inside the pillowcase.

So, start experimenting with essential oils and take advantage of the many therapeutic properties they have. Make them part of your health building program before you really need them.

You don't need to invest in many oils to get started, but make sure they are of high quality so they possess the therapeutic properties you need.  Quality is very important since many companies dilute their oils with synthetic substances to cut cost. This can cause harm and change the therapeutic effect of an oil.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and  she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
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This is linked to:
Monday Mania, Fat Tuesday , Healthy 2day Wednesday, Small FootPrint Fridays, Wildcrafting Wednesday