Essential Oils and the Immune System
The immune system is the bodies frontline defence against toxins, viruses and bacteria. We believe the best approach to staying healthy and strong is to support the immune system naturally with good food, adequate sleep, reducing stress, exercise and laughter.
We can also support the immune system with herbal medicine (teas & tinctures), supplements (Vit C, Vit D, Zinc etc) along with essential oils.
Here are our top essential oils for supporting the body's natural defences-
Lemon Essential Oil is top of the list, this oil is antiseptic, antiviral and an immune stimulant. Lemon is one of the best oils to diffuse around the house to kill airborne germs. It's also very refreshing, cleansing and is a great oil to add to your cleaning products and laundry.Tea Tree Essential Oil is an antiseptic, antiviral and stimulates the immune system. This oil is a powerhouse as it has been proven to have an effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree oil can help to reduce fever as it promotes sweating. A brilliant oil to add to your floor wash bucket.
Lavender Essential Oil is an antiseptic, antiviral and decongestant oil. This is the safest choice for sick children; it helps clear and relax the airways and is a sedative promoting sleep. It will also help to reduce fever and relieve pain. Lavender's scent is comforting and soothing and this oil is a must in your kit. Diluted and massaged on the chest, back and feet is very effective when sick.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil is antiviral and antiseptic. It is also a decongestant and expectorant so is one of the best choices for any cold, cough or flu that has blocked sinuses along with it. An inhalation of eucalyptus will clear the airways and calm down coughing very quickly. It is a very strong oil - it is only recommended for big kids and adults as it can slow down respiration and cause laboured breathing in babies and young children.
Manuka Essential Oil is an antiviral, expectorant and immune stimulant oil. It is beneficial for all types of respiratory tract infections and can be used to relieve coughs, colds and flu. It is also an anti-spasmodic and sedative so it is perfect for calming down irritable coughs and helping with sleep. Manuka is one of the best oils to use in a steam inhalation to soothe and clear the airways.
You can also check out our expertly blended essential oil blends formulated by our in-house qualified aromatherapist - Breathe Easy, Four Thieves and Winter Essential Oil Blend.
Ways to use essential oils
Diffusion- Diffusing these oils with help to keep the air clear of germs and aid respiratory support, it will also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Depending on the size of the room, use 5 to 10 drops of essential oil straight into the water in the diffuser. Make sure there is adequate ventilation and don’t use the diffuser for more than an hour at a time, regular breaks ensure there is no risk of over exposure to the oils.
Topical application -Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil and applying to the skin. Carrier oils like almond, jojoba and fractionated coconut are great. This is a lovely way to use the oils, use for a massage or apply to the chest back and feet when sick. Please refer to our dilution chart for the correct number of drops to use.
Roller blends – Making an essential oil roller is a fantastic way to utilise the oils. You only need make 10mls at a time and can carry the roller with you in your bag. Rollers are great for kids to as they are easy to apply with no spillage. Simply add 10drops- (child) 20 drops- (adult) of Essential Oil in total into 10mls of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. The blend can be applied to the wrists, temples, back of the neck, chest and inhaled throughout the day.
Roller Recipes for Winter - All recipes are for 10mls of Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Children
3 drops Manuka Essential Oil, 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 3 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Adults
6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 6 dropsLemon Essential Oil
4 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil, 6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 10 drops Manuka Essential Oil
6 drops Manuka Essential Oil, 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 8 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Diffuser Recipes
Day time - 3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 3 drops Lemon Essential Oil, 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Night time - 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 3 drops Manuka Essential Oil
How to do an inhalation
You will need a small bowl, towel and your chosen essential oil. Boil the jug then let it sit for 5 mins. Fill up your bowl with the water from the jug. Sit down at a table and place your head over the bowl with the towel over the top of your head so no steam can escape. Drop 2 drops of either Manuka, Lavender or Lemon Essential into the bowl. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly through your nose, stay under there for 5 mins if you can. If it gets to hot just lift the towel a little to release some heat. You can do this twice a day.
