Just when Spring seemed to be standing in the wings, Winter rears its head.  I have noticed that many people seem to have been hit by some form of the ‘flu’ bug lately, or at least in my neck of the woods.  As with anything ‘prevention is always better than cure’ so it is a good idea to have anti-viral oils around us to make sure that we don’t have to share their fate.  I know that I blogged about something similar in October 2010 but considering the number of people I have heard of lately who have come down with something I thought it time to post on this again.

It seems that many people’s immune systems are weaker right now and the bugs are able to get through that much easier.  So whether or not you have been ‘hit with the bug’ boosting your immune system is something we should all consider doing right now.  Adding immune boosting oils to our daily routine, in the bath, or in a body oil, or in a diffuser or personal inhaler are all ways in which we can help to protect ourselves and if we do fall ‘victim’ they will help us rebound faster.

Oils that can help to boost the immune system and help fight off these viruses include Eucalyptus; Niaouli; Manuka; Myrtle; Oregano; Ravintsara.  Add to this oils like Lemon and Ginger and you have the beginnings of a great blend.

From the Aromatherapy Database – © Bob Harris
New results and interpretations of 268 clinical tests using an Aromatogramme.
Valnet J, Duraffourd C, Duraffourd P, Lapraz J, 1978, Plantes Medicinales et Phytotherapie, 12 (1): 43-52, French
In this report, microorganisms were isolated from 268 clinical cases of infection and tested in vitro against various essential oils. The diameters of the zones of inhibition produced by the essential oils were found and plotted against the essential oils on a graph, resulting in an aromatic profile of infection. Organisms included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The best overall results were obtained from origanum (88.43% effectiveness), cinnamon (85.82%), thyme (75.37%), savory (75.16%), clove (56.34%), lavender (49.62%), cajeput (45.89%), pine (43.65%), geranium (29.85%) and myrtle (30.59%). Essential oils were found to be 1.48 times more effective than antibiotics in vitro. It was shown that for antibiotics to be active in vivo, they had to reach tissue concentrations equal or superior to their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in vitro. However, in vivo, essential oils were able to cure patients with acute and chronic infections using concentrations in the body which were insufficient to kill the organism in the laboratory (e.g. an in vitro MIC of 0.00025 g/ml as opposed to an in vivo concentration of 0.0000032 g/ml). Botanical sources of the essential oils were not mentioned.

I think that essential oils are wonderful – they are a really aid to helping to keep us healthy and they are enjoyable to be around as well.

I’m off to make up my own blend and I’m leaning towards using Lemon, Manuka and Myrtle.  What will you put in your blend?