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The body of scientific evidence regarding the potency of plant medicines against a great variety of viruses is growing. And with the concern of viral illness in the headlines, now is the time to investigate all the ways you can protect your health and the health of your family. Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties in laboratory research across the globe. More and more people are turning to the vast healing potential of these plant medicines, realizing the great potency they have, along with the balance of our natural environment that is supported through their use. These essential oils are readily available at health food stores -- though the most consistent high grade therapeutic quality may be from internet sources. Using essential oils for immune system support is a tried-and-true application of these powerful natural medicines. In fact, most medical aromatherapists consider the most important use of essential oils in medical applications will be for the prevention and treatment of infectious illness (see Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's 'Medical Aromatherapy'). Research Is In: The Anti-Viral and Immune-Supportive Activity of Essential Oils For the treatment and prevention of infectious illness, essential oils are used for two purposes: the general strengthening of the immune system and the direct eradication of viruses. A great many peer-reviewed research papers have been produced showing the efficacy of essential oils for both purposes. Using the database of the National Institute of Health (www.pubmed.gov) one can review the data by searching for terms such as 'essential oil virus' (currently producing 93 results) or 'essential oil immune' (producing 143 results) and the like. Essential oils have been shown to actually increase the power of lymphocytes (the immune system's troops, so to speak), making them better able to eliminate foreign invaders in the body (viruses, bacteria, and the like). Oils can also increase the speed at which the immune system produces antibodies to eliminate an infection. The direct eradication of viruses is also a feature many essential oils display, in addition to their immune-stimulating effects. This makes complete sense to practitioners of plant medicine, as plants themselves also must defend from viral infections. While the transmission methods these viruses use are different, their primary structure is not all that different from viruses infecting mammals. Essential oils have been shown to destroy the SARS virus, and prevent the cell-to-cell transmission of the Herpes Simplex variants. These same oils should also be effective at eradicating other 'pandemic' viruses we're facing today. And not only do these oils eradicate viruses, but also demonstrate protective effects such that cells acquire resistance to viral penetration. For these effects, essential oils can be used topically (diluted in 'base' or 'carrier' oils) or even better, they can be dispersed in the air in your home or office by a nebulizing diffuser (we'll explain this more toward the end of this article). Choosing the Right Oils for the Strongest Immunity When evaluating oils for your own formulas, it is important to take both actions into consideration -- that of enhancing immune system action AND eradication of any viral agents in which one may come in contact with. Some oils are known to do both: Research presented in the April 2006 issue of Phytotherapy Research indicated Frankincense can be a potent anti-viral. It is also considered by some highly-trained aromatherapists to be the most potent immunostimulant essential oil. Melissa essential oil may have similar activity (these two oils are among the most revered oils for their multiple positive health effects). Other oils are know anti-anxiety agents, which again has a downstream result on a stronger immune system: these include Lavender, Bergamot and Sandalwood oils. Still other oils are thought to help with detoxification, further lessening the burden on the immune system: Rosemary, Fennel and Carrot Seed are important oils in this respect. Using several oils in combination, creating a well rounded blend to address multiple factors of immune response will likely produce the most effective formula. Think about where you might need the most support -- if you're immunity is strong, perhaps only the virus-eradicating oils are necessary. If you're under a lot of stress, it's important to include oils that address this issue, while both boosting immunity and eradicating viral invaders. Melissa Essential Oil: Potent Immune System Medicine Melissa, a member of the Lamiaceae family also known as Lemon Balm, has been shown particularly efficacious against the herpes simplex virus. The oil has also been shown to have significant antidepressant effects, and can positively modulate the action of the immune system. While somewhat costly, as the plant itself yields a very small amount of essential oil, its potency is considered exceptionally high. Even small amounts within your formula can provide important protection. Melissa is noted specifically by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in 'Advanced Aromatherapy' to work in very low dilutions; Dr. Schnaubelt believes the oil's effects will still be strong when used at one part per hundred in topical recipes. Rosalina and Tea Tree: High Power Australian Oils Tea Tree, because we've all been using for so long, slips our mind when considering oils for more 'serious' applications. The naturally occurring terpines in Tea Tree are among the most potent anti-viral constituents found in essential oils. Yet not all of us are very fond of Tea Tree's aroma; what's important to know that Tea Tree actually has a wonderful 'nutmeggy' aroma when it's fresh - and Tea Tree happens to be one of the essential oils that is better tolerated when it's fresh (if the smell is unpleasant, it's likely old or not of good quality). The research backing the antiviral action is probably more comprehensive than any other essential oil. While aromatherapists do not consider Tea Tree the first line of defense for influenza, it could certainly be a helpful component in blends with other appropriate oils for this purpose. Also in the Melaluca family is Rosalina, or 'Lavender Tea Tree'. This relatively new oil seems to have an exceptional balance of properties, acting as both an anti-stress agent and a potent antimicrobial. Some therapists consider this oil may be the better choice for anti-viral protection. Further Oils Specific for Anti-Viral Activity Case studies by professional aromatherapists have been presented where oils have been matched to the symptoms of the viral infection. Oils from plants of the Myrtaceae family (Eucalyptus Radiata, Tea Tree and Ravensara) have helped in cases of respiratory tract infections. For the lower respiratory tract, Hyssop decumbens has been successfully used. Bay Laurel essential oil has been specifically noted for its ability to destroy the virus causing SARS. All these oils are excellent in combination: Eucalyptus Radiata, Ravensara aromatica, Tea Tree, Hyssop and Bay Laurel would make an absolutely wonderful, highly-potent blend for diffusion. Additional oils from the herbs of Oregano and Thyme could be added if the formula were to be used topically (Note: these oils are so strong as to possibly cause irritation of the mucus membranes if inhaled in significant quantities. They are best used along with carrier oils on the reflex points of the feet associated with the respiratory system: the bottom of the foot from the ball to the pinky toe, and directly above this on the top of the foot). Creating Your Formula (or finding one and using it!) Making your own formulas for home use, whether in a diffuser or for topical application is exceptionally easy to do. Don't be wary of mixing your own - once you do it, you'll find it fun and educating, likely even giving you more personal ownership and understanding of the use of oils. Diffusing the oils in your environment is considered by some practitioners is considered by some therapists to be THE MOST EFFECTIVE way to use their protective effects. For this use, an example formula may be equal parts of Bay Laurel, Eucalyptus Radiata, Tea Tree, Hyssop decumbens, and Ravensara. If you find any of the aromas overwhelming, just reduce the portion of the blend of that oil. So you could just pipette 1 milliliter of each oil into a separate bottle, then use this formula in a nebulizing diffuser. The same formula can be mixed for topical application by blending 1 part of this recipe into 9 parts of a carrier oil (such as gently melted virgin Coconut oil - which is considered to have antiviral properties itself) and used as a daily foot massage. Melissa oil can be included if you wish to enhance the formula. Rubbing this blend into the areas of the body where the lymph nodes are close to the surface is also recommended: the sternum, armpits and neck are receptive areas. If you choose to use the blend in a diffuser, remember that the carrier oil should then NOT be used (it will not evaporate properly!). These same essential oils can be made into a spray by diluting them in spring water at a 1 to 10 ratio. Simply add the oils to a small spray bottle with the water and shake vigorously. This is an excellent way to treat yourself and your family when traveling! Do, of course keep this blend away from the eyes and out of the reach of children. The formulas should be further diluted if they are to be used with young ones (dilute half again in water or carrier oil); there are a number of fine texts available describing essential oil use with kids -- be sure to understand all precautions by consulting these manuals or discussing the use of essential oils with a knowledgeable practitioner. Essential Oils are the Foundation of Aroma-Medicine: Use Them! The essential oils mentioned here are readily available, safe and easy to use. Their efficacy as anti-viral agents has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and should not be considered ineffective if one doesn't believe in the more 'new age' aspects of aromatherapy. Essential oils are simply the carefully distilled, highly concentrated 'volatile' components of plants -- and it is these same components the plants use to defend themselves from viral infection. They have long been used in Europe for just such purposes; it used to be in France that one would get an essential oil blend prescription from their doctor that was then filled at a special dispensary. The oils are not meant to replace other effectively means of preventing the spread and contraction of viral illnesses, but to complement them -- as many therapists believe this may be the best use of essential oils in the medical arena, why not make use of them! Essential Oils are the Foundation of Aroma-Medicine: Use Them! The essential oils mentioned here are readily available, safe and easy to use. Their efficacy as anti-viral agents has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and should not be considered ineffective if one doesn't believe in the more 'new age' aspects of aromatherapy. Essential oils are simply the carefully distilled, highly concentrated 'volatile' components of plants -- and it is these same components the plants use to defend themselves from viral infection. They have long been used in Europe for just such purposes; it used to be in France that one would get an essential oil blend prescription from their doctor that was then filled at a special dispensary. The oils are not meant to replace other effectively means of preventing the spread and contraction of viral illnesses, but to complement them -- as many therapists believe this may be the best use of essential oils in the medical arena, why not make use of them!
Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com
The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. She is a regular user of therapeutic aromatherapy techniques and consultant to aromatherapy creations at The Ananda Apothecary.
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