The most mentioned theme these days is COVID-19. The coronavirus spread worldwide and affected every area of our lives. In these tough times, we want to help by writing about the best essential oils that might help in fighting viruses and bacteria.
Aromatherapy can help against infectious diseases in the colds, viruses and flu season. Many essential oils have been proven to have antibacterial and antiviral effects, which can be used to treat a wide variety of infections, especially in conditions where conventional medicine does not produce good results. They also contain hundreds of molecules that work together to kill bacteria and viruses. Viruses do not develop resistance to essential oils, as each batch of oils is unique depending on the season, temperature and other factors.
Top 5 essential oils against viruses and bacteria
1. Tea Tree Oil
One of the most effective essential oils that helps improve immunity and has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties and helps with infections. It also relieves nasal congestion and stimulates the discharge of excess mucus. Studies have shown that tea tree can prevent the influenza virus from entering the host cells.
Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it suppresses all three types of infectious microorganisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. Thus this is the main reason some call it the “miracle from Australia”.
2. Lemon Oil
It is great for boosting immunity, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and eliminates toxins from the body. In addition to stimulating the immune system, it also acts as an expectorant and stimulates lymphatic drainage. Lemon oil is known to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Note: As this oil responds to sunlight, avoid direct sun exposure for 12 hours after application to the body.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
It has a positive effect on viruses and bacteria, stimulates coughing and is especially useful in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Aromatherapist Dr. Jean Valnet publicized that a sprayed two percent solution of eucalyptus essential oil destroys 70 percent of staphylococci in the air.
4. Lavender Oil
This oil has a relaxing and soothing effect, helps with headache, throat infection, colds and coughs. It has long been considered as a good remedy for dangerous diseases and infections. Lavender can be used as an alternative to various antibiotics and antiviral drugs. It attacks bacteria and viruses but does not form resistant layers of bacteria as antibiotics do.
5. Pine Needles Oil
Oils from this family are all used for respiratory infections, chronic coughs, in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. It has antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is very useful and most commonly used for inhalation against respiratory infections and coughs. The oil also acts as an analgesic, so it can be used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Due to the high content of terpene compounds in their composition, these essential oils are easily oxidized so we have to be careful using them due to possible skin irritation.
Other oils that could be also useful are Melissa, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Ginger.
There are several ways to use essential oils:
INHALATION – Put 1 to 2 liters of boiling water in a container and add a few drops of essential oil. Lean over the pan and put a towel over your head and inhale the essential oil steam for 5 minutes. This way you can relieve respiratory problems and this also helps with coughing. You should not use inhalation if you suffer from asthma, respiratory infections or lung diseases, as well as with children under 3 years of age.
For colds and coughs, combine the essential oils as follows:
- 4 drops of tea tree oil, 4 drops of pine needles and 4 drops of lavender;
- 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of eucalyptus and 6 drops of lavender;
- 3ml Tea tree, 3ml Eucalyptus (Radiata), 0.5ml Oregano, 3ml Lemon;
- 5 drops of lavender, 1 drop of thyme and 3 drops of eucalyptus.
BATH – Adding 5-8 drops of essential oil to a full bath of hot water (preferably 38 degrees Celsius). The bath should last 20 minutes. Bath with essential oils relaxes, strengthens immunity and improves the general condition of the body. Use non-irritating oils such as Chamomile or Lavender oil.
THROAT OR NOSE SPRAY – Essential oils are a natural remedy for sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Choose formulas that are safe for children and adults alike.
BY TREATING OIL TO SKIN – mix the essential oil with some base oil like almond oil, jojoba and massage on the temples, neck and forehead.
Aromatherapy Diffusion
Aromatherapy diffusion is the process of dispersing the essential oils so that their aromas gradually fill the area in which you reside. If you do not have a professional oil dispenser, you can make one yourself. Pour 3 to 4 drops of essential oil onto a cloth and place it somewhere in the room. You can also cook 2 cups of water and add 10 drops of essential oil, leave it somewhere in the room. Water vapor will heat the oils and cause rapid evaporation inside the room. These are ways that don’t last long, so you have to repeat them more often.
We should all be very careful with viruses and bacteria and take them very seriously. These essential oils might be a good solution.
