Antiviral essential oils may improve your immunity to viruses by boosting the immune system and brain function.
Following is a list of the best antiviral essential oils and how they relate to some common diseases caused by viruses. If you are considering using these to treat an existing condition, consult with a qualified aromatherapist as well as a physician ? especially if you are pregnant.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to relieve the symptoms of almost every known condition. The following information is just a guide - aromatherapy is is a complex subject and you should always seek qualified medical advice on treatment options and begin an appropriate nutrition regime.
Epstein-Barr Syndrome or Virus:
Cinnamon, clove, geranium, lemon, melissa, rosemary, ravensara, balsam fir, Melaluca alternifolia, oregano and lavender. Apply diffused in a room, in a bath or as a rub.
Fever:
Ledum, white fir, bergamot, black pepper, lavender, peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, E. globulus, ginger, lemon, melissa, ravensara, tea tree, sandalwood, German & Roman chamomile and rosemary. Apply as inhaler, as a rub or diffused in a room.
Influenza ? Colds and Flu:
Lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, bay, black pepper, ginger, tarragon, manuka, peppermint, myrrh, orange, ravensara, oregano, thyme, fennel, basil, clove, tea tree, rosemary, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, cedar wood, pine, lavender and frankincense. These antiviral essential oils are best applied as a rub, diffused into a room, in a dressing, as a compress or in a bath.
Out of these for flu-like symptoms try orange, oregano, ravensara, thyme and Melissa.
Immune Deficiency:
Cistus, geranium, lavender, manuka, lemon, Melissa, rose rosemary, ravenara, tea tree, thyme, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus radiata. These may be applied in a bath, as a rub, diffused into a room or inhaled.
Herpes ? Cold sores:
Bergamot, geranium, melissa, Melaluca alternifolia, blue cypress, oregano, thyme, cumin, mountain savory, clove or cinnamon. Apply topically or in a bath.
Herpes ? Shingles:
Elemi, clove, oregano, bergamot, blue cypress, sandalwood, thyme, juniper, peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, geranium, lavender, melissa, ravensara. Apply topically or in bath.
Polio:
Lemon, ylang ylang, frankincense, wintergreen, birch, myrtle, Cyprus, myrrh, tarragon, sage.
There you have it - everything you wanted to know about antiviral essential oils. If you're thinking about rushing out there and buying some oils - the best advice is to get some advice - as with everything, you get what you pay for.
Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and runs the Global-Longevity.com website.
He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Bird Flu Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com.