Strengthening your immune system is essential, especially during the colder months when viral and bacterial infections are more common. If you're looking for natural ways to support your immune system, aromatherapy may be a solution. Thanks to the properties of essential oils, it's possible to boost your immunity and protect your body from external aggressions.
In this article, we'll explore how to use essential oils to boost your immune system. Whether you're new to essential oils or passionate about them, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to incorporate aromatherapy into your wellness routine and support your health naturally.
Immune system and essential oils
To get the most out of aromatherapy and boost your immune system, it's important to understand how our natural defense system works and how essential oils can support it.
The role of the immune system in our health
The immune system is our first line of defense against infection and disease. Made up of cells, tissues, and organs, it works together to identify and neutralize pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. A weakened or imbalanced immune system can make us more vulnerable to infection, especially during the colder months when respiratory illnesses are more common.
Aromatherapy, with the targeted use of essential oils, can help strengthen these natural defenses. Essential oils possess antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can support and strengthen immunity. Understanding how these oils affect the immune system is the first step to effectively incorporating them into your health routine.
What is aromatherapy and how does it work?
Aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses aromatic plant extracts, called essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Of course, it is not a substitute for a medical consultation or medical treatment. The doctor remains the primary player in your health. Aromatherapy therefore complements your efforts to help you maintain good health. Each essential oil has a unique biochemical composition, with active molecules that interact with the human body in different ways. For example, components such as 1,8-cineole, terpinen-4-ol, or alpha-terpineol, present in oils such as Eucalyptus radiata, Ravintsara, or Tea tree, are known for their stimulating effects on the immune system.
These molecules work by entering the body through inhalation or skin application, where they can reach the bloodstream and activate immune system cells. Aromatherapy can therefore be a valuable ally for those seeking to maintain or improve their immune health, especially during times of increased vulnerability.
3 essential oils to boost immunity
Eucalyptus Radié: Respiratory
Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is renowned for its antiviral and expectorant properties. It contains a key biochemical compound, 1,8-cineole, which helps clear the airways and strengthen the body's natural defenses against respiratory infections.
Eucalyptus Radiata, one of the many eucalyptus species in Australia, has been used by Aboriginal people for centuries. They used the leaves to relieve infections, injuries, and fevers.
In 1852, a German botanist named Baron Ferdinand von Mueller studied the properties of eucalyptus and helped spread it to other parts of the world. He encouraged the use of Eucalyptus Radiata to relieve respiratory problems.
- Practical tip: Use Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil for inhalation. Add 2 to 3 drops to a bowl of hot water with a dispersant, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for up to 5 to 10 minutes. This method helps decongest the respiratory tract and strengthen the immune system.
- Precautions: Prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children under 3 years old - Dilute with a vegetable oil - Not recommended for people with asthma without medical advice.
Ravintsara: The ally of natural defenses
Ravintsara essential oil is another exceptional essential oil for boosting immunity. Rich in 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpineol, it is known for its antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Ravintsara helps strengthen the body's ability to fight infections.
Its name in Malagasy means "good leaf," a reference to its many therapeutic virtues. Traditionally, the Malagasy used the leaves to relieve respiratory infections and fevers.
Anecdotally, during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918, Malagasy locals began using Ravintsara infusions to boost immunity. Since then, this oil has become popular for its properties, and it is one of Madagascar's most exported oils.
- Practical advice: Diffuse 3 drops of Ravintsara essential oil in a diffuser for 15 minutes, 3 times a day. This helps purify the air and strengthen the natural defenses of the whole family.
- Precautions: Prohibited for pregnant women under 3 months and breastfeeding women - Prohibited for children under 3 years old - Dilute with a vegetable oil - Not recommended for people with epilepsy or those suffering from asthma without medical advice.
Tea tree: The anti-infectious agent
Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile essential oils for strengthening the immune system. Rich in terpinen-4-ol, it possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that make it effective against a wide range of pathogens.
This essential oil has been used by Australian Aborigines for centuries. They crushed tea tree leaves to extract the oils and applied them directly to cuts, burns, and infections.
During World War II, Australian soldiers received bottles of essential oil in their first aid kits to soothe wounds and prevent infection. The Australian Army was so impressed with the benefits of this essential oil that it encouraged its widespread production for the troops.
- Top tip: Apply 2 drops of tea tree essential oil diluted in a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil) to your wrists and pulse points. This will benefit from its antiviral properties while boosting your immune system.
- Precautions: Prohibited for pregnant women under 3 months - Prohibited for infants under 3 months - Dilute with a vegetable oil to avoid irritation on damaged or hypersensitive skin.
Recipes to boost immunity
Using essential oils in synergy allows you to combine their beneficial effects to strengthen the immune system. By creating specific blends for diffusion or skin application, you can optimize the antiviral, antibacterial, and immunostimulating properties of essential oils.
“Autumn Shield” Broadcast
Diffusing essential oils is a simple and effective method for purifying the air and strengthening the immune system of the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
- 3 drops of Tea tree essential oil
Preparation
- Mix essential oils directly in the diffuser reservoir.
- Fill the diffuser with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use
- Diffuse this mixture in living rooms for 15 minutes, 3 times a day, to purify the air and strengthen natural defenses.
Precautions
- Avoid diffusing in the presence of children under 6 years old, pregnant women or pets.
“Natural Defense” Balm
A solid balm made from essential oils and shea butter is perfect for topical application to boost the immune system.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of Tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 2 drops of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
- 20 g of shea butter
- 10 g of calendula vegetable oil
- 10 g of candelilla wax
Preparation
- Gently melt the shea butter, calendula oil, and candelilla wax in a double boiler until completely smooth.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Stir to incorporate the essential oils.
- Pour the mixture into a small, opaque glass jar and let it cool at room temperature until the balm is solid.
Use
- Take a small amount of balm and apply to your chest and back morning and evening to support your immune system. This balm can also be used on your wrists and pulse points for a continuous immune-boosting effect.
Precautions
- Avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes. Do not use on children under 3 years of age without medical advice. Perform a skin test beforehand to check tolerance.
General precautions
- Dilution: Always dilute essential oils before skin application to avoid irritation.
- Tolerance test: Before use, carry out a skin tolerance test by applying a small amount of the diluted synergy to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours to check for an allergic reaction.
- Medical Consultation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils. Your doctor is the only primary care provider for your health.
- Avoid mucous membranes and eyes: Essential oils can cause severe irritation. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with a carrier oil, not water. Consult your doctor.
Aromatherapy offers a natural and effective approach to supporting and strengthening the immune system, especially during cold weather.
The synergy recipes presented allow you to maximize the benefits of essential oils by combining their effects for enhanced immune protection.
To fully benefit from the benefits of aromatherapy, remember to always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have specific medical conditions or are part of a sensitive population.
Take care of yourself!
Sources of information (bibliography):
Arnaud Géa, Philippe Banel, Physiology and essential oils - how essential oils act on the body's different systems, Dunod Edition, February 23, 2022, 768 p. ISBN: 978-2100820771
Roger Jollois, Pierre Franchomme, Daniel Pénoël, Aromatherapy exactly, Edition Roger Jollois, March 15, 2022, 490 p. ISBN: 9782878190014
Video: France 3, “Boost your immune defenses with essential oils”
Study references:
Peterfalvi, A.; Miko, E.; Nagy, T.; Reger, B.; Simon, D.; Miseta, A.; Czéh, B.; Szereday, L. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System. Molecules 2019, 24, 4530. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24244530
Sandner, G.; Heckmann, M.; Weghuber, J. Immunomodulatory Activities of Selected Essential Oils. Biomolecules 2020, 10, 1139. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10081139
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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