USING ESSENTIAL OILS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COLDS AND FLU

Have you heard enough about Colds and Flu lately? Even if you have been fortunate enough to avoid them, it seems like we all know many who have not. The good news for us all is that there are at least 5 “POWERHOUSE” essential oils that research has proven to be effective in preventing and relieving symptoms from colds and flu. It is the chemistry of these essential oils that contributes significantly to its therapeutic properties (and safety considerations). These Powerhouse oils are listed below along with their key chemical components that work to protect us from colds and flu.

Essential Oil Chemical Component

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) 1,8 cineole

Orange (Citrus sinensis) d-limonene

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Linalol and Linalyl acetate

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Terpinen-4-ol

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) alpha-pinene

(Photo credits Aromatics International)

Chemistry can be exciting to some and boring to others so I am happy to leave it at that. Just know that when an Aromatherapist works to blend essential oils from a therapeutic perspective, she needs to know how much of a particular chemical component is in that oil as well as in a specific batch of oil. This can only be done if she has the datasheets showing the percentages of these components in the oil. She is looking for a high percentage or a richness.

Specifically, what do the Powerhouse oils do for you?

Here’s a summary of proven Research:

Chemical Component Research

1,8 cineoleAirborne antimicrobial

Reduces virusesReduces congestion and coughing

Eases swellingCalms aches and pains

d-limoneneActivates White Blood cells

Immune StimulantReduces Swelling, calms aches and pains

Linalol(also spelled linalool)

Immune supportCalming for sleep

Airborne microbialReduces swelling

Antispasmodic (could help with coughing)Calms aches and pains

Reduces anxiety

Linalyl acetate

Immune supportCalming for sleep

Airborne antimicrobialReduces swelling

Antispasmodic (could help with coughing)Calms aches and pains

Terpenin-4-01

Immune supportActivates white blood cells

Reduces various viruses, bacteria and fungiReduces swellingCalms histamine

Calms muscle spasms

Alpha-pinene

Reduces various viruses and bacteriaReduces swelling in sinuses

Calms spasmsEases pain

So, you can see from the research that there is a powerhouse of protection and relief for you and now you know why.

How can you use these Powerhouse oils to protect you? You can:

1. Diffuse them – make your home/office a germ free environment2. Use an inhaler – your own personal diffuser to use anywhere and anytime 3. Don’t forget your Hand Cleanser/Sanitizer – keep yourself germ free4. Bath Salts – for bedtime and a blissful sleep5. Neck and Chest rubs – to feel great

The art of aromatherapy is blending these essential oils to best help you and your family. There are special safety considerations for children and especially those under 10 years old. It is best to avoid Eucalyptus with children. There are also considerations for pets. There are substitutions that can be made for those of you who are allergic to an essential oil. A certified Aromatherapist can help you to substitute essential oils if necessary and to answer other safety and therapeutic queries you may have.

Below, I am sharing some tried and true recipes for you and your family. STAY WELL!!!!

RECIPES TO PREVENT COLDS & FLU (or reduce symptoms if you do get sick)

DAYTIME DIFFUSER BLEND FOR ADULTS

3 drops Eucalyptus2 drops Tea Tree3 drops Orange

DAYTIME DIFFUSER BLEND FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

1 drop Frankincense1 drop Lavender

2 drops distilled Lime

NIGHTIME DIFFUSER BLEND FOR ADULTS

2 drops Lavender4 drops Frankincense

2 drops Orange

NIGHTIME DIFFUSER BLEND FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

1 drop Lavender2 drops Frankincense

1 drop Orange

DAYTIME INHALER BLEND FOR ADULTS

5 drops Eucalyptus5 drops Tea Tree5 drops Orange

DAYTIME INHALER BLEND FOR KIDS 5-12 years old – don’t share inhaler with friends please, its just for you

2 drops Lavender1 drop Tea Tree3 drops Orange

NIGHTIME INHALER FOR ADULTS

5 drops Lavender5 drops Frankincense

5 drops Tea Tree

NIGHTIME INHALER FOR KIDS 5-12 years old – don’t share inhaler with friends please, its just for you

3 drops Lavender3 drops Orange

HAND CLEANSER FOR ADULTS

5 drops Lemon3 drops eucalyptus5 drops Tea Tree1 oz aloe vera gel

HAND CLEANSER FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

2 drops Lemon2 drops Tea Tree2 drops Lavender1 oz aloe vera gel

NIGHTIME BATH SALT FOR ADULTS

2 drops Lavender2 drops Frankincense

2 oz pink Himalayan salts1 tablespoon castile soap or other carrier oil like jojoba

2 oz jar

NIGHTIME BATH SALT FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

1 drop Lavender1 drop Frankincense

2 oz pink Himalayan salts1 tablespoon castile soap or other carrier oil like jojoba

2 oz glass jar

DAYTIME CHEST & NECK RUB FOR ADULTS

6 drops Eucalyptus4 drops Tea Tree

5 drops Frankincense2 drops Lavender

1 oz unscented lotion

DAYTIME CHEST & NECK RUB FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

1 drop Tea Tree1 drop Frankincense

2 drops lavender2 drops Orange

1 oz unscented lotion

NIGHTIME CHEST & NECK RUB FOR ADULTS

5 drops Sweet Marjoram6 drops Frankincense

6 drops Lavender1 oz unscented lotion

NIGHTIME CHEST & NECK RUB FOR KIDS 5-12 years old

2 drops Frankincense2 drops Lavender

2 drops Orange1 oz unscented lotion