A multifaceted and highly contagious virus, the flu has become extremely popular since the pandemic of COVID-19, a form of influenza virus. Without being invincible, one can escape from flu epidemics if one has strong immune defenses and if one respects the barrier gestures. If you have unfortunately contracted the flu virus, here is how to treat it with essential oils.
Which essential oils are effective against the flu?
Intense fatigue, high fever, headache, sore throat, cough, aches and pains... These are some of the symptoms of the flu, whether it is seasonal or linked to the coronavirus. The flu can be very tiring, even deadly for the most fragile people.
Like all viral diseases, antibiotics have no effect on the flu. However, some essential oils are powerful antivirals. They can help the body fight the virus and reduce flu symptoms.
The EO of Ravintsara
Its name means "good leaf" in Malagasy, where it originates. There, it is a panacea remedy. It is one of the most powerful antivirals, essential for treating ENT diseases, including the flu. It also stimulates the immune system. It has been snapped up since the coronavirus epidemic; it is currently frequently out of stock.
This essential oil can be used as a treatment against the flu or used in prevention, in case of change of season or fatigue for example.
The essential oil of saro, also native to Madagascar, has the same properties as that of ravintsara. It can be used with the same dosage to fight against the flu.
How to use Ravintsara essential oil ?
If you are ill:
- put one drop of ravintsara essential oil on the lower back and one on the plexus, three to four times a day until improvement.
Oral:
- one drop of ravintsara EO in a spoon honeyto be consumed three times a day for a maximum of one week.
The essential oil of ravintsara is very well tolerated and can be used in many ways: in massage, to swallow, by the respiratory or rectal tracts. The essential oil of ravintsara has no contraindications and can be used by all, even by children and pregnant women. For the latter, we prefer however the cutaneous way by diluting the EO of ravintsara in a tablespoon ofneutral vegetable oil (noisette for example).
The oil of Eucalyptus radie
The essential oil of eucalyptus radiata is also an excellent remedy against the flu, and all winter diseases in general (colds, angina, bronchitis ...) It can be used pure or in a mixture to improve the flu.
To be used mainly in case of cough, runny nose or congested airways. It is preferred to the essential oil of eucalyptus globulus, more powerful but with more important contra-indications.
How to use the essential oil of eucalyptus radiata?
We can add:
- one drop of eucalyptus radiata essential oil (EO) in our mixture honey and ravintsara (see above).
The essential oil of eucalyptus radiata is also excellent in diffusion, to breathe pure, several times a day, from the first flu symptoms or in diffusion.
The essential oil of eucalyptus radiata is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, and children under three years.
What blend of EO to protect against the flu?
The essential oil of ravintsara is a must against the flu. It can be combined with other antiviral, anti-fever or decongestant essential oils depending on the symptoms you feel.
A massage with essential oils
We mix:
- 2 drops of ravintsara EO to 2 drops of radiated eucalyptus EO,
- 2 drops ofEO of noble laurel (antiviral) et
- 2 drops Tea tree EO (stimulates the immune system).
You can use this synergy pure or mixed with a teaspoon ofneutral vegetable oil. This massage oil is to be applied three times a day for three days, on the plexus and in the lower back.
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under six years.
Anti-burden massage oil
If, during your flu episode, you are prone to aches and pains, prepare :
- un massage balm with 25 mL of arnica macerate,
- 25 mL of St. John's wort macerate and 30 drops of essential oil of wintergreen lying down, excellent for all types of muscular pains.
To be applied three times a day on the painful muscles.
Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women and children under six years old, as well as for people allergic to salicylates and under anticoagulant treatment. St John's wort is photosensitizing: do not expose yourself to the sun after applying the oil.
Use essential oils in diffusion
Essential oils in diffusion are a form of prevention against the flu virus, to be combined with the now well-known barrier gestures. Here is a formula that can be used everywhere in public areas where people are likely to be carrying the virus: waiting rooms, day care centers, retirement homes...
Mix in equal parts:
- essential oil of ravintsara,
- essential oil of eucalyptus radiata and
- de lemon essential oil (antiseptic) in an essential oil diffuser, respecting the dosages indicated on the instructions for use.
To diffuse morning and evening, one hour maximum, in a sufficiently ventilated place.
In conclusion,essential oils for the flu must be combined with maximum rest and good hydration to heal properly. The flu can disappear after a few days, but it can also get worse in some people. If you have a high fever, persistent symptoms or breathing difficulties that worsen, consult your doctor urgently.
In case of infection, avoid physical contact with others as much as possible, especially the most fragile. Essential oils are not a miracle shield against the flu, they can only prevent the spread of the virus or relieve the symptoms.