Whether you are a fan of essential oils or not, you have not missed the "trend". We talk about it more and more, and for good reason, essential oils have many health benefits.
It was Jean Valnet who, in 1964, introduced the concept of aromatherapy: the art of using essential oils to improve health. Much more than a trend, essential oils are becoming more and more democratic, over the counter, it is very easy to get and use them.
Be careful though, these aromatic plant concentrates are very powerful and can be dangerous if misused. Among the many virtues of essential oils, we find their antiviral action, which today is no longer to be proven. In this article, you will find the best essential oils to use in case of virus, their modes of use, but also their contra-indications.
What is a virus?
Viruses are very small pathogens which, in order to duplicate, multiply, and survive, must infiltrate a cell. As soon as they are expelled from the body through saliva, sputum, coughing or sneezing, they die.
A virus is very contagious because it spreads quickly, and even more so during the incubation period, when you have no symptoms yet. This is why essential oils Antiviral oils will be effective both in prevention and in case of a virus. Indeed, by always having an antiviral oil with you, especially in high-risk areas such as public places, you can breathe it in to disinfect your respiratory tract regularly and prevent viruses from settling in - without having been invited.
A virus is different from a bacterium, the virus infiltrates the cell to survive while the bacterium divides itself. This is why in the case of bacteria, we talk about infection, often requiring an antibiotic, while in the case of a virus, conventional medicine often prescribes nothing or simply drugs to reduce the symptoms (fever, aches, etc. ...). The same is true for essential oils: an antiviral essential oil is different from an antibacterial essential oil.
Which 5 essential oils are effective in fighting viruses?
Colds, coughs, sinusitis, flu, most of the time these little winter ailments are caused by viruses. Discover the five best essential oils to fight them.
Le Ravintsara, an antiviral essential oil powerful
Cinnamomum camphora is the most versatile and safest antiviral essential oil in aromatherapy. It is its richness in 1,8 cineole which confers its redoubtable antiviral virtues to him. It will be particularly effective on all the viruses touching the sphere ORL, even if the others are not left in remainder and will not remain a long time to spoil you the life. Everyone can use this oil with the exception of pregnant women under three months,nursing mothers and children under 6 years. However, we encourage people with asthma and epilepsy to consult a physician before use.
In case of virus, you can use ravintsara essential oil as follows: massage along the spine with five drops diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, or broadcast for 30 minutes a day.
Le Tea treean excellent natural remedy
Melaleuca alternifolia is also an excellent antiviral essential oil to have in your medicine chest. It will be useful on viruses affecting the ENT sphere, but also the cutaneous or oral sphere. It is particularly active on the herpes virus and the flu virus. Like ravintsara, tea tree is a rather safe essential oil, which can be used by all except pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers and babies under 3 years. Caution is advised for people with epilepsy and asthma, ask your doctor for advice before use. In case of herpes labialis, you can apply a pure drop of tea tree on the pimple three times a day until its disappearance.
Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus radiataThis oil is very appreciated by all viruses of the ENT sphere such as colds, sinusitis, coughs or angina. Just like ravintsara, it is its richness in 1,8 cineole which confers its great antiviral virtues. It allows to reinforce your immune defenses and to clear your respiratory tracts.
The essential oil of eucalyptus radiata is very well supported, it can be used in pregnant women over 3 months, nursing women and children from 3 years. As with other oils, in case of epilepsy or asthma, it is preferable to seek advice from a health professional. In case of sinusitis, make an inhalation of eucalyptus radiata at a rate of one to two times per day, three drops of essential oil in a bowl of very hot water, breathe calmly above the bowl, a towel on the head for 5 to 10 minutes, and you will feel your sinuses unblock quickly.
The Noble Laurel
Laurus nobilis, is an essential oil which will prevent the spread of the virus within your body. Its action is similar to that of ravintsara, although some agree that it is less effective. However, we invite you to test it for yourself. As with everything, some people will be more receptive than others to certain oils. This oil is not recommended for pregnant women under three months, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old, as well as for asthmatics and epileptics. In case of digestive virus, you can take one drop of laurel on a neutral tablet three times a day until the symptoms disappear.
Essential oils in case of flu
Fever, chills, aches and pains, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, cough, ... you have consulted your doctor and the verdict is in: it's the flu! Apart from rest, your doctor does not prescribe you anything, sometimes paracetamol to lower the fever and reduce the pain. This is where aromatherapy comes into play. In case of flu, take a drop of essential oil of tea tree three times a day on a neutral tablet, a spoonful of honey or bread crumbs. Make an infusion of thyme with grated fresh ginger and the juice of half a lemon, three times a day. Finally, every evening at bedtime, massage your spine with five drops of essential oil of ravintsara diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Small more if you have a bathtub, take a salt bath (two good handfuls to which you will have added three drops of essential oil of noble laurel). You are now ready to face the flu!
Some precautions for use
Essential oils are not safe and should be used with caution:
- Essential oils are volatile, that's why you have to close your bottles after use.
- Never leave your essential oils within the reach of children.
- Regarding children, caution is required, all essential oils can not be used in our cherubs.
- Some essential oils are not compatible with medical treatments, be sure to ask a health professional if you are taking any kind of treatment.
- Wash your hands well before and after using essential oils.
- Unless otherwise indicated, it is preferable not to administer essential oils to pregnant / breastfeeding women as well as to epileptic or asthmatic people.
We remind you that some essential oils have remarkable anti-viral properties and can help fight against infections (cold, flu, etc.) and their symptoms. However, they must be used with caution.