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Alternative Medicine's Most Potent Anti-Viral Therapy: Essential Oils

By: Kelly Mosfet Click author's name for more of his/her articles

The body of scientific evidence regarding the potency of plant medicines against a great variety of viruses is growing. And with the concern of viral illness in the headlines, now is the time to investigate all the ways you can protect your health and the health of your family. Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties in laboratory research across the globe. More and more people are turning to the vast healing potential of these plant medicines, realizing the great potency they have, along with the balance of our natural environment that is supported through their use. These essential oils are readily available at health food stores -- though the most consistent high grade therapeutic quality may be from internet sources. Using essential oils for immune system support is a tried-and-true application of these powerful natural medicines. In fact, most medical aromatherapists consider the most important use of essential oils in medical applications will be for the prevention and treatment of infectious illness (see Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's 'Medical Aromatherapy').
The Data Is In: Immunostimulants and Direct Anti-Viral Action of Essential Oils
For the treatment and prevention of infectious illness, essential oils are used for two purposes: the general strengthening of the immune system and the direct eradication of viruses. A great many peer-reviewed research papers have been produced showing the efficacy of essential oils for both purposes. Using the database of the National Institute of Health (www.pubmed.gov) one can review the data by searching for terms such as 'essential oil virus' (currently producing 93 results) or 'essential oil immune' (producing 143 results) and the like. Essential oils have been shown to actually increase the power of lymphocytes (the immune system's troops, so to speak), making them better able to eliminate foreign invaders in the body (viruses, bacteria, and the like). Oils can also increase the speed at which the immune system produces antibodies to eliminate an infection.
Perhaps even more exciting is the direct effect of essential oils in actually killing viruses. To those in the natural medicine field, this is not so astounding -- essential oils work as part of a plant's immune system, and plants need to defend themselves from viruses as well. And the viruses which infect plants are not all that different from the viruses that infect humans -- their envelopes and other structures are fairly similar (though with different transmission strategies), such that the mechanisms of killing the viruses will still be useful for human use. The same oils that are effective against SARS and HSV should show some, if not all of the same activity against H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu) and H5N1 (Avian influenza). At the same time, essential oils are relatively non-toxic for humans, allowing for regular use as both preventative and healing agents. In fact, when studying the anti-viral effects of essential oils, researchers found that normal cells seemed to acquire a special resistance to viral penetration, though the mechanism for this effect is not yet known. Using one or more oils topically (they are easily absorbed through the skin) or in a diffuser on a daily basis can support this effect (more on which oils to use in a minute).
Choosing the Right Oils for the Strongest Immunity
When evaluating oils for your own formulas, it is important to take both actions into consideration -- that of enhancing immune system action AND eradication of any viral agents in which one may come in contact with. Some oils are known to do both: Research presented in the April 2006 issue of Phytotherapy Research indicated Frankincense can be a potent anti-viral. It is also considered by some highly-trained aromatherapists to be the most potent immunostimulant essential oil. Melissa essential oil may have similar activity (these two oils are among the most revered oils for their multiple positive health effects). Other oils are know anti-anxiety agents, which again has a downstream result on a stronger immune system: these include Lavender, Bergamot and Sandalwood oils. Still other oils are thought to help with detoxification, further lessening the burden on the immune system: Rosemary, Fennel and Carrot Seed are important oils in this respect. Using several oils in combination, creating a well rounded blend to address multiple factors of immune response will likely produce the most effective formula. Think about where you might need the most support -- if you're immunity is strong, perhaps only the virus-eradicating oils are necessary. If you're under a lot of stress, it's important to include oils that address this issue, while both boosting immunity and eradicating viral invaders.
Immuno-modulator and Antiviral Melissa Essential Oil

Melissa, a member of the Lamiaceae family also known as Lemon Balm, has been shown particularly efficacious against the herpes simplex virus. The oil has also been shown to have significant antidepressant effects, and can positively modulate the action of the immune system. While somewhat costly, as the plant itself yields a very small amount of essential oil, its potency is considered exceptionally high. Even small amounts within your formula can provide important protection. Melissa is noted specifically by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in 'Advanced Aromatherapy' to work in very low dilutions; Dr. Schnaubelt believes the oil's effects will still be strong when used at one part per hundred in topical recipes.
Potent Australian Essential Oils
Tea Tree may be the most thoroughly researched essential oil available today. Its effects have been proven again and again, both as an antibiotic and and anti-viral. While not often utilized as an anti-influenza therapy, its anti-viral activity is so convincing, it is important not to overlook for this purpose. Also, a newcomer to the North American store shelves, Rosalina is an oil also known as 'Lavender Tea Tree'. This excellent oil appears to have both anti-stress AND antimicrobial properties, which may make it ideally suited to your anti-viral and immune-supportive blend. There are therapists who consider this the superior oil in-fact for this use.

Anti-Viral Oils Specific for Influenza
A great many other oils are recommended by medical aromatherapists for infectious illness which may be transmitted through airborne contact. Bay Laurel (also known as Laurel Leaf or Laurus Nobilis) is mentioned by researchers as particularly effective in eradication of the virus causing SARS, and should certainly be included in any anti-viral formulas. Eucalyptus Radiata (also known as Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus) has been called the 'Aromatherapist's Designer Oil' for its pleasant aroma AND its immune supportive and anti-viral action. Ravensara aromatica (not to be confused with Ravenstara) is used for bronchial infections. Hyssop is another oil thought to have potent anti-viral activity; it naturally contains a very broad array of natural constituents which creates this potency. Finally, the essential oils from Thyme and Oregano herbs are strongly antimicrobial, and are often called for in immune and cold care recipes. These oils are very strong, and should be used with caution - only used in small amounts in diffuser blends of very diluted (to less than 5%) in topical formulas.
Make Your Own Powerful Blends
Putting together your own highly effective formulas (or using a high quality purchased one) is very easy to do. Several, or even all, the oils mentioned here can be combined in equal portions to create a diffuser blend: for example, blend one milliliter (27 drops) each Bay Laurel, Eucalyptus Radiata, Rosalina, Hyssop and Melissa. Use this in a nebulizing diffuser which makes a potent evaporative mist to disperse this in the air in your environment. Only small amounts need to be used at any time - often a diffuser of these types will only be run about 5 minutes out of each hour. Never should the aroma be too strong or overwhelming. The same formula can be made into a topical formula to massage into the feet or into the lymph nodes. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent base, which is thought to have anti-viral action itself. This massage formula should be applied once daily.
These same essential oils can be made into a spray by diluting them in spring water at a 1 to 10 ratio. Simply add the oils to a small spray bottle with the water and shake vigorously. This is an excellent way to treat yourself and your family when traveling! Do, of course keep this blend away from the eyes and out of the reach of children. The formulas should be further diluted if they are to be used with young ones (dilute half again in water or carrier oil); there are a number of fine texts available describing essential oil use with kids -- be sure to understand all precautions by consulting these manuals or discussing the use of essential oils with a knowledgeable practitioner.
Essential Oils are the Foundation of Aroma-Medicine: Use Them!
Essential oils are simply the concentrated volatile natural chemicals of plants. Plant medicine has a long, effective history, and the use of essential oils is no exception. Studies around the world support their use in treating infectious illness, and specifically in preventing and treating viral diseases. If you can, follow your intuition with their use, frequency and dosage. Be careful not to overdo it, as the potency of these medicines implies that only small amounts are needed to produce the desired effects. The formulas described here are not meant to supplant other means of preventing and curing illnesses, but to complement them. Remember that many aromatherapists consider this the most effective use essential oils may have for us, why not give it a try!
Essential Oils are the Foundation of Aroma-Medicine: Use Them!
Essential oils are simply the concentrated volatile natural chemicals of plants. Plant medicine has a long, effective history, and the use of essential oils is no exception. Studies around the world support their use in treating infectious illness, and specifically in preventing and treating viral diseases. If you can, follow your intuition with their use, frequency and dosage. Be careful not to overdo it, as the potency of these medicines implies that only small amounts are needed to produce the desired effects. The formulas described here are not meant to supplant other means of preventing and curing illnesses, but to complement them. Remember that many aromatherapists consider this the most effective use essential oils may have for us, why not give it a try!

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: The author is a regular contributor to natural ezines on essential oils and aromatherapy. She may be contacted through www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.