Wellness Corner

ESSENTIAL OILS 101

Antiviral Oils

fresh tea tree leaves and essential oil

ANTIVIRAL ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE HEALTHIER THAN LYSOL

Its fall and that means back to school, but along with hitting the books this is the time of year when contracting all sorts of germs and viruses are at an all time high.  But we are fortunate that the earth has provided us with its resources in the purest forms of dry herbs and essential oils. However, today we are going to talk about essential oils and in particular antiviral essential oils.

So you may ask what is an antiviral?  An what are the best antivirals that should be in our medicine cabinet.  So let me answer these questions for you. An antiviral refers to a substance that is able to inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection causing virus. I came across  a list of maybe ten (10) best, however, I am going to discuss my top antiviral essential oils on this list.

  1. Tea Tree Oil also is known as Melaleuca  It is one of the best for killing topical and airborne viruses.  I used this essential oil every day that I had to stay in the hospital because I didn’t want to catch any infections or get sicker than I already was and it saved me. In addition it is antiseptic and antifungal.  And I love Melaleuca for all of the following reasons: It is best at killing viruses and bacteria, it has purifying properties ( in other words it will cleanse the skin and nails) and it even works on acne prone skin to return it to a clear surface. I love that I can take it internally and it helps to provide a healthy immune system. It is also excellent for teeth pain, I would know.  Its great for skin irritations, soothing the skin. I even love if for sore throats. I can not say enough about it and I carry it in my handbag at all times.
  2.  Peppermint is antiviral but is also antifungal and antibacterial.  Because of these properties, you will find it in chest rubs used to reduce the symptoms of a cold because it kills many fungi, viruses, and bacteria.  Because of its properties, it can boost the immune system and still kill the infections that are causing the threats. In additions to purifying the air in your home peppermint has been used for the following reasons, digestive disorders, nausea, fever, flu, halitosis, heartburn, headache, motion sickness, throat infection, seizures, varicose veins, vomiting, and even arthritis.
  3. Lemon is antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, astringent, even anticancer.  Lemon has been used to fight food poison, malaria, typhoid epidemics. Used to lower blood pressure, to help with liver problems, arthritis, sore throat.  Lemon is an excellent disinfectant, germicide, heartburn, intestinal parasites, ureter infections, water purification, respiratory problems. I have even used lemon to help keep open wounds from getting infected.  Lemon is also an excellent cleaner around the house removing gum, wood stains, oil, and grease spots, wiping down counter tops and even wiping off electronics such as smartphones. Just an excellent all-around cleaner of germs.  So you can see imagine how this would go to work in the presence of a virus.
  4.  Lemongrass is added to this list because of its ability to fight infectious disease.  It is antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. It can be used for the following issues: Bladder infection, digestive system, edema, fluid retention, kidney disorders, lymphatic system, respiratory problems, and sore throats. Lemongrass is useful in treating wounds and preventing them from becoming septic. I personally love lemongrass for sore, pulled or cramped muscles.  I have a love affair with this essential oil.
  5. Oregano this oil is serious and doesn’t play.  It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic and will stimulate the immune system. Its effective with colds, viral and bacterial pneumonia and it strengthens the vital centers.  It really is a lifesaver during flu season, so make sure to grab you a bottle quickly October is right around the corner. Oregano is so potent that it not only damages the strains of bacteria, but it also helps to minimize the bacteria’s ability to generate toxins which can be severely harmful to human health.

The last oil I’m going to mention in this list, believe it or not, is Lavender.   It is known as a “universal” oil because it covers a multitude of sins/concerns.  Lavender is pretty to look at and has a beautiful smell, but don’t be fooled. Lavender is an authoritative antibacterial oil which can boost your immune system and resist diseases and viruses. I’m going to list the various areas where Lavender is effective so you can truly understand how it covers a multitude of concerns.  Lavender is anti-infectious, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardiotonic, regenerative, and sedative.

Now that I have discussed antivirals with you and gave you a few of my favorites, I think you should add at least a couple of these to your medicine cabinet right away.

To purchase these amazing oils, go to:

my.doterra.com/spwellnesscorner