Aromatherapy Notes for Flu and Cold Season
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Most of still think of aromatherapy as simply a pleasant component of stress relief and beauty treatments, even as reports surface that Tea Tree, for instance, is an excellent disinfectant.
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Essential oils can also be a valuable supplementary treatment for bacterial infections, and a real aid in fighting a viral infection where traditional antibiotics aren't effective. Because of their anti-microbial properties, essential oils -- or more commonly essential oil derivatives -- have been used as preservatives in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Scientists have noted that bacteria do not develop a resistance to essential oils the way that they do to antibiotics.
There has been relatively little research on the medicinal application of whole essential oils, but there are a few good books out there that can give you an idea how essential oils inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria and viruses. "Medical Aromatherapy" by Kurt Schnaubelt and "The Aromatherapy Workbook" by Shirley Price are both accessible and packed with information.
In the meantime, if you are going to be nursing an infection at home, it is helpful to know whether you are feeling the effects of a bacterial or viral invasion, but there are a few reliable ways to tell.
Bacterial infections usually produce a single complaint, such as a sore throat, an ear-ache or a cough, but they rarely produce runny noses, aching muscles, dizziness, a dry cough or a headache. As with viral infections there is often a fever present. Antibiotics can help your body fight off a bacterial infection, and this article is not meant to discourage you from seeking medical treatment. Especially in cases of excessively high fever, continuous throwing up, or for small children it is important to seek prompt medical attention. Essential oils can be used along with an antibiotic regimen to help relieve the symptoms and to assist the body in returning to full health.
In addition to frequent fever, viral infections almost always bring a host of unpleasant symptoms, including achy muscles, headaches and a runny nose. Dizziness, dry and wet coughs and hoarseness are often present as well. Antibiotics are generally ineffective against viruses, although some doctors will prescribe them anyway to ward off secondary infections. Essential oils, by contrast, can be very effective in speeding up your recovery time and easing the misery of a viral infection by improving your overall metabolic activity and supporting your body's immune system.
Daniel Penoel, the famous French aromatherapist, called aromatic materials the immune system of humanity. When using essential oils to assist you through an acute illness, remember that you are using aromatherapy to support your body's natural healing abilities. Used in small amounts, essential oils will not cause any side effects, or the immune depression that can result from an aggressive antibiotic treatment (which often causes a candida, or yeast, infection to flourish afterwards). Just as important, aromatherapy supports emotional well being during an illness, and a positive psychological outlook contributes to a healthy immune system response.
Here are a few suggestions:
Thyme thujanol or Thyme geraniol can be used as a general treatment during a viral flu or cold. Thyme is a strong antiviral oil whose heat and intensity feels strengthening and energizing when you are ill. Diffuse Thyme essential oil, with a drop or two of Lemon added, in your room or office during the day. Adding a couple drops of Spike Lavender can help ward off pneumonia.
Thyme geraniol, or Thymus vulgaris geraniol, is gentler than Thyme thymol and generally easily tolerated, but is still an effective antibacterial and antiviral aid. You may find it particularly helpful if you are suffering from digestive troubles caused by a viral infection. Use highly diluted in a topical rub for your thorax and abdomen.
Ravensara may be your best ally during the toughest days of a viral infection. Use it in equal parts with Eucalyptus radiata diluted to 5 percent in a carrier oil. You can rub this oil liberally on your thorax area several times throughout the day. Ravensara is particularly helpful when you are feeling debilitated or emotionally wiped out. Here, too, add a drop or two of your favorite citrus oil to help lift your spirits and disinfect the room you are in. Citrus oils are not strong antivirals, but they are generally antibacterial and you can use them as a pleasant defense mechanism when your immune system is low.
Rubbing a little Nutmeg diluted in massage oil on the bottom of your feet can help relieve nausea and dizziness, at the same time giving you mental encouragement and fortification.
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection, using strong immunostimulant essential oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano or Thyme won't interfere with an antibiotic regimen and can support your body's recovery process. These oils are all very potent, and only a tiny amount should be used topically. Cinnamon, the strongest of all, needs to be tested for sensitivity on a small patch of skin first. Use just two drops in an ounce of carrier oil, along with two drops of German Chamomile, which will help your body rid itself of the metabolic wastes of the infection and provide a soothing counterpoint to the Cinnamon. For this same reason, German Chamomile is also a good addition to any antiviral blend.
During flu and cold season, and any time someone in your household or workplace is sick, it is a good preventative measure to diffuse a blend of some of the above oils. Thyme, Lemon, Rosemary and Lavender mimic the scents of the French countryside, disinfecting your home and giving you an emotional and mental lift.
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