| The true medical aromatherapists around the globe | | | | soft. This is particularly recommended during the 'cold |
| tell us time and time again: the most effective use of | | | | and flu season' to stimulate the body's natural |
| essential oils for health is the combating of infectious | | | | defense mechanisms. Bay Laurel is of great support |
| illness. Aromatherapy in the US is still mostly relegated | | | | to the lymph system; a few drops can be applied to |
| to support of the psyche - which it does quite well - | | | | the nodes at the neck or armpits for immediate relief |
| but study after study continues to confirm the | | | | of swollen glands in many cases. Using a few drops |
| antibacterial and antiviral effects of essential oils, | | | | on the solar plexus in the same manner as Niaouli |
| along with their great compatibility with human | | | | described above once or twice a week will also |
| physiology. Many protocols (detailed instructions) have | | | | provide general immune system support (Laurel may |
| been translated and published from the European | | | | have sensitizing effects on the skin if used |
| medical aromatherapy literature - information which | | | | continuously for long periods - do not use more |
| you can personally incorporate into your own natural | | | | frequently than necessary for best effects). |
| health and wellness program. | | | | Once a bacteria or viral infection has set it, treating it |
| For the uninitiated, essential oils are the volatile | | | | with essential oils can be a little more complex. The |
| aromatic compounds distilled from plants. They are | | | | difficulty lies in finding the proper oil for one's |
| the chemicals that give plants their smell; the luscious | | | | particular illness, as some oils are excellent against |
| aroma of a rose or the sharp scent of peppermint. | | | | certain microbial strains, though these same oils may |
| Plants use these chemicals for, among other things, | | | | not be the right choice in other instances. Prevention |
| defense from invaders such as bacteria, fungus and | | | | with immune stimulant oils as above is best; however, |
| viruses. Each plant's oils have a unique makeup as a | | | | at the very first signs, application of 10-20 drops to |
| result of the plant's own physiology, natural | | | | the skin of both Eucalyptus Radiata and Bay Laurel |
| environment, and its potential microbial invaders. | | | | essential oils to the skin in the steam of a shower |
| Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are | | | | (so that the skin is more porous) is called for. |
| easily absorbed into the human body, passing through | | | | Eucalyptus can be applied to the chest and back, |
| cell membranes, then further on into the bloodstream | | | | whereas Bay Laurel should be applied directly to the |
| due to their 'lipophillic' nature (a structure in alignment | | | | lymph nodes to support the immune response. The |
| with the lipid components of our cell walls). Essential | | | | vast majority of individuals will have no sensitivity |
| oils can protect us from microbes in many different | | | | response to such application - if, however, any skin |
| ways, from keeping the space around us naturally | | | | irritation is noted, apply diluted to 5% in a carrier oil |
| microbe-free, to readying our immune system for | | | | such as olive oil hazelnut oils. Green Myrtle can be |
| defense, to actually destroying the microbes once | | | | used in cases of bronchial infection where Eucalyptus |
| they've entered our bodies. | | | | may be found to strong an aroma. Ravensara used in |
| The first line of defense is keeping your environment | | | | the same manner is called for in cases of colds and |
| cleansed by diffusing essential oils in the air. Get a | | | | flu - it can be a stronger antiviral than the above |
| little nervous when friends or co-workers have a | | | | mentioned oils, and has a pleasing aroma. |
| sneezing or coughing fit? Here's an excellent defense | | | | In general, Eucalyptus Radiata and Globulus, Green |
| tactic - diffuse one or more of the powerful yet | | | | Myrtle and Ravensara can be applied to the skin |
| pleasant smelling antimicrobial oils into your space. | | | | (dilute if any sensitivity is suspected) or used with a |
| Eucalyptus Radiata is probably the most popular for | | | | diffuser or inhaler to loosen mucus and support the |
| this; it has been referred to as an 'aromatherapists | | | | body's cleansing process. Rosemary Verbenone is |
| designer oil' because of its broad range of | | | | indicated for sinusitis and bronchitis - The medical |
| immune-supportive effects and its pleasant aroma | | | | aromatherapy literature indicates this may be inhaled, |
| (that is, if you like the smell of Vick's Vapor Rub). | | | | applied topically in small amounts, or even ingested |
| Other oils used with a little softer scent are Green | | | | (with great caution) one drop two or three times |
| Myrtle and Ravensara. A very pleasing yet powerful | | | | daily. Also, one drop of Bay Laurel can be taken |
| blend can be made using 3 parts clove bud oil, 5 parts | | | | internally at the onset of a sore throat, as it directly |
| lemon oil, 1 and a half parts Eucalyptus Radiata, 1 and | | | | supports the lymph system in the area. |
| a half parts Rosemary Cineol and 2 parts Cinnamon | | | | When choosing your own self-healing methods as |
| Bark oil. Use this in a cold-air diffuser which makes a | | | | part of your overal natural health and wellness |
| fine mist of the oils, dispersing them throughout your | | | | program, it is important to choose the proper |
| environment for best protection. | | | | modality for each situation. Conventional medicine has |
| Beyond your outside environment, it's important to | | | | it's place, and should absolutely be employed when it |
| strengthen your own immune system. Essential oils | | | | will provide the best results. When it comes to |
| have been studied for their ability to prevent viruses | | | | common colds, the results have not been so |
| from actually penetrating our cell walls, keeping | | | | dramatic. Alternative therapies have offered a |
| bacterial levels in check, and cleansing toxins from our | | | | reasonable solution, and can be effective if used |
| bodies. Of the many oil available, two very notable | | | | wisely and with discretion. There are many helpful |
| oils are Niaouli MVQ and Bay Laurel (or Laurel Leaf). | | | | texts available for the use of essential oils as |
| Both can be applied directly to the body, though if | | | | medicines - Advanced Aromatherapy and Medical |
| you encounter any skin sensitivity, dilute the oil or | | | | Aromatherapy, both by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, are |
| discontinue use. Niaouli is a powerful overall fortifier of | | | | excellent sources for the intermediate to advanced |
| the immune system; apply 10-20 drops along the | | | | practitioner. Be aware of your own body's sensitivity |
| meridians of the body directly after the morning | | | | to any essential oil and adjust usage accordingly, and |
| shower when the pores are still open and the skin is | | | | seek professional advice whenever necessary. |