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Using essential oils for immune system support is nothing new. Many cultures have been practicing this for centuries.
They may not have used aromatherapy in the way that we use essential oils today. They used more traditional techniques to leverage the benefits of essential oils to boost immunity. However, the principle remains the same.
Several recent studies support the use of essential oils for immune system support. This study focused on reviewing the role of essential oils in supporting the immune system.
The study concluded that some EOs, particularly Eucalyptus and Ginger, appear to show strong immune-boosting properties. Other immune booster essential oils are also being studied with promising results.
After going through the results of multiple clinical trials these are what I found to be the best essential oils for immune system support.
Just knowing which oils to use is not enough. It’s just as important to understand where to apply essential oils for immunity.
How Essential Oils Work To Boost Immunity
Each individual essential oil works differently to boost the immune system. This is because every oil contains different therapeutic properties depending on the plant it is extracted from.
The immune booster mechanism of the essential oil depends on the constituents present in the extract.
Some essential oils such as Tea Tree, Oregano, and Thyme have antimicrobial properties, which makes them powerful in the fight against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Others, such as frankincense, lemon, and lavender, contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and bolster immune health. Free radicals can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of illness.
Chronic inflammation can impair immune function and leave the body vulnerable to infections and diseases. Using ginger, turmeric, and peppermint essential oils, which have proven anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation, support immune responses, and maintain a healthy immune system.
Prolonged stress can also suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot have calming and soothing properties that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. By managing stress levels, these oils indirectly support a stronger immune system.
The respiratory system plays a vital role in our immune defense. Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary have expectorant properties that can help clear congestion, open airways, and relieve respiratory discomfort. By promoting healthy respiratory function, these oils contribute to a robust immune response.
Top Essential Oils To Boost Immunity
1. Tea Tree
A versatile oil with potent microbial properties, tea tree is the most powerful essential oil for immune system support.
Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is renowned for its powerful antimicrobial properties. It helps combat microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which weaken the immune system.
While this oil is more commonly used topically to soothe skin irritations, reduce acne and soothe cold sores, its benefits don’t stop there.
Tea tree oil also has effective decongestant and expectorant properties and can be inhaled either directly or via steam inhalation to ease chest congestion. It can also be diffused to purify the air and promote respiratory health.
33 Powerful ways to use tea tree essential oil
2. Lemon
Extracted from the rind of the lemon fruit, lemon essential oil is well known for its invigorating, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. All of these work together to help build immunity.
When added to a diffuser, lemon essential oil works to purify the air, support detoxification, and boost overall immune function. Additionally, its citrusy, energizing aroma helps to boost mood, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
Lemon oil also blends well with other essential oils, making it a popular addition in many immunity-boosting blends.
Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil has a very distinctive, sharp camphoraceous aroma that has potent decongestant properties. Inhaling eucalyptus vapors helps clear the respiratory tract and supports healthy breathing.
Eucalyptus oil can be diffused or added to steam inhalation to alleviate congestion and enhance immune function. It is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter formulations for boosting immunity and clearing congestion.
While eucalyptus has almost similar properties as tea tree, eucalyptus is a more widely used essential oil for immune system support. This is because of two reasons – it has a more potent composition and a more pleasant small as compared to Tea Tree essential oils
Precaution when using eucalyptus essential oil for immune system support – This is a strong oil and should never be used on children.
27 Ways to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Cold, Congestion, Headaches, and More
4. Peppermint
Peppermint is a refreshing and invigorating essential oil that offers multiple benefits for immune support.
It contains menthol, which has antimicrobial properties and can help relieve respiratory congestion. Its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties work to boost immunity by eliminating toxins from the body.
Peppermint is a versatile essential oil, securing a spot among many top 10 lists, from soothing headaches and boosting energy levels to reducing digestive issues and easing nausea.
It is suitable for direct inhalation, steam bowls, diffusion, and diluted topical application.
5. Cinnamon Bark
Derived from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree,cinnamon essential oil is rich in cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has been shown to fight off pathogens and support immune health
Cinnamon essential oil also possesses powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antioxidant properties.
Labeled a ‘hot oil’ cinnamon essential helps stimulate circulation and warm the body, making it a popular choice during colder months when the immune system may be more vulnerable.
The oil extracted from cinnamon bark has slightly different properties from that extracted from cinnamon leaf. Cinnamon bark essential oil contains properties that are more beneficial for the immunity system.
6. Clove
Clove essential oil has long been recognized for its powerful antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
It contains a compound called eugenol, which is found abundantly in the flower buds of the clove tree, from which the oil is extracted. Eugenol gives clove the ability to help stimulate the immune system, fight off pathogens, and promote overall wellness.
Additionally, its warm and comforting aroma can help alleviate stress, which indirectly supports immune function.
Clove Essential Oil Benefits, Uses, & Cautions
7. OREGANO
Oregano essential oil is derived from the leaves of the oregano plant and is known for its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
It contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, which are effective at fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Less is more when using oregano essential oil for immune system support as this oil is strongly concentrated. Using too much may have an adverse effect.
Oregano Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
Note about using essential oils for immune system support
You cannot boost your immunity overnight by using essential oils. Or by any other means. It takes time and consistent commitment to build and strengthen the immune system.
It’s the little things you do every day that have the most impact on your health.
When using essential oils for immune system support, you’ll get the best results by also making these 12 healthy habits a part of your lifestyle and avoiding these things that can weaken your immune system.
Using these 12 best immune-boosting herbs and spices is a great way to add a large dose of flavor and health to your daily diet.
Where to Apply Essential Oils for Immunity
Before getting into the details of where to apply essential oils for immunity, it’s important to remember that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
Essential oils are too concentrated to be applied without dilution. You must dilute any essential oil with carrier oil before topical application to prevent skin irritation or sensitivity
Alright, so let’s talk about where to apply essential oils for immunity support.
Soles of the Feet
The soles of the feet have larger pores and fewer oil glands, making them the perfect area for essential oil application. This method allows for most efficient absorption into the bloodstream.
Dilute your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and apply a few drops to the soles of your feet, massaging it in gently. This can help support overall immune function and promote wellness throughout the body.
Chest and Throat
Applying essential oils to the chest and throat area can help support respiratory health and strengthen the immune system.
Dilute the essential oil of your choice in a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil) and gently massage it onto the chest and throat.
This allows the aromatic compounds to be absorbed through the skin. It also allows you to inhale the compounds because of proximity to the nose, providing both respiratory and immune benefits.
Wrists and Pulse Points
Another effective way to use essential oils for immune system support is by applying a few drops to the wrists and pulse points.
Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil and apply a small amount to your wrists or pulse points, such as the inner side of your wrists, behind your ears, or at the base of your throat.
This method allows the essential oil to be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body, supporting the immune system.
Massage
You cannot overlook the benefits of a massage when discussing where to apply essential oils for immunity.
A relaxing massage with essential oils not only helps relieve stress but also promotes circulation and enhances the absorption of the oils’ therapeutic components into the body.
Mix your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and use it during a gentle massage.
Focus on areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back, as these areas can benefit from the immune-supporting properties of the essential oil.
Scroll down for effective immune-boosting massage blend recipes.
Inhalation
Inhalation is a simple and direct method to use essential oils for immune system support. There are a couple of different ways you can use inhalation.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the aroma.
Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head and inhale deeply.
You can also just add a few drops of essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale the aroma directly.
Inhalation allows the essential oil molecules to enter the respiratory system, providing respiratory support and promoting immune health.
Immunity-Boosting Massage Blend Recipe
Mix 1 teaspoon carrier oil – Almond, Olive, Coconut, Or Jojoba Oil
With
3 – 5 drops of any one essential oil – Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Oregano, Tea Tree
Or
2 drops each of two essential oils – Peppermint and Lemon or Tea Tree and Oregano
Immunity-Boosting Diffuser Blend Recipes
– 4 drops each of Eucalyptus and Peppermint
– 3 drops each of Lemon, Tea Tree, and Lavender
– 2 drops each of Eucalyptus, Clove, Cinnamon, and Oregano
When using essential oils to boost immunity, remember to choose high-quality, pure oils and use them safely.
Essential oils should be properly diluted before applying to the skin and used in moderation. Before using essential oils for immune system support, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional for guidance, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Related Reads:
10 Healthy Habits To Boost Your Immune System Naturally
Empower Your Life With Essential Oils: See The Difference It Makes!
43 Versatile Ways To Use Cedarwood Essential Oil
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
