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With winter around the corner, it is time to start thinking of boosting your immune system. There are plenty of celebrations coming up and you don’t want to spend those fun times in bed with a cold or the flu.
Boosting your immune system is one of the best ways to prevent getting illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and similar viruses that make their appearance in winter.
With that in mind, a strong immune system is important all year round, not just in winter. It’s what helps to boost your defenses and keep you healthy.
Our bodies are exposed to numerous toxins and stressors every single day throughout the year. These slowly add up and put a strain on the immune system. While we cannot keep all of these at bay, we can do things to strengthen our immunity and stay healthy.
Fortunately, this isn’t all that difficult to do. There are several easy, natural things you can do that will help keep your immune system robust.
One of these natural measures is to use immunity-boosting essential oils and blends. They work gently so that you do not have to worry about any adverse long term effects.
Best Immunity-Boosting Essential Oils
Lemon
Extracted from the rind of the lemon fruit, lemon essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and antioxidant properties, all of which are beneficial to the immune system.
Additionally, its citrusy, energizing aroma works to boost your 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.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is a common ingredient in many immunity-boosting blends and for good reason. With its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, it works synergistically with other oils to support the immune system.
This oil has decongestant and expectorant properties that help to support a healthy respiratory system. It is often used to reduce respiratory ailments.
Precaution when using eucalyptus oil for immunity – This strong oil should never be used on children.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that work to boost immunity by eliminating toxins from the body.
Peppermint is a versatile oil and is commonly used to alleviate fatigue, relieve stomach issues such as nausea and indigestion, and relieve headaches that you get when you have a cold or flu.
In addition to protecting your body against illnesses such as colds and the flu, its uplifting aroma helps to perk you up and lift you out of the doldrums.
Cinnamon Bark
What makes cinnamon essential oil so effective for boosting the immune system is its powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon has a sweet scent that can be hugely comforting as it mimics the aroma of home baking.
Cinnamon is considered a ‘hot oil’, which means you should never use it in its concentrated form. You must dilute the oil before using it.
The oil extracted from cinnamon bark has slightly different properties from that extracted from the cinnamon leaf. Cinnamon bark essential oil contains properties that are most beneficial for the immunity system.
Tea Tree
A versatile oil with potent microbial properties, tea tree essential oil is a must-have in any home. It is incredibly effective in fighting germs and is a popular addition in several home remedies.
Tea tree oil can be used for a wide array of purposes, including treating cold sores and acne. It is also an effective decongestant and expectorant and helps to ease chest congestion.
Clove
The antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties of clove essential oil are well known. Not only is it beneficial for digestive issues, but it’s frequently used for mouth health and general infections, as well as for combating colds and the flu.15 Because of its strong antimicrobial properties, clove bud is a great option to consider when using essential oils for immunity.
Clove is a “hot” oil and must be highly diluted before applying topically to ensure you stay away from skin irritations.
Lavender
Lavender is next on the list of best essential oils to boost the immune system. Lavender essential oil is very calming for your mind and body and encourages the body to heal from the inside out.
Lavender oil is different from peppermint and lemon in that it does not help your immune system directly. Instead, it works by helping you to relax and get better sleep. Studies have long shown that a good night’s rest is the single best way to boost your immune system.
OREGANO
Rich in antioxidant, oregano is also a known pathogen fighter. Oregano essential oil is effective against disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Less is more when using oregano essential oil for boosting immunity as this oil is strongly concentrated. Using too much may have an adverse effect.
Marjoram
Marjoram belongs to the same family as oregano. It supports the immune system by fighting off infections and ridding the body of toxins.
To get the immunity-boosting benefits of marjoram essential oil, add a few drops to your diffuser, and inhale the aroma.
How To Use Essential Oils To Boost Your Immune System
The very first you should do is check with your doctor before you start using any essential oils for immunity. The immune system is one of the most complex systems in the body. Keeping it healthy and functioning efficiently is critical to fighting off several types of illnesses and for this, you must work together with your doctor.
Using immunity-boosting essential oils and blends is just one of many natural things you can do to support your immune system.
You can get the immunity-boosting benefits of these oils and blends by diffusing them in a room, applying them directly to your skin or by adding a drop or two to your cleaning products.
Topical Application
Remember to always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin. These oils are very concentrated and could cause itching and other adverse effects when applied to the skin directly.
Read about the best carrier oils for essential oils.
The best place to apply essential oils topically is on the soles of your feet. The oils get absorbed fastest when applied on the soles, giving you the benefits in the shortest time.
The second-best areas for topical application of essential oils are the neck and behind the ears.
If you are using essential oils for cough or chest congestion, then it helps to rub it into the chest and throat. As always, mix with a carrier oil before applying topically.
Recipes for Immunity-Boosting Essential Oil Blends for Topical Application:
Take 1 teaspoon carrier oil – the best ones to use for the purpose are jojoba, coconut, or almond oil.
Mix your chosen carrier oil with any of these essential oils:
- 3 drops Eucalyptus
- 5 drops Oregano
- 5 drops Marjoram
- 2 drops tea tree+ 1 drop lavender
- 1 drop lemon + 1 drop peppermint
Recipes for Immunity-Boosting Essential Oil Blends to Use in Your Diffuser
Recipe 1
4 drops Eucalyptus
4 drops Peppermint
Recipe 2
3 drops Lemon
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Peppermint
Recipe 3
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Oregano
2 drops Marjoram
2 drops Thyme
Recipe 4
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Clove
2 drops Cinnamon
2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Sweet Orange
Recipe 5
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Peppermint
1 drop Clove
1 drop Lime
1 drop Rosemary
Prefer to Buy Pre-Blended Essential Oil Synergy Blends that Help Boost Immunity?
This post lists some of the Top Rated Immune-Boosting Essential Oil Synergy Blends from Reputed Brands.
Immunity-Boosting Blends to Use In a Spray Bottle
- 10 drops lemon oil
- 10 drops thyme oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 10 drops rosemary oil
- 5 drops cinnamon oil
- 5 drops clove oil
- 1/4 teaspoon witch hazel
Fill a 16 oz. spray bottle 3/4 of the way with distilled water. Use a dark-colored glass bottle such as this one to preserve the healing properties of the essential oils.
Drop in the oils listed above.
Add the witch hazel and shake well.
Use as a room freshener or surface cleaning spray.
Immunity-Boosting Blend to Use as a Massage or Body Oil
- 20 drops thyme oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops geranium oil
- Jojoba carrier oil
Dispense essential oils into a 4 oz. aluminum squirt bottle and fill 3/4 of the way with the carrier oil.
Shake or roll until blended.
Apply all over, massaging thoroughly into the skin.
This blend can be used for sensitive skin as it does not contain lemon, clove or cinnamon, which tends to burn the skin. Be especially careful if you are using this on children, however. It is always advisable to do a patch test before massaging all over.
Buying the Best Quality Essential Oils is Important
I cannot stress enough the importance of buying only high-quality essential oils from reputed brands. Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils are the two top essential oil brands that I recommend. Their oils undergo several stringent quality control measures before they are marketed. All of their essential oils are 100% pure with no chemicals, diluting agents, or preservatives.
As you will see when you go to the Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils websites, good quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. The oils are reasonably priced and both brands offer a variety of perks and discounts on purchases that meet certain criteria. Check out their websites to buy the best quality oils and save money too.
Other Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
While essential oils are an easy and effective way to boost your immune system, it helps to also supplement your efforts with these 3 measures:
Maintain a Healthier Lifestyle
There’s nothing like a healthier lifestyle to give your immune system a natural boost. Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking about huge changes. Just think about the small things you can do every day.
Here are some ideas to start you off:
- Eat a healthier diet
- Get some exercise every day, even if it is just a walk around the block
- Get enough sleep every night
For your diet, try to focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, switch to whole grains and complex carbohydrates. Cut down on fast foods and try and cook more meals at home.
Take Echinacea
In terms of herbs and other natural remedies for your immune system, Echinacea is definitely high on the list. This herb is popularly used for combating the cold and flu, and similar immune system illnesses.
Echinacea has natural properties that help to boost your immune system and fight off bacterial and viral infections more effectively. There are many ways to get more Echinacea, from supplements to using the actual herb.
Go here to read more about the therapeutic properties of Echinacea and how to use this healing herb.
Don’t Forget the Probiotics
Probiotics are not just a trend or a hot topic. They actually work wonderfully to boost your immunity.
Probiotics are more commonly taken to help treat digestive issues such as leaky gut, but recent studies show that they can also help with boost the immune system.
Probiotics work by adding a type of beneficial bacteria into the body. This allows the body to absorb more nutrients, which in turn boosts the immune system making it more effective at fighting off the bad bacteria.
You can either take a probiotic supplement or eat a healthy diet to ensure you get enough of them through natural food sources. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor about the benefits of probiotics for your immune system.
You may also be interested in: 10 Easy Ways To Boost Your Immune System Naturally
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
