Using essential oils for antiviral purposes is easier than you think
Studies have shown that essential oils have great antiviral properties [1] [2] [3], and they can provide a natural, low-tox alternative to commercial products if you know how to use them correctly.
What's more, essential oils used in this way can be far more economical than commercial products.
7 Essential Oils with Excellent AntiViral Properties
To create your own antiviral essential oil product, choose from one of the following oils:
Ravintsara – Cinnamomum camphora
Aromatic molecules : Sabinene, 1,8 cineole, α-terpineol
Distilled organ: Leaf
The name means ‘the good leaf’ in Malgache, the language of Madagascar where this tree is native. It is an essential oil that is considered as one of the most important for supporting the body in fighting viruses by Daniele Festy, a pharmacist in Paris that was one of the for-leaders in educating people on essential oils[10]. She considers it a necessary part of anybody’s ‘essential’ essential oil kit.
Ravintsara is gentle on the skin and can be used safely around children (age 6+) and the elderly.
Mandravasarotra – Cinnamosma fragens
Aromatic molecules : 1,8 cineole, monoterpenes
Distilled organ : Leaf
Another native to Madagascar, this evergreen and very aromatic tree can reach up to 5m of height. In Malagasy, Mandravasarotra means ‘what keeps evil away’. This is the plant most used by the populations of the western part of the island.
Eucalyptus Radiata - Eucalyptus radiata ssp radiata
Aromatic molecules : 1,8 cineole, α-terpineol
Distilled organ : Leaf
Eucalyptus radiatas' minty scent is deeply refreshing, clearing and invigorating, setting it apart from the more dusky, camphor-like Eucalyptus globulus and the citrus-like Eucalyptus citriodora. The oil is commonly used for respiratory support and immune support.
Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia
Aromatic molecules : Terpineol 1,4, γ-terpinene
Distilled organ : Leaf
Tea tree is an essential oil that no longer needs to prove itself. It is found in a very large number of washing (soap, shampoo, bath oil) and cosmetic products. In addition to these applications, it is rightly considered a reliable element of medical and family aromatherapy.
Niaouli - Melaleuca quinquenervia
Aromatic molecules : 1,8 cineole, viridiflorol
Distilled organ : Leaf
Niaouli provides an essential oil remarkable for its efficacy and tolerance, and formerly known as gomenol. It is related to the tea tree and its properties are similar. Like true lavender, it is considered a panacea because of its wide range of indications. The multiple results obtained through its use allows it to be classified among the top 10 essential oils used by the informed consumer11. Niaouli essential oil can support the immune system during flu and cold season, promote clear lungs and sinuses.
Bay Laurel - Laurus nobilis
Aromatic molecules : 1,8 cineole
Distilled organ : Leaf
Much more well-known in ancient times, where wreaths crowned victors, and in cuisine, where it forms part of the bouquet garni, Bay Laurel produces a remarkable essential oil that remains too little used in aromatherapy. Bay Laurel essential oil has a fresh, herbal and earthy scent with a spicy finish. It is extensively used in cologne, body care products, soaps, scents, and herbal remedies. Use to support a healthy immune system and emotional balance during times of illness and stress.
Thyme CT linalol - Thymus vulgaris
Aromatic molecules : Linalol
Distilled organ : Flowering top
Thyme CT linalol has a soft, sweet and herbaceous aroma. Gentler than Thyme CT Thymol and other variants that contain phenols, Thyme CT linalol is a better option for using around children (age 6+) and the elderly. Great to support the immune system and the respiratory system during flu and cold season.
Once your essential oil/s are chosen, follow these steps to sanitise hands, support immunity or clean your environment
How to make an Essential Oil Hand Sanitiser
- Sanitise hands by applying 100 drops of your chosen EO to 100 ml of your favourite foaming cleansing gel. Note: dilution from 1%-5% maximum; OR
- Put 3 drops of chosen EO in a small amount of aloe-vera gel and use as a waterless hand sanitiser.
Immunity
- Strengthen the immune system by locally applying 1-2 drops of selected EO mixed into a carrier oil on the wrists, chest and bottoms of the feet 1-3 times a day during the entire risk period;
OR
- If you are around infected people or where your risk of contamination is high (eg. going shopping) 3-4 drops of selected EO 3-5 times a day;
OR
- If you are sick, 6-10 drops of selected EO 5-10 times a day for 48 hours. Then reduce to 3-4 drops, 3-5 times a day, until symptoms subside.
Diffusion
- Clean the air by diffusing a mixture of 10-15 drops of the above EO’s for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening;
OR
- Diffuse the above mix every hour for 15 minutes.
This blog post originally appeared on Le Remedy Foundation and has been reposted here with their courtesy and permission.
View our range of organic and chemotyped essential oils by Pranarom here
[1] Jackwood, M. W. et al. (2010). Avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus susceptibility to botanical oleoresins and essential oils in vitro and in vivo. Virus research, 149(1), 86-94.
[2] Wu, S. et al. (2010, April). Essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection via inhibition of membrane fusion in vitro. In journal of investigative medicine (Vol. 58, No. 4, p. 677)
[3] Wang, W. et al. (2008). Anti-virus activity of combined essential oil on infectious bronchitis virus. Indian veterinary journal, 85(11), 1147-1148