BACK
Essential
oils may cause allergic reactions or have other undesirable side effects. Try
first, wait 48 hours for signs of allergic
reaction (highly unusual). They are very potent and the amount used
(measure by drops) should be carefully considered.
What drug is derived from the star-shaped, multiple fruit of a small oriental tree called the star anise, which is a member of the magnolia family? It's Oseltamivir (commonly known by it's trade name Tamiflu), an anti-viral drug taken after someone first displays symptoms and is effective against the H1N1 virus. Essential oils are also made from plants and their effectiveness as both antibacterial and antiviral agents has been reported for a very long time. Drug companies do not hold any patents for essential oils.
During the bubonic plague (caused by the Yersinia pestis bacillus) that swept through Europe in the Middle Ages, killing more than 30% of the population in affected areas, it was observed that people who worked in the lavender distilleries and in other industries using essential oils rarely contracted the disease. Several recipes for preventing plague with essential oils became popular during this time and it was common for people to carry bundles of dried herbs mixed with essential oils on their person. In more modern times, anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of essential oils against both bacteria and viruses has steadily accumulated and, more importantly, proper scientific investigations have been conducted since the 1950's. Most essential oils are produced from stills or pressed and the quality of essential oils varies depending on supplier. France has been at the forefront of aromatherapy practice in general, and the anti-infectious use of essential oils in particular.
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In some studies of essential oils, specific components have been isolated and found to have antiviral properties. These include anethole, carvone, beta-caryophyllene, citral, eugenol, limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate. Several methods of antiviral action have been proposed for essential oils and essential oil components - investigators have hypothesized that some essential oils interfere with surface glycoproteins in the viral envelope, thus preventing attachment of the virus to host cells. Other essential oils are believed to attack viruses in the host cells, possibly at the level of the cell membrane. Essential oils are also known for their ability to stimulate the immune system and may offer some indirect protection against viral infection through these effects.
There
have not been any studies which have examined the effectiveness of essential
oils against a swine flu type virus. However, since essential oils
have been shown to have effects against a very wide range of other viruses and
are also known to be immune systems stimulants the use of these oils is strongly
recommended. Don't drink essential oils.
Nasal inhalers are an efficient method to administer oils into the respiratory tract. Nasal inhalers can be carried in one's pocket or hung by a string around the neck. To attach a string or lanyard with clip, buy an 'O' rubber ring from hardware store which can be slipped tightly around inhaler cover, providing an anchor (a tightly wound rubber band could also be used). Ease of use is important, if it's not handy you are less likely to use it.
If you don't have an inhaler, use soaked cotton balls in a re-sealable plastic bag - inhaler the vapors through mouth or nose. Or place soaked cotton ball inside your face mask.
Soak a cotton ball, or part of a cotton ball, with 5 to 10 drops of essential oils and stuff into nasal inhaler. You will need a clean paperclip (the stronger, the better) bent straight, to poke out the cap of the inhaler and push in the cotton. If you having difficulty pushing out the stopper, try bending the paperclip and using a side vent hole. Instead of one large piece of cotton, it may be easier to soak several small pieces of cotton so the paperclip can reach the stopper when you need to change it. Replace with new freshly soaked cotton every 8 to 12 hours. Carry cotton balls, essential oil in backpack / car / locker / workplace. When inhaling hold other nostril close. Use as needed, perhaps once or twice per hour during the worst weeks of infections.
Essential oils considered to have strong anti-viral properties: cloves, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, lavender, sweet marjoram, peppermint, tea tree - a mix is ideal as different essential oils are believed to have different anti-viral properties.
Disclaimer: Jeff Danglo is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of any information on this website. All readers are encouraged to research this subject on their own.