Essential Oils to Boost Your Immune System

When choosing an essential oil, it is crucial to select a high-quality, pure oil. It is wise to see what type of testing the oils have gone through to assure their quality and which reputable company they came from. There are many different essential oil companies out there, and many provide high-quality products, but you need to do your research. You want to ensure the products:

• Are certified to have no impurities
• Taken directly from the plant source
• Are traceable to their source.

More expensive does not always mean higher quality. I have bought my oils from various places but have settled on a company that not only does their research but also is more economical.

Melaleuca Oil (Tea Tree Oil)

Melaleuca oil is also known as tea tree oil. It is an excellent antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral oil and works as a natural antiseptic making it great for fighting infections.

This oil stimulates the immune system. Most oils only support the immune system; therefore, tea tree is a good choice as your first line of defense. Melaleuca oil is excellent to diffuse to clean the air of bacteria or used in your household cleaners to eliminate germs on your surfaces. It has been proven to be effective in combatting the flu virus, and is recognized by the National Library of Medicine.

Another excellent use for it is to soothe stings, bites, wounds, or irritated skin. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil if you choose to apply it directly to the skin. It also has been shown effective in helping combat bladder infections, ear infections, and cellulitis. Talk to your doctor before attempting to remedy any of the above at home.

How to Use: Diffuse 1-2 drops in a diffuser, dilute with a carrier oil and rub on the bottom of the foot, or use in cleaning agent to sanitize countertops.

Recipe for the Diffuser to Fight Bacteria:

• Add equal parts melaleuca oil, lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint to a bottle
• Roll bottle in hand to help blend thoroughly
• Use 1-2 drops in a diffuser.

Other Uses:

• Cleans skin
• Promotes immune system
• Activates happiness hormones

Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil helps support your immune system. It works because it helps soothe your mind and body, which allows your body to fight off illness better. Mood can have a drastic impact on your immune system's response. If you feel very stressed, anxious, or depressed, your body is less capable of fighting off illness. Boosting your mood allows you to feel better and get appropriate rest.This will also help if you have any respiratory issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or congestion.

How to Use: Put 1-2 drops in a diffuser. Dilute in a carrier oil and rub on the bottom of the foot or throat.

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Scent: Citrusy yet floral scent

Cautions: If used on the skin, it may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not use on the skin if pregnant or nursing, do not use up to two weeks before surgery because it can affect blood sugars.

Asthma Relief Blend:

• Combine two parts bergamot, two parts rosemary, and three parts spearmint.
• Roll the bottle in the palm of your hand to blend.
• Diffuse 1-2 drops in a diffuser.

Other Uses:

• It prevents acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• Helps with indigestion
• Eases congestion, soothes bronchitis and pneumonia
• Combats depression, anxiety, and stress

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon, in general, is great for boosting the immune system so the essential oil would be no different. The oil is known for helping your body to defend itself against dangerous microbes. When exposed to lemon oil, our bodies produce more white blood cells, like bergamot. Another way that lemon helps is by boosting the mood, which will help your body be prepared to fight off illness.

How to Use: combine with a carrier oil and rub on the chest to help breathe better. Combine three drops to 2 cups of vinegar and use as a cleaning agent. Uses one drop of lemon, and one drop of peppermint in a carrier oil, rub on the bottom of feet to fight off fever, and diffuse 1-2 drops in a diffuser.

Scent: Citrus

Cough Relief Blend:

• Equal parts lemon, cedarwood, spearmint, and clove.
• Rub in a bottle in between the palms of your hand.
• Drop 1-2 drops in a diffuser.

Other Uses

• Aids digestion and relieves constipation
• Improves skin conditions
• Promotes weight loss and burning of fat
• Detoxifies
• Improves oral health
• Provides pain relief
• Speeds healing
• Prevents depression and anxiety

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is an excellent choice once one already has the flu or cold. The oil is used in many over-the-counter medications to help deal with a bad cold or flu. It helps relieve congestion and break down mucus to allow one to breathe better. Eucalyptus may help even before being sick, as it is supposed to help build the immune system on a cellular level. It is also a great healing agent for wounds because of its antibacterial effects.

How to Use: Rub with a carrier oil in palms and breathe in, or rub against throat and chest, diffuse 1-2 drops in a diffuser

Homemade Disinfectant:

• Use ten drops of eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella oils each.
• Add a quarter cup of vinegar and two cups of water.
• Combine in a spray bottle.

Other Uses

• Heals wounds
• Treats respiratory problems
• Relieves muscle pain
• Manages diabetes
• Freshens room
• Lowers fevers
• Kills intestinal germs
• Improves dental hygiene

Caution!

Although many companies will state you can ingest their oils, I advise you only to do so if directed by a doctor and if the oils are approved by the FDA, as oils are very potent due to their extreme concentration. Our bodies are not necessarily made to encounter that strength of oil internally. Oils should also be used with a carrier oil whenever it is used on the skin to help prevent overexposure and sensitivity.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2020 Angela Michelle Schultz

Comments

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on March 09, 2020:

I feel like my diffuser puts a lot of fragrance in the air. I actually used to put more than two drops in it, but it would get overwhelming. I am not sure if you are using a high quality one, though I haven't heard too much about there being a difference in diffusers. I got mine through a company that has a special. If you buy a diffuser you get their oil for immune-boosting and their oil for breathing more easily free. That one works great. I have also bought one from Young Living years ago, but it is starting to die and I will probably buy a second one from where I got my new one from.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on March 08, 2020:

What kind of diffuser are you speaking of here? I just know about the ones that you fill with water, drop in the oil and turn on. I have two and neither seems to put much fragrance into the air. Are they supposed to?

Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on March 08, 2020:

I really like to use fractionated coconut oil, although sweet almond oil is a good choice as well. Sweet almond oil is a good choice to use as a massage oil, as it evaporates more slowly.

Rochelle Frank from California Gold Country on March 07, 2020:

What oil do you recommend as a carrier oil?