Top 5 Essential oils for Immunity
There has been a surge in the popularity of using essential oils in recent years, especially as a form of aromatherapy. However, more than just being fragrant, the reason for their popularity is because of their many benefits, especially when it comes to one’s health. One potential use of essential oils for health reasons is to boost your immunity.
So, what are they and how do they help boost your immunity? Check this article to find out.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from various plants using methods such as distillation which is the most common. Each plant has its own unique set of beneficial effects, ranging from alleviating symptoms of common diseases and other medical conditions, both external and internal, to improving cognitive processes.
Essential oils have numerous uses, with aromatherapy being the most common. Aside from this, did you know that they can also be used as a way to boost your immunity? How can using essential oils as a boost for immune system be possible?
Improving your immunity using essential oils
As mentioned, one of the benefits of essential oils is that it can be a way to boost immune system. Moreover, it was also mentioned that essential oils are derived from various plants through a method called distillation and these plants have their own set of health benefits.
Because of this, there are essential oils that are natural immune boosters as they possess natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against the harmful germs and bacteria that can cause diseases.
With these properties, these essential oils help ease the burden of our immune system as they function similarly and even boost their functions. Moreover, some of these essential oils have properties that deal directly with most of the symptoms of common illnesses such as headaches, muscle and joint pain, nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing, etc.
Essential oils, therefore, are a great supplementary method if you’re wondering about how to boost immune system.
Most Common Essential Oils for Boosting Immunity
There are numerous essential oils available that provide their users with immunity-boosting properties but we will enumerate only the most common. Check them out below.
Frankincense Essential Oil:
Frankincense has been used since ancient times in many cultures across the world, both for medicinal and religious purposes. Nowadays, it’s popularly used as an essential oil due to its many health benefits.
Frankincense essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate conditions like joint and muscle pain. This also helps reduce swelling and improve blood circulation which can help with your immunity.
Aside from this, it also has sedative-like relaxing effects that help reduce anxiety and stress. This particular effect also helps improve concentration, memory, and sleep.
Lemongrass Essential oil:
Lemongrass is commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries and it has been widely used primarily as a remedy for ailments like pain, fevers, and stomach problems. As such, lemongrass essential oil features many properties that don’t just help alleviate symptoms but also help boost your immune system.
One of lemongrass essential oil benefits is its ability to manage pain, making it effective at alleviating headaches, joint pains, muscle pains, etc. Aside from this, it also features anti-oxidant properties as well as antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Known for its ability to relieve respiratory symptoms like difficulty in breathing and congestion, Eucalyptus essential oil is more than a decongestant – it’s also a great way to boost your immune system. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial characteristics make it a great way to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria that can cause diseases and cripple your immune system.
Peppermint Essential oil:
Peppermint is often associated with dental products such as toothpaste. However, more than its ability to provide us with minty fresh breath, peppermint is a great natural immune booster. It offers similar effects as eucalyptus, providing relief for respiratory issues.
Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties help boost one’s immunity, allowing the immune system to fight off harmful germs and bacteria.
Lemon Essential oil:
Commonly associated with cleaning products, lemon, and other citrus fruits are a great way to boost immunity, especially lemons. It possesses anti-oxidant, disinfectant, antiseptic, and antifungal properties that help fight and kill off harmful disease-causing bacteria.
Common Methods of Using Essential oil
Here are some ways you can use and benefit from these immunity-boosting essential oils.
- Aromatherapy
Using essential oils as part of aromatherapy is the most common method. For this, you can use an oil diffuser, air purifier, or an oil burner to make the most out of your essential oils.
2.Topical Applications
Another popular method of use is through applying it directly on the skin where you’re experiencing an issue such as pain, irritation, wound/injury, etc. However, this often requires diluting as pure essential oils can irritate the skin.
3. Blending with other Products
Some mix essential oils with ordinary products such as soaps, facial washes, sanitizers, and bath bombs to help address their issues like acne, wounds, or simple hygiene.
Can they be used as an alternative or substitute for conventional medicine?
Despite their many benefits, essential oils aren’t meant to replace conventional medicine. They can, however, be used as supplementary treatments or preventive measures. Nevertheless, further developments are underway so they can be effectively used as a legitimate alternative. However, as of now, it’s best to use them the way they were meant to – as supplementary or complementary treatments.
Another thing you need to keep in mind that essential oils are never for digestion. They were meant for external use only. However, as mentioned, they will need to be diluted before you can apply them to your skin.
Final Thoughts:
Essential oils offer many benefits, especially in terms of health. They can be used as natural immunity boosters as they can help ease the burden on your immune system. However, when using essential oils, make sure to take precautions such as diluting it before applying topically and never ingest it. Moreover, they’re only meant to be a supplement and not a substitute for conventional medicine.
Nevertheless, with the continuous advancement in the field of medicine, there might come a day that essential oils can be utilized as a treatment in itself.
