Essential oils for the immune system and their applications for use

Common aromatherapy applications include room, face and body, and counter sprays, inhalations, oil burners, massage creams and massage oils.

Sprays:

The benefit of these applications includes keeping airborne germs at bay, to be able to spray yourself directly, and as a chemical-free alternative to counter top sprays.

Inhalations:

The benefit of inhalations include clearing nasal and sinus congestion.

Oil burners:

The benefit of using an oil burner includes keeping airborne germs at bay.

Massage creams and oils:

The benefit of massage creams is being able to apply the essential oils directly to the body and increase blood flow and lymphatic flow.

No matter what application you choose, aromatherapy will also influence your moods and create a pleasant aroma, but it is important to see a qualified aromatherapist because essential oils may have adverse effects when applied topically, as well as be contraindicated for certain conditions and medications. And, essential oils are never to be taken internally.

Some common aromatherapy classes and their essential oils:

Antidepressant essential oils:

  • May be uplifting and help alleviate depression

  • Basil, bergamot, citronella, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, Melissa, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, rosewood, ylang ylang

Antimicrobial essential oils:

  • May reduce microbes

  • Myrrh, thyme.

Antiseptic essential oils:

  • May help prevent tissue degeneration and controls infection

  • Basil, bergamot, black pepper, camphor, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, garlic, geranium, ginger, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, marjoram, myrrh, myrtle, neroli, niaouli, nutmeg, palmarosa, peppermint, pine, rose, rosemary, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, verbena, vetiver, and yarrow.

Antibacterial essential oils:

  • May combat bacteria

  • Basil, eucalyptus, hyssop, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, myrrh, myrtle, neroli, niaouli, palmarosa, rose, rosewood, tea tree.

Antiviral essential oils:

  • May help control viral organisms

  • Eucalyptus, lavender, lavender spike, lime, palmarosa, tea tree.

Disinfectant essential oils:

  • May destroy germs

  • Use for countertops and in room sprays and oil burners.

  • Birch, clove, juniper, lime, myrrh, pine.

Immune system boosting essential oils:

  • May boost immune system

  • Lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, frankincense.

Tonic essential oils:

  • May improve the body’s performance

  • Basil, bergamot, black pepper, carrot seed, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, lime,  marjoram, Melissa, myrrh, nutmeg, neroli, orange, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, vetiver, yarrow.