By: Taylor Paganini, L.M.T, O.T
Now that everyone (hopefully!) is home taking this time to quarantine during our countries health crisis, in order to not only keep themselves but our communities safe, you're probably asking yourselves what else could you be doing to keep yourself feeling strong and healthy? One simple but highly effective way to keep yourselves from getting sick and feeling energized during this time is applying Aromatherapy to your daily routines.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it's called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. Making sure we are using high quality essential oils will ensure that we are receiving all the benefits the plant has to offer us. COVID 19 is a viral infection that is MAINLY affecting our respiratory systems. The use of many traditional antiviral medications can cause unnecessary damage to otherwise healthy cells. Essential oils are a natural alternative that can help eliminate viruses with minimal or no damage to your existing cells. Using anti-viral essential oils to boost our immune system and fight against viruses is our best bet!
Here are some of the best essential oils to be using, how to use them and other important information in order to effectively and safely use this therapy.
Strengthening the Immune System: Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Rose, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Thyme (verbena), and Eucalyptus radiata. Best applied as an aromatherapy self-massage, in a bath, diffused in a room or through stream inhalation.
Colds/Flu: Black pepper, Ginger, Peppermint, Oregano, Cinnamon, Basil, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus radiate. Best applied as a rub, in a bath, as hot or cold compresses and diffused in a room or steam inhaled. Start treating symptoms as soon as they arise!
Fevers: Bergamot, Black pepper, Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, Ginger, Lemon, Tea Tree, Sandalwood, Chamomile, and Rosemary. Best applied as a cold compress, a rub, diffused in a room, or steam inhaled. CAUTION: Do not use body massage when there is a fever involved. Its fine to treat a mild fever but keep in mind good common sense and seek medical attention when needed.
Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus radiata, Tea Tree, Ravensara, and Hyssop. Best applied with self-massage or used in a room diffuser.
Ways to use antiviral essential oils.....
In a bath: If you feel cold or flu symptoms coming on try this! Blend the following essential oils in a small cup of full-fat milk and then put in a warm bath: 5 drops bergamot, 3 drops lavender, 3 drops black pepper and 2 drops juniper. Enjoy a good soak! Or, of course, you could create your own bath recipe!
Aromatherapy massage: Blend up to 10 drops of antiviral oils in 25ml of carrier oil such as almond oil, jojoba oil, canola oil or coconut oil. I use a mix of lavender, thyme and eucalyptus for the onset of cold symptoms. Test a small area of the body first to make sure you are not sensitive to the chosen essential oil (s).
In a room spray: Mix about 7 drops of your chosen antiviral essential oils in a cup of water, and put into a fine spray bottle. Spray your rooms as needed!
In a diffuser: Again choose your antiviral oils and apply them with a little water in a diffuser.
As a steam inhalation: Pour hot water into a bowl and add 3 drops of your chosen essential oil(s). Place your head about 30cm above the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Have the towel draping over your head and the bowl so that it forms a 'tent'. Keep your eyes shut and breathe deeply through your nose for a couple of minutes.
Caution: Do not use this method if you suffer from asthma.
Using antiviral essential oils, for a natural approach to healthcare, will always give you a head start but they will always work best alongside a healthy lifestyle!
**If you are pregnant please contact your healthcare professional before using any Aromatherapy.
Taylor Paganini L.M.T, O.T is certified in Myofascial Release Technique, Trigger Point Therapy, AMMA, and Prenatal massage. Also certified in flame Cupping. Her techniques are to help unblock energy in the body and bring better mobility and functionality to the muscular and nervous systems in order to reconnect the mind/body experience.