Essential Oils and your Immune System
Essential oils can be super beneficial when it comes to immune support. While we can’t legally claim they are a cure or say that they are an immune boost (a technicality in my opinion, when someone says immune boost they clearly aren’t meaning that literally) they can still be super beneficial overall to the immune system in various ways.
The immune system
Mucous membranes: found in many places (commonly the nose) they trap allergens and bacteria and then translate it to the brain.
Skin: Provides a barrier to the outside world. This makes it impossible for bacteria to get in unless there is a break in the skin.
Sebaceous glands: Located all over the body, it creates antibacterial things to cleanse the body.
Circulatory System: Blood cells play a huge part in immunity; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Different cells in the body work together to fight disease and bacteria.
Bone Marrow: Contains stem cells that develop into a variety of different types of cells. These cells help to fight with immune cells.
Spleen: plays an indirect role by processing information and contains a rich supply of immune cells.
Thymus: T-cells that mature and reach strength in the small gland of the chest.
Lymphatic System: Plays one of the biggest parts. It transports the waste away and brings antibodies in.
Neurological System: Nerves carry impulses between the immunity cells, translating messages to defend throughout the body.
Peyer’s Patches: small patches of lymphoid tissue that fight infection from the digestive tract. Found in the small intestine.
Endocrine System: The endocrine system can impede immunity, if you are too stressed the endocrine system will secrete cortisol and blocks lymphocytes/anitbodies.
That was a pretty quick and not super in depth run down of the immune system. It is definitely way more complicated than that and consists of multiple systems working together creating cells and antibodies that work to fight for the body. Our bodies are pretty incredible actually.
There are many things that can work against the immune system as well such as allergies or autoimmune diseases. These are important to keep in mind when working with essential oils, especially for the immune system.
Essential oils for the immune system:
Tea Tree: strong immune stimulant. It can help with infectious organisms such as bacterial, viral and fungal infections
Bay Laurel: contains cineole and linalool chemical constituents. This oil has antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antineuralgic, insecticidal and sedative properties
Eucalyptus: effective in combating the effects of colds and flu. It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulating.
Bergamot: antiseptic properties that help to ward of infection and aid in recovery. Can help with coughs as well.
Frankincense: it is antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicastrisant, cytophylactic, digestive, diurectic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine and vulnerary.
Oregano: generally considered natures cure all. Properties include antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic.
Thyme: stimulating and uplifting. A valuable oil for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
How to use essential oils for the immune system:
Steams: Using the steam method use essential oils for congestion to help clear up and lessen the effects of colds, coughs and sinus issues. Drop oils in a hot shower and let it steam the room for about 15 minutes breathing as deeply as you can. Drop oils in a bowl of boiling water and cover your head with a towel breathing in deep for about 5-10 minutes. Do not add oils to a netti pot or try and rinse your nasal passages with oils. Choose oils that are not irriating to the eyes. Frankincense, Tea Tree and Black Spruce are good congestion essential oils that are also safe for kids, safe for pregnancy (not clinically studied) and safe for breastfeeding. Use the shower method with kids 1+ (can use with younger kids without the oils) and use the bowl method with kids 6+
Diffusing: diffuse oils intermittently to help support the immune system or help with symptoms. Frankincense, Tea Tree, Bergamot. Diffuse safely 6 months+ with a couple drops of oil. Safe in pregnancy (not clinically studied) and in breastfeeding.
Topically: Use essential oils in a rub or salve to help clear congestions, tackle pain/aches and help support the immune system. Use Tea tree, Black Spruce, Frankincense topically Use topically 1+ at a .2 dilution, 2+ at a 1% dilution and 12+ at a 3% dilution. Safe in pregnancy at 1% dilution (not clinically studied) and in breastfeeding
I love using essential oils to help handle my symptoms and support my immune system. They smell amazing and can really help with those irritating symptoms of colds. You can also use some of the oils for daily support in small dilutions just to help support your immune system. Pair with immune supporting herbs as well such as echinacea, elderberry, oregano and garlic. Please refer to my blog post here to see which oils are safe for different ages and pregnancy/breastfeeding. You can also see my post on medical interactions to see if there are oils you shouldn’t be using.
Thank you so much for reading, your support means a lot. If you have any questions feel free to email me at holisticary@gmail.com or call/text me at 641-631-6355This blog post was meant to educate and entertain, it is entirely my opinion and not meant to treat or diagnose anyone or to be taken as absolute unwavering fact. Please seek proper medical care and advice. 