H1N1 and anti-viral essential oils: 4 things you need to know

The H1N1 virus has caused a great deal of fear among people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the virus is contracted by the following sect of people in most cases: Pregnant women, babies from 6 months to young adults aged 24, people who have chronic respiratory illnesses or weakened immune system and health care personnel who are in constant exposure to the virus. The dreaded H1N1 virus or Swine Flu can be combated with essential oils. No, we are not talking about any miracle therapy, but the regular use of essential oils to keep such cold and flu viruses at bay.

H1N1 and essential oils: We bet you do not believe this. How can essential oils combat H1N1? No, we do not mean that oils can cure the flu, we only mean that oils can keep the flu at a distance from your body and treat you in case of symptoms. Apart from the several common things that you are supposed to use while in case of a H1N1 outbreak, you need your daily dose of essential oils to keep things in order. With essential oils, you can strengthen your weakened immune system and combat any disease with ease. Below are a few things you need to know on how to use essential oils for your benefit, especially in case of a threat of Swine Flu or cold or viral/bacterial attack:


1. Diffuse regularly: Regular, even daily diffusion of essential oils that are anti-viral or anti-bacterial can help. This would not just rid your environment off microbes, but will also cure your family of virus infections (at initial stages) if any. You can use anti-viral oils of a diverse kind: Anise, Basil, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cajeput, Cypress, Coriander, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Kanuka, Lavender, Niaouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Ravensara, Rosewood, Sage, Tea Tree, Tea Tree Lemon, Thyme and Lemon Eucalyptus. Diffusing expectorant or decongestant oils can help cleanse the mucous microbes present in your living space. You can use oils like Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Kanuka, Marjoram, Niaouli, Oregano, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree Lemon and Thyme for this.

2. Room Mists: If you cannot set up a diffuser, you can use a room mist and fare well. You can create your own room mists and use oils that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties. Though room mists do not spread the scent across an entire room, you can get sufficient scent to keep yourself safe and protected from flu viruses.

3. Hand Gel lotion with essential oils: Hand sanitizing is an important way to stay protected from cold or H1N1. Though commercial hand sanitizers help, nothing works for a long time like essential oil hand sanitizers. To make one, mix 2/3 oz of Aloe Vera or Jojoba oil with 1 ml of Ravensara, 1ml of Tea Tree and several drops of Vitamin E oil. If you feel Ravensara or Tea Tree is too medicinal, you can substitute them with Lavender or the earthy Manuka oil.

4. Surface Sprays:
It is important to keep your surfaces germs-free. Essential oil surface sprays can help you do that. Be careful while spraying and do not use sprays or room mists on surfaces that are frequented by pets, on furniture, open beverages, collectibles etc. You can also use Inhalers and Chest Rubs made from essential oils to stay extra-protected from H1N1 or other flus.