Essential Oils Anti-viral Properties
Effective Anti-viral Essential Oils
It was found that extracts of more than 100 species of the Lamiaceae family has anti-viral effects, which lead to and increase in the examination of essential oils for the treatment of viral infections. Anti-viral essential oils may improve your immunity to viruses by boosting the immune system and brain function.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to relieve the symptoms of almost every known condition. Essential oils from many plant families can be considered as anti-viral essential oils, which exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure, which is classified as enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.
The effectiveness of these anti-viral essential oils is due to their lipophillic character, which means they are easily absorbed into mammalian tissues, where they may produce the greatest results. Here is the list of the best anti-viral essential oils and how they relate to some common diseases caused by viruses.
Immune Deficiency
Anti-viral essential oils like Cistus, geranium, lavender, manuka, lemon, Melissa, rose rosemary, ravenara, tea tree, thyme, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus radiata may be applied in a bath, as a rub, diffused into a room or inhaled. These anti-viral essential oils are really effective in building immune system.
Herpes Virus
Melissa is one of the anti-viral essential oil, which was shown particularly efficacious against the herpes virus (HSV). It was found that a one-time application of Melissa oil led to a complete remission of HSV lesions. Other anti-viral essential oils found effective against the Herpes virus include bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree.
Epstein-Barr Syndrome or Virus
Anti-viral essential oils like Cinnamon, clove, geranium, lemon, melissa, rosemary, ravensara, balsam fir, Melaluca alternifolia, oregano and lavender are applied diffused in a room, in a bath or as a rub.
Polio
The anti-viral essential oils used for the treatment of polio include Lemon, ylang ylang, frankincense, wintergreen, birch, myrtle, Cyprus, myrrh, tarragon, sage.
Fever
Anti-viral essential oils like Ledum, white fir, bergamot, black pepper, lavender, peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, E. globulus, ginger, lemon, melissa, ravensara, tea tree, sandalwood, German & Roman chamomile and rosemary can be applied as inhaler, as a rub or diffused in a room for the treatment of fever.
Influenza - Colds and Flu:
Anti-viral essential oils like Lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, bay, black pepper, ginger, tarragon, manuka, peppermint, myrrh, orange, ravensara, oregano, thyme, fennel, basil, clove, tea tree, rosemary, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, cedar wood, pine, lavender and frankincense are best applied as a rub, diffused into a room, in a dressing, as a compress or in a bath.
Out of these orange, oregano, ravensara, thyme and Melissa can be used for flu-like symptoms.
Essential oils from Eucalyptus Radiata , Tea Tree and Ravensara seem to have helped in cases with respiratory symptoms. For the lower respiratory tract, anti-viral essential oil Hyssop decumbens is used. Essential oils for such cases may be used either in a diffuser, being taken at regular intervals, or through massage, diluted in a carrier oil.
These were some of the anti-viral essential oils and their effects against viruses. In many cases of illness the exact virus type involved can't be determined so more specific application cannot be given. Anti-viral essential oils also play a part in uplifting emotions, which may also speed healing, or at least improve mental outlook during the healing process. Which can be achieved by the essential oil or combination that one finds pleasant. But it is always advisable to consult with a qualified aromatherapist as well as a physician before using these essential oils.