Can an essential oil boost your immune system?

Is there any evidence indicating that essential oils Boost, Enhance, Support or Strengthen your immune system? In actuality those are just Buzz Words used in the marketing of many products.

The immune system is complex, consisting of a number of organs; primarily the thymus, bone-marrow and spleen, and a kazillion cells such as T-cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, cytokines and neutrophils.  Think about it, with so many structures involved, how is that an aromatic molecule can find its way into your bone marrow and alter what’s going on in there?

According to Harvard Health. For now there are no scientifically proven direct links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function.

Research shows some promising results with respect to essential oils possessing some bactericide and fungicide properties in vivo.  However, there is no empirical evidence indicating that essential oils possess enough antiviral or virucidal substances to be useful in humans from a medical treatment perspective.

According to Robert Tisserand (world-renowned essential oil expert). Many, even most, essential oils are anti-inflammatory, meaning that they inhibit one area of immune response. Sometimes it’s thought that these oils might be useful in autoimmune disease, but this is highly speculative.

So what do essential oils do then?

1. They smell good and are a natural alternative to using synthetic fragrance.

2. Some may provide symptomatic relief from simple everyday health concerns.

3. Mixing a few drops of essential oil with an unscented medium such as coconut oil to create an aromatic rub that can be used on sore joints and muscles.

4. Using essential oils in an electric water diffusers produces a fresh ambient odour into your home or work space.  Fresh clean aromas (ones that we prefer) have a positive effect on our brain's limbic system.  Remember that scent is very subjective - what one person likes another may not.

5. Using aromatic substances in conjunction with behaviour modifications and stress reducing techniques, and knowing that essential oils are aromatic substances that come from plants encourages us to maintain healthy lifestyle practices.  

But natural is not always safe - so be cautious.

So how can I boost or protect my immune system.

1. Stay away from sick people.
2. Wear your mask.
3. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Get plenty of exercise.
6. Drink lots of water.
7. Maintain a healthy weight.
8. Consume a variety of healthy whole foods.
9. Reduce sugar intake.
10. 10.Cook meats thoroughly.
11. 11.Supplements are helpful for persons who have: nutritional restrictions, food dislikes or conditions that inhibit nutrient absorption.
12. 12.Improve your gut flora.
13. 13.Eliminate or reduce your exposure to pollutants, artificial ingredients, and toxic substances.
14. 14.Don’t smoke and reduce alcohol intake.
15. 15.Protect your skin from harsh elements and excessive dryness, limit sun exposure, wear a hat and sunscreen.
16. 16.Keep your stress levels in balance.
17. 17.Stay up-to-date with your vaccines.
18. 18.Not falling for expensive gimmicks will protect your wallet

For further information about Essential Oils consider reading some of my other blog posts at www.livelovesmell.com

Sharing Truths - Not Nonsense.

Sandra Topper, has been a Certified Aromatherapist in Canada since 1993 and is registered with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as a Clinical Aromatherapist & Aromachologist.

Lis-Balchin, M. (2005). Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals (1st ed.). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam University Press.

Lis-Balchin, M. (1995). Aroma Science: The Chemistry & Bioactivity of Essential Oils (1st ed.). United Kingdom: Amberwood Publishing.

Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young*. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone, 2013.
        *This author is not affiliated with the Young Living Oil company.