Petra Nicoll
Mar 28, 20204 min
I was only going to talk about Essential Oils but I must share a recipe with those of you who may be suffering from Allergies! Right now you can go into the forest and get Stinging Nettle baby plants. Make sure you wear gloves because they really sting. When you harvest and make sure you don't disturb the root of the plant. Take half of your leaves and blanch in very hot water, and the other half can be dried for tea.
Put the leaves in a blender with the usual fixings for pesto (garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and almonds) salt/pepper and a little apple cider vinegar.
This mixture (eat it every day) helped my allergies tremendously.
Lavender is beneficial in most situations. .
However, you’ll be surprised to know that lavender is specifically used for immunity.
Aside from helping get a good night’s sleep, lavender encourages your body to get the restorative sleep that it needs.
It also contains antioxidant properties that protect the cells from free radicals.
Lavender is also used to reduce stress.
And at this point, we are all aware of how stress and sleep are important factors that contribute to immunity.
Ahhh, the smell of Cinnamon.
Aside from its mouth-watering and pleasant smell, cinnamon can have a significant impact on your immunity.
Cinnamon has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can boost your body’s natural defenses against germs.
However, when using a cinnamon essential oil 🧴, make sure to always dilute it well because it’s considered to be a “hot oil.”
You will find there types of cinnamon in the market today for essential oils — cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaf, and cinnamon cassia.
The best type to boost your immunity is Cinnamon bark!
Naturally, lemon is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, it’s also why lemon is a common ingredient for homemade cleaners.
Furthermore, with its detoxifying properties, it makes it extremely beneficial to the immune system.
You can also use lemon as a mood booster and make you feel refreshed and energized ⚡.
Eucalyptus is known for its potent antiviral and antibacterial properties, which makes it a great essential oil for immunity.
Although eucalyptus is commonly used to treat respiratory illnesses, it actually does more than that.
Eucalyptus can help fight off a number of illnesses such as chickenpox, flu, measles, and more. Also, it is stimulating to the immune system and to the mind .
Another versatile essential oil, peppermint also contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
You can count on peppermint to help relieve a number of issues such as headaches and digestive troubles.
Most importantly, it’s effective when used to protect your body against illnesses such as fevers, flu, and colds.
You can also benefit from peppermint tea when you’re feeling sluggish and you need a quick pick-me-up.
These are the top five essential oils to boost your immunity.
We all know how there are so many factors that can have a negative impact on the immune system, especially during our trying times.
That’s why it’s essential that you make sure you’re doing everything to support and boost your immunity.
Essential oils are extremely beneficial to the immune system because of their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.
So, the next time your immune system takes a hit, consider adding essential oils to your immune-boosting routine.
Or maybe, start now while you’re at home 🏠!
Aromatherapy diffuser or oil burner
Add up to 20 drops of Anti-Virus oil to a burner or diffuser (or reduce to a max of 10 drops if using around children). Diffuse for up to 10 minutes three times per day.
Steam inhalation
Fill a bowl with steaming hot water and add up to 10 drops of Anti-Virus essential oil. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale for up to 10 minutes. If you suffer with asthma or allergies such as hay fever, steam inhalations should be used with care. Start by inhaling for 30 seconds and gradually build up to a maximum of 5 minutes if there are no adverse effects.
Aromatherapy inhaler/DIY inhaler
Add up to 40 drops of oil to the inhaler wick taking care not to get the oil on your skin. Use tweezers to insert the wick into the inhaler. This is the maximum amount of oil that the wick can hold, and should last for up to 3 weeks.
Alternatively, if you have an old 5ml essential oil bottle you can make your own DIY inhaler by filling the bottle ¾ full with salt. Add your oils then pop the dropper back in, if you have one, as this will minimise the risk of spills and sniffing up salt. To use, hold the bottle under the nostrils, and breathe deeply. Take care to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Hand wash
Mix 100ml of organic Liquid Castile Soap, 40ml of your choice of carrier oil (for moisturising properties) and up to 84 drops of Anti-Virus oil (this equates to a maximum 3% dilution for wash-off products). Half the quantity of essential oil if you are using with children.
Hand sanitiser
Mix 125ml Aloe Vera Gel, 5ml Witch Hazel Hydrolat and up to 50 drops of Anti-Virus oil (this equates to a 2% dilution for leave-on products). If the product is too watery you can add a little more gel to thicken it up.
Important safety notes
For children under 12 we recommend using the oil in a diffuser or hand wash only, as directed above. Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes. Do not take internally and do not use if pregnant or epileptic. Patch test first on sensitive skin.
Having a strong immune system is one of the key ways of fighting off viruses. As well as using essential oils, try the following:
Ensure you’re getting sufficient sleep.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Use a humidifier to keep mucous membranes moist (these trap viruses and prevent them entering the body but don’t work as effectively if they dry out).
Eat more immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach and turmeric.
Take a Vitamin C supplement.
Moderate exercise boosts immunity, but don’t overdo it, as overly strenuous exercise can suppress the immune system.
Try to reduce stress levels as the stress hormone cortisol can suppress the immune function.
Book a professional massage - massage is thought to stimulate the production of white blood cells which protect against infection and disease.