Essential oils to fight winter infections

By Michel TurbideProfessor and lecturer in aromatherapy source infonaturel.ca

(BACTERIA, VIRUSES, etc.)

Winter means fresh air, falling snow, silence, and the sound of our footsteps when it's very cold. But then there are the infections that spoil all our fun. Fortunately, essential oils protect us from these winter infections.

ENT viruses (cold-influenza-sinusitis) are transmitted from human to human. This transmission occurs via the respiratory and cutaneous routes.mainly through the hands. It is the fine, virus-rich droplets from coughs and sneezes that are responsible for this spread.

The virus infects the body by penetrating and attaching itself to respiratory cells. It reprograms the cells and diverts their activities to its own advantage, i.e. it multiplies them.

Aromatherapy

Here's a powerful approach to fighting winter infections. In this age of mutant super-bacteria and viruses, aromatherapy is more valuable than ever. Oils work quickly, effectively and safely, provided they are used correctly.

Viruses and bacteria are highly sensitive to aromatic molecules. Some essential oils act indiscriminately on all viruses and bacteria. What's more, essential oils have the ability to penetrate pathogenic bacteria and reach viruses. Then there's their complexity: up to 300 different molecules can cohabit in a single oil, making them effective from one application to the next.

Belgian pharmacist Dominique Baudoux mentions that essential oils are an effective alternative to medicines (against flu, ear infections, etc.) for the following reasons.

- Their natural synergistic blends fight and eliminate germs, without the possibility of generating resistance or reactionary mutations.

- They are tonic and stimulate natural immunity via antibodies and the body's own resistance. This dual action means a faster return to health.

Prevention

A few rules of hygiene are essential to prevent these infections. These include maintaining good health, eating well, and taking probiotics and supplements.

A preventive cream containing essential oils can be applied to hands and body as a protective anti-viral, anti-bacterial and moisturizing cream. A little essential oil is all it takes to provide this protection. The advantage over alcohol or liquid soap is that it doesn't destroy the skin's bacterial flora, doesn't remove sebum from the skin, and doesn't dry it out. Alcohol has the opposite effect, weakening the skin and causing it to lose its equilibrium (sebum loss), which often leads to cracking. (See section on suggestions).

Aerial diffusion of essential oils, which irradiates germs into the air, is another way of preventing infection. Air diffusion, using a diffuser or an ultrasonic nebulizer, is recommended for purifying the atmosphere in our homes (common rooms, bedrooms) and work environments (offices). The essential oil gives off a pleasant scent, purifies the air of surrounding microbes and sends energy (negative ions) into the air.

Many disinfectant essential oils can also be added (a few drops) to shampoos, liquid soaps, shower gels and cleaning products to kill germs.

Care for winter infections

For effective care, the application of essential oils to the skin is the most effective, because a greater quantity of oil is absorbed and its action is faster.

By applying the oil to the skin, it is absorbed by the skin and transported by small blood vessels to the infected lungs. In the case of sinusitis or otitis, the essential oil is mixed with vegetable oil and applied to the sore, infected area.

Choosing essential oils

To treat Orl infections (colds, flu, sinusitis, otitis...), it is important to choose essential oils that are antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant and mucolytic.

Essential oils containing oxides (1.8 cineol), such as eucalyptus radiata, noble laurel and lavender aspic, are preferred. These antiviral oils are not aggressive on mucous membranes, and are mucolytic (mucus-reducing) and antibacterial.

A word of caution

When used for treatment, it is even more important to use quality essential oils with organic certification.

In addition, a doctor or health professional should be consulted to assess the illness and its severity.

French and Latin names of essential oils

MENTIONED in this text

Clove Eugenia caryophyllus
Eucalyptus radiata Eucalyptus radiata

Laurier noble Laurus nobilis

Lavender aspic Lavandula latifolia t.s. cineol

Lavandin super Lavandula hybrida super

Peppermint Mentha x piperita

Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii

Scots pine Pinus sylvestrie

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Listen to the AUDIO interview ON AROMATHERAPY: www.sante-arome.com

ml= milliliter 25-30 drops = +- 1 ml 5 ml = 1 teaspoon 30 ml = 1 tablespoon