Tired of Thieves Oil, Cinnamon, and Clove? Some of My Favorite Germ Fighting Essential Oils
Essential oils are often used as germ fighting agents and research supports that the aromatic compounds found in essential oils are effective against viruses and bacterial. T
In one study monoterpenes (which are found in many essential oils) were determined to have anti-viral activity and a mixture of tea tree essential oil was appeared to be more effective than isolated aromatic compounds.
In another study aromatic compounds found in essential oils, sesquiterpenes and phenols, also had anti-viral activity. 2 Essential oils and aromatic compounds have also been tested as air borne anti-microbial agents and anti-bacterial agents and found effective. 3
Some of my favorite germ fighting essential oils are monoterpene rich. These oils include Rosemary, Ravintsara, peppermint, orange, lavender, tea tree and fir oils such as Siberian fir or white fir. I also love eucalyptus radiata, an oxide rich oil that also is great at fighting germs.
In the morning I'll start the day with a blend of orange (Citrus sinenesis), tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia), and either rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora), peppermint (mentha x piperita) or Eucalyptus radiata or globulus. At night I'll use a little lavender (Lavendula angustafolia), green mandarin (Citrus reticulata), or bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for sleep support in addition to tea tree, eucalyptus, or ravintsara.
I work part time in a high school so I'm around a lot of colds, coughs, and germs. I handle student papers and sit in close proximity to them so I am bombarded with germs. So beginning and ending my day with a diffuser blend supports me and my family.
Here are two recipes you can try for yourself that are a break from the clove and cinnamon of "Thieves oil":
Daytime germ fighting blend:
3-5 drops ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)
3-5 drops orange (Citrus sinenesis)
3-5 drops rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) or eucalyptus radiata or globulus
Night time germ fighting and rest blend
3-5 drops lavender(Lavendula angustafolia), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), or green mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
3-5 drops ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)
3-5 drops eucalyptus radiata
1 drop tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia) (omit if you don't like the smell)
Note: It is recommended that eucalyptus should be used with caution for children for children under 10 and with asthmatics. Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) is recommended as a replacement for eucalyptus.
Diffusing essential oils is a pleasant and effective way to clear the air of germs and support your body throughout the "sick season".
If you have questions about essential oils or would like a custom product for your health and wellness needs contact me. I am happy to help. Or you can find a variety of immune support products in the web-store or attend a class or workshop to learn about essential oils and making your own products.
If you are interested in participating in a case study please contact me. As part of my graduate work in aromatherapy I must complete a number of case studies. You'll receive a free consult and just need to cover the cost of any products supplied. Product costs will typically be in the range of $5 to $20. Consults include a short health overview and aroma preference profile. These can be done in person or via Face time or web conferencing. Essential oils are magnificent at fighting germs, for skin health, supporting sinus health, mood support, focus, female issues, muscle and joint aches, and a variety of other issues.
Stay healthy my friends,
Tricia
1. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P (2009) Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research. 24:673-679
2. Antani A., Reichling J, Schnitzler P (2011) Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011, Article ID 253643, 8 pages: retrieved from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/253643/
3. Sato K, Krist S, Buchbauer G (2006) Antimicrobial effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde, (-)-perillaldehyde, (-)-citronellal, citral, eugenol and carvacrol on airborne microbes using an airwasher. Biological & Pharmacological Bulletin 29(11):2292-2294.
