10 Powerful Antiviral Essential Oils for Natural Protection
The moment the seasons begin to change, viral infections start taking a toll on health. From light flu to even fever - viral symptoms get to the best of us. But fret not because mother nature has an option for creating a shield. Certain plant parts are loaded with botanicals that are naturally efficient in keeping viruses away - or at least limit them. If you are also looking for such options to safeguard your or your loved ones health, you’re at the right place.
In this article, we take you on a journey to explore antiviral essential oils and how to use them. Join us as we discover natural options for keeping virus away.
What Are Antiviral Essential Oils?
As the name suggests, antiviral essential oils are botanical extracts that naturally keep virus away. These oils contain active plant compounds like thymol and eugenol that are known to keep virus at bay!
Historically, humans have relied on plants for their numerous benefits. Shielding against viral infections is one such benefit. Essential oils are made from extracting compounds from such plant parts, hence they carry those benefits too. Such oils are called antiviral essential oils.
But are all essential oils antiviral in nature? No, not all essential oils contain compounds for virus protection. Usually, essential oils high in actives like linalol, terpenes, citral or even carvacrol have antiviral properties.
10 Best Antiviral Essential Oils
Some of the most powerful antiviral essential oils include:
Holy Basil Essential Oil
Also known as tulsi essential oil, holy basil oil is a powerful tool to keep virus away. Traditionally, it is one of the most used antiviral essential oil. It contains eugenol, camphor, linalool, etc that are effective on virus with a protective shield. Moreover, holy basil essential oil’s unique properties have reduce post-viral inflammation. It is considered to be a sacred herb for its protective nature.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is not just used for reducing bacterial growth on skin but for its antiviral properties too. This strong-smelling essential oil can be called a holy grail when it comes to keeping virus away.
Oregano Essential Oil
This is probably one of the most used antiviral essential oils. Oregano goes beyond just being a seasoning but a powerful essential oil for virus protection. With high contents of carvacrol and thymol, oregano essential oil disrupts virus membrane and prevents infections.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil contains eucalyptol that helps prevent inflammation and related symptoms of viral. It is a popular choice for making flu rubs or inhaling sticks. Its refreshing aroma also relaxes the body. Eucalyptus essential oil removes virus and reduces its after-effects.
Ginger Essential Oil
Reach for ginger essential oil when the viral infection is caused due to cold. Ginger has natural heating properties that thin the mucus. It provides relief from viral symptoms and also keeps the body warm.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
The aroma of cinnamon bark essential oil reminds of christmas cookies but there’s a reason why your grandma used it. When the weather gets tough out there, cinnamon provides the necessary warmth. But that’s not it. Cinnamon oil is known for reducing virus structure and reduce its growth.
Clove Bud Essential Oil
The strong eugenol content makes clove bud essential oil another popular antiviral choice. It kills the structure of virus and also prevents its spread in the body. It also has analgesic properties that help release the discomfort.
Also learn about clove oil for tooth pain in our guide.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is a staple name when it comes to antiviral essential oils. This reputation is not in terms of destroying the virus, rather for clearing out nasal passages. Inhaling rosemary oil helps get rid of stuffy nose and congestion.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of thymus vulgaris. It shows potent antiviral properties in terms of reducing their multiplication. Thyme oil also directly attacks the virus and destroys its outer layer.
Lavender Essential Oil
Unlike the other herbal oils in this list, lavender essential oil is floral, calming and antiviral at the same time. It is a great option to use if you don’t want a sharp smell yet protection against virus. While lavender isn’t the strongest antiviral essential oil, it shows positive results in terms of prohibiting virus growth.
Antiviral Essential Oil Blend Recipes
Every essential oil is different and comes with its unique set of antiviral benefits. Combining the right blend of essential oils can enhance their antiviral properties and deliver better results. Here are 3 essential oil blends for virus you can easily try at home.
Blend 1
- Tea tree essential oil - 2 drops
- Thyme essential oil - 1 drop
- Lavender essential oil - 5 drops
Blend 2
- Eucalyptus essential oil - 4 drops
- Holy basil essential oil - 2 drops
- Ginger essential oil - 1 drop
Blend 5
- Cinnamon bark essential oil - 2 drops
- Clove essential oil - 1 drop
How to Use Antiviral Essential Oils For Best Results?
The right technique and combination play a significant role when it comes to using essential oils for virus protection. Some best ways to use them include:
Diffuser
Add a few drops of antiviral essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser and let the magic begin. The oil droplets spread in the air, prohibiting virus growth. They also land in your airways and start affecting the virus from within.
Confused about getting started with diffusers? Here's a detailed resource on how to use oil diffuser for you to have a kickstart.
Mop Water and Surface Disinfectant
Add a few drops of antiviral essential oils like tea tree to the mop water and use it to mop the house. You can also put a few drops on a duster and use it to clean surfaces.
Find out more about essential oils for cleaning in our elaborate guide.
Steam inhalation
For someone already with flu symptoms can try adding 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steamer or in a hot water bowl and take that steam. It helps thin the mucus lining and provide relief from congestion.
Concluding Thoughts
Certain essential oils can exhibit powerful antiviral properties that destroy the virus and prevent its growth. They contain active plant compounds that are known to support immune function and even slow down the spread. Some noteworthy antiviral essential oils include holy basil, thyme, ginger, oregano, lavender and even tea tree. Each of these oils show unique properties in the fight against viruses. You can also create synergistic blends using a combination of these essential oils. To reap the maximum benefits, one can use them in a diffuser, in mop water or some for even steam inhalation.
When it comes to antiviral essential oils, moving with caution is vital. Some of these oils are quite powerful and bring out allergic reactions. Make sure to use pure and natural essential oils for maximum results. For those looking to source essential oils in bulk can benefit from the B2B store of Aromachology Oils and save a ton of money!
FAQ
What essential oils kill viruses?
Natural essential oils like oregano, thyme and even tea tree destroy the outer layer of virus. This prevents it from attaching to host cell and in simple terms kill it. These oils also prevent virus from spreading further or increasing infection.
Does oregano oil kill viruses?
Oregano Oil doesn’t directly kill a virus. It rather destroys its fat layer which is the virus’s source for survival. This prevents virus from attaching to other cells in the boy and stops the infection from spreading further.
