With colder climates creeping, it’s the perfect time to explore new ways to boost your immune system against the common cold, flu, and other respiratory ailments.
While there are many products on the market that address these issues, aromatherapy offers a natural way to soothe and protect yourself.
Aromatherapy is an incredible healing art and science, supporting and enhancing immunity and mind-body wellness. At the core of aromatherapy are essential oils, which are extracted from different parts of plants and abundant in healing properties.
Various essential oils support the immune system by soothing the nervous system and reducing stress. Use the following essential oils and recipes to help enhance your immunity and strengthen your respiratory system for the season.
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Aromatherapy is not meant to replace a diagnosis or treatment by a physician.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.
While there are many products on the market that address these issues, aromatherapy offers a natural way to soothe and protect yourself.
Aromatherapy is an incredible healing art and science, supporting and enhancing immunity and mind-body wellness. At the core of aromatherapy are essential oils, which are extracted from different parts of plants and abundant in healing properties.
Various essential oils support the immune system by soothing the nervous system and reducing stress. Use the following essential oils and recipes to help enhance your immunity and strengthen your respiratory system for the season.
Essential Oils That Boost Immunity
Tea tree oil
Purpose:- Enhancing your immune system
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-viral
- Decongestant
- Expectorant
Frankincense (C02 extract)
Purpose:- Enhancing the immune system
- Supporting excess Vata
- Relieving anxiety (produces sedative effect)
- May reduce feelings of grief and sadness
- Expectorant
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-tussive
Eucalyptus Globulus
Purpose- Fighting colds, flu, coughs, and bronchitis
- Supporting excess Kapha
- Reducing mucous
- Reducing lethargy
- Expectorant
- Decongestant
- Anti-viral
- Anti-tussive
Scots Pine
Purpose- Expanding the breath
- Opening up the lungs
- Supporting excess Kapha
- Anti-viral
- Anti-microbial
- Expectorant
- Decongestant
Helichrysum (AKA “Immortelle”)
Purpose- Fighting sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, and lung congestion
- May reduce feelings of grief and sadness
- Decongestant
Rosemary
Purpose- Fighting colds, sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis
- Expands and deepens the breath
- Expectorant
Direct Bottle Inhalation for Colds
Putting essential oils directly in a bottle allows for easy storage and travel. You can take them wherever you go. This undiluted blend is great for congestion relief.Ingredients:
- 6 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 4 drops of helichrysum essential oil
Purifying Room Mist Spray
Use essential oils to create a room spray that can help turn any environment into a place of healing.Ingredients:
- 4 ounces pure water
- 10 drops cinnamon leaf oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus globulus
Direct Palm Inhalation
Direct Inhalation is one of the safest methods of using essential oils and can be very effective.Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of any essential oil
Steam Inhalation
For a different experience, try using steam to inhale essential oils. This can be a great practice for cold days.Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of any essential oil
- 2 cups steaming hot water
Keep in Mind
When using essential oils, keep the following in mind:- Low concentrations of essential oils should be used with children, elderly, and pregnant women (less than 2 percent).
- Use essential oils in a well-ventilated area and keep concentrated oils away from children and pets.
- Keep bottles tightly closed to prevent evaporation and oxidation.
- Before using essential oils, test your body’s reaction on a small patch of skin.
- If you are pregnant or under care for a medical condition, consult with your doctor before using essential oils.
- Never ingest oils and never use undiluted oils on the skin.
Aromatherapy is not meant to replace a diagnosis or treatment by a physician.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; it does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.