In the midst of cold and flu season when viruses are running rampant, we look to anything that can help increase our chances of staying healthy. Particularly during the current time of health warnings, it’s incredibly important to use any and all resources we might have available to us to avoid illness and support the immune system.
If you’re already an essential oil user, you might be aware of the many benefits and uses of oils. And incorporating immunity-boosting essential oils into your daily routine is one great way to naturally support your immune system and overall health.
Essential oils should not be used to treat an illness and there is not evidence that they can be used to cure any illness. The essential oils presented in this article are to be used to support overall health and immunity.
There are many oils that have various benefits to specific aspects of the immune system. But these are the 5 essential oils that I turn to the most often.
Oregano
Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant. It’s considered a “hot” oil, which means that it can cause sensitivity if used full-strength. So use extra caution and dilute in a carrier oil if used topically.
Benefits
- Supports a healthy immune system*
- Supports healthy digestion when used internally*
- Supports healthy respiratory function when used internally*
- Rich source of antioxidants
How To Use Oregano Oil
- Diffusion: Use 1-2 drops in your diffuser.
- Internal use: Dilute 1 drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. Or use 2 drops in a veggie capsule.
- Topical use: Dilute 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops carrier oil.
- Other: Use 1 drop in place of 1 tablespoon of dried oregano in culinary recipes.
⭐︎My Favorite Way To Use Oregano For Immune Support⭐︎ Add a couple drops to a veggie capsule, along with other immunity-boosting essential oils. I’ll take a capsule several times a day if I feel like I’m fighting off an illness or if someone in my household is sick.
Frankincense
Known as the “king of oils” for it’s many uses, frankincense comes from the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree. It is thought to enhance the effects of other oils when used in combination with others.
Benefits
- Supports healthy immune and nervous system function when taken internally*
- Supports cellular health*
- Supports healthy digestive function when used internally.*
- Provides a calming aromatic experience
- Soothes skin and skin imperfections when applied topically
How To Use Frankincense Oil
- Diffusion: Use three to four drops in your diffuser.
- Internal use: Dilute 1 drop in four fluid ounces of liquid. Or take 1-2 drops in a veggie capsule.
- Topical use: Apply 1-2 drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize potential for skin sensitivity. Add 1-2 drops to moisturizer of your choice to soothe inflamed, dry skin.
⭐︎My Favorite Way To Use Frankincense For Immune Support⭐︎ I add a couple drops to hand moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and healthy. When I’m washing my hands a lot to avoid illness, my skin, nails, and cuticles get really dry. Adding frankincense to my moisturizer makes it extra healing and replenishing for my hands.
Copaiba
Copaiba essential oil is steam-distilled from the oleoresin of the copaiba tree, an evergreen tree found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The resin is harvested without damaging the tree.
Benefits
- Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems*
- Powerful antioxidant benefits that promote immunity*
- Helps soothe and support the nervous system*
- Promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Helps support a healthy inflammatory response*
- Promotes sense of well-being during times of stress.
How To Use Copaiba Oil
- Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in a diffuser.
- Internal use: Dilute 1 drop in four fluid ounces of liquid. Or place 1-2 drops under tongue.
- Topical use: Dilute 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply to desired area. Add 1-2 drops to skincare products.
⭐︎My Favorite Way To Use Copaiba For Immune Support⭐︎ I take 2-4 drops under my tongue, several times a day. I do this for the immunity boost as well as to calm my nerves when stress and overwhelm start to get the better of me.
Clove
Clove oil comes from the dried flower buds of the Eugenia caryophyllata tree. The same clove buds are ground and used in food dishes like pumpkin bread. Clove essential oil is another “hot” oil, so use caution and test for sensitivity before using topically.
Benefits
- Contains powerful antioxidant properties*
- Supports cardiovascular health when taken internally*
- Supports normal gastrointestinal motility*
- Promotes oral health
How To Use Clove Oil
- Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Internal use: Dilute 1 drop in four fluid ounces of liquid. Place 1 drop in two ounces of water and gargle to soothe throat.
- Topical use: Dilute 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops carrier oil.
⭐︎My Favorite Way To Use Clove Oil For Immune Support⭐︎ Mix 2 drops of clove oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 4 ounces of warm water. Gargle to soothe a sore throat.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of melaleuca shrubs. The leaves have been used for centuries for their soothing and cooling properties on the skin.
Benefits
- Known for its purifying and cleansing properties
- Helps purify and freshen the air
- Soothes irritated skin
- Protects against environmental & seasonal threats
How To Use Tea Tree Oil
- Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Topical use: Apply 1-2 drops diluted in a carrier oil to desired area.
- NOT FOR INTERNAL USE
- Other: Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces as a cleansing agent. Add 1-2 drops to liquid hand soap for added cleansing properties.
⭐︎My Favorite Way To Use Tea Tree Oil For Immune Support⭐︎ Add to cleaning solutions, including DIY cleaners, laundry detergent, hand soap, and baby wipe solution, to enhance their cleansing ability.
Immunity-Boosting Essential Oils & A Healthy Lifestyle
Essential oils are one natural way to support a healthy immune system during times of high illness. It’s important to remember that a healthy lifestyle as a whole will give you the biggest advantage. This includes things like practicing good hand-washing habits, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, staying hydrated, and limiting sugar and alcohol.
Cautions: Essential oils have the potential to cause skin sensitivity. Be sure you are diluting oils with a carrier oil when used topically. Always keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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