Getting through cold and flu season
Did you know that essential oils are considered the oldest known form of medicine? Effective in boosting our immunity against colds and flus, they have been used throughout history to protect against many pests.
The ancient Egyptians used essential oils like myrrh and frankincense to purify and embalm their pharaohs. The antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities of these oils were used to kill and inhibit bacteria and thus limit the decomposition of the bodies. Considered more valuable than gold, essential oils were highly prized by ancient cultures for their healing properties. When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, 350 liters of frankincense, rose and jasmine were discovered among the other riches in the tomb, indicating great value to the pharaohs.
During the Great Plague in Europe in 1413, a small band of robbers was captured in Marseilles, France, and accused of robbing dead and dying victims of the plague. Although the plague was highly contagious, none of the thieves contracted the deadly virus. The King, eager to find a way to protect himself and the Royal Family, demanded to know how the thieves had managed to avoid getting sick. Apparently, the thieves came from a long line of apothecaries and were aware of the protective qualities of essential oils. They rubbed their bodies with aromatic herbs and oils such as clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon and mint, which protected them from contracting the most feared and deadly disease of the time.
Today, the powerful properties of essential oils can help protect us from modern pests like the flu, as well as other strains of contagious viruses. Many people visit their GP or emergency room when they get the flu virus, and are prescribed antibiotics that have little effect on the virus itself, but instead destroy the healthy bacteria in the gut, which are vital for the digestive process. If used early in cold or flu symptoms, essential oils can prevent illness from taking hold or significantly reduce the duration of illness by naturally boosting the immune system. Oils like rosemary and eucalyptus can be used to prevent infections from occurring; simply apply a few drops with a carrier oil to the lymph nodes on the side of the neck. When you feel the signs of a sore throat, respiratory or sinus congestion, you can apply oils topically to your neck, chest, and upper back for effective relief: bay, eucalyptus, hyssop, myrtle, or ravensara can be used alone or in combination. . These oils can also be added to an aromatherapy diffuser to destroy airborne germs. If you or someone in your family has had a cold or the flu, you may want to disinfect doorknobs, telephones, faucets, and handles with citrus essential oils like lemon or orange.
I am often asked if a person who has a cold or is starting to get one should see a therapist for a massage or other treatment. The answer is yes!! What better way is there to boost your immune system and drain congestion? I wish you health during cold and flu season, naturally!