The majority of yoga practitioners are keen on natural health. They understand that natural healing modalities have an important roll to play in being happy and healthy. At the same time, many are not familiar with the incredible health support offered by essential oils. In this multi-part article, we’re uncovering some of the many ways essential oils can contribute to the health of yoga practitioners. Here’s a review of using essential oils for keeping your immune system strong during the “cold and flu” season.
During the coming months, it’s likely you’ll be in class with someone who’s got a cold, or perhaps traveling, or maybe you have children who seem to have a propensity for bringing home a little bug for you. Unless you’ve managed to become an ascetic, you’ll be exposed to some sort of infectious illness. Which not only puts a damper on your yoga practice, it kinda puts a damper on your life. Essential oils happen to be perhaps the most remarkable immune system supporters to prevent catching colds and flu available today. They’re strongly antibacterial and antiviral, they stimulate immune system function, and are well-tolerated by most people. And they’re really ease — and even fun — to use.
Using a modern essential oil diffuser is the most effective means of providing protection from infectious illness. It’s been shown in laboratory research that essential oils diffused into a room eradicate microbes both from the air and from surfaces like tables and chairs. Inhaling diffused essential oils can result in small but measurable amounts of essential oil in one’s bloodstream, which in turn results in increasing the pathogen-removing activity of the immune system. So if you can do it, try running a diffuser regularly at home or work, particularly if someone is ill, using essential oils discussed later in this article. And really, essential oil use generally goes by the “less is more” principal — inhaling just a little, fairly frequently, is the best scenario.
For further protection, or when diffusing oils is not practical, massaging them into lymph areas of the body is an excellent idea. The oils pass fairly readily through our skin and to their job. Many people find that as long as they’re not using “spicy” oils, they can massage a few drops into the lymph areas at the sides of the neck, and perhaps the armpits and sternum without any irritation. If you find you have sensitivity, simply dilute the essential oils in a carrier (for this purpose, a 10% concentration can be used) and apply. Do this regularly if you think your immune system will be challenged — while small amounts of essential oil can be effective, they’re passed-though the body fairly quickly. Applying every few hours can be most effective.
Immune support is offered by many essential oils; simple inhalation of eucalyptus alone has been shown to boost immune efficacy. Other oils, and blends of these oils, will provide greater protection overall (eucalyptus stimulates the immune system, but is not a potent antiviral or antibacterial oil). Bay laurel, or laurel leaf, is one of the most potent single essential oils. You can blend this with eucalyptus “radiata”, lavender and melissa for an exceptionally comprehensive formula: 3milliliters each laurel, eucalyptus and lavender, and 1/2 milliliter melissa. For topical application, some people will find using a few drops at a time undiluted to be fine with their skin; for children, and those with sensitive skin, use small amounts diluted to ten percent in a carrier oil. Use this blend in the diffuser, too.
For additional support, consider using a little lemon essential oil in your water. Lemon has excellent purifying properties, both for the water and our bodies. One can add 5 or so drops of oil to each quart of water and drink throughout the day, or do an “intensive” and have this same amount of essential oil in a cup of water first thing in the morning. This can synergize with the other immune supportive practices for a greater overall amount of protection from infectious illness.
From a more esoteric perspective, which yoga practitioners might enjoy, one can consider that a body that is calm and balanced will likely have the best immune function. Frankincense essential oil is considered by some to be the premier immune system supportive essential oil for this reason. It’s health benefits are profound and complex. Among its many traits, it is thought to oxygenate the body, it has known anticancer action, and is a potent reducer of inflammation. The long-chain molecules are thought to stimulate the pineal gland, or “third eye”, and bring an overall balance and healthy calm to the body and mind. Simple deep inhalation from the bottle can be effective, as can anointing with a drop or two. Be creative in finding ways you enjoy this wonderful oil (just note that some may find its undiluted use a bit strong on the skin — diluting with your favorite carrier is a good idea if you’re applying more than a couple drops).
This is just a quick look at how the yoga practitioner might support their health, preventing infectious illness in the coming cooler months. At the same time, these simple uses of essential oils can have profound effects. Wouldn’t it be great to forget what it’s like to have a cold? Further, with many yoga styles supporting community-based practice, it’s nice to have the magical nature of essential oils to keep ourselves AND our close friends and family healthy and well. Enjoy!
The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs pure essential oils and flower essences in her professional wellness practice.