One of the most lauded effects of essential oils is their ability to prevent and treat infectious health issues. All essential oils possess some degree of antimicrobial action, working to eradicate unhealthy bacteria, fungi and viruses from our bodies and the environment. The antiviral features are especially interesting, as viral health issues are especially hard to treat and prevent.

There's a significant amount of scientific research obtainable through sources such as Pub Med, demonstrating essential oils antiviral activity. Here we'll look at the two "categories" of research, and exactly how we can then use oils ourselves to employ the benefits. Antiviral activity has been mainly tested utilizing one of these methods and conditions: the topical application of oils for treating herpes simplex legions, and activity "in the test tube" against several other types of viruses.

Herpes simplex virus infections are quite simple to investigate -- so many people carry the virus, and suffer occasional outbreaks, that accumulating test subjects is simple. The appearance of the outbreaks is obvious, and so is whether an essential oil has been efficient at healing it.

It appears this healing is the result of two actions of the essential oil: they prevent uninfected cells from getting affected, and directly destroy the viruses. It appears that oils somehow alter the electrical potential of our cells in such a way as to make it harder for a viral invader to break into the cell, while destroying the viruses themselves simultaneously.

The most effective essential oils for treatment of HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) are melissa, geranium, and tea tree. The oils are simple to utilize for this action: just dilute alone or in combination in a carrier oil at a concentration between 5 and 10% and apply to affected regions. Some people will even ingest a drop of melissa one to three times daily when an outbreak is occurring, or when they feel their immune system is weak.

Viruses which cause the flu virus are inherently more difficult to examine in actual patients, yet a large amount of data is accruing noting the ability of essential oils to eradicate these kinds of viruses "in the test tube". Bay laurel was noted in one study to be effective against the virus causing SARS (sever acute respiratory syndrome), and tea tree has been shown effective against viruses that result in influenza.

Some practitioners using aromatherapy oils consider those oils from evergreen trees, like pine needle, to be strongly antiviral. Other oils considered extremely effective include: melissa, pine, hyssop, bay laurel, lavender, ravensara, and eucalyptus radiata.

The use of these oils is really quite simple. The ultimate way to defend ones self from airborne contagions is through the use of an aromatherapy diffuser. A diffuser makes a mist of the oils so that one could inhale higher concentrations than simply inhaling straight from the bottle. A blend of various oils with antiviral properties might be most effective, and equal parts of each should prove a good recipe.

One may use the same oil blend topically as well. Mix these essential oils at a 10% concentration in any carrier oil, and massage feet (a particularly reactive area to the actions of essential oils), or the lymph nodes in the armpits, neck and groin region, and the chest-bone (sternum). Oils will rapidly pass through the skin and into the bloodstream, rapidly offering their therapeutic activity to the user. Whatever method you choose to utilize these oils, use your gut instinct to gain the best effect. The science-proven benefits are sure to come into your possession.

What You Need To Know About Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense has been used for centuries as a natural medicine and aromatic. Here's a look at recent research on Frankincense essential oil, and the many potential health benefits it may have.

A Few Herbal Health Supplements You May Well Not Yet Have Learned About
Today, you will find more and more individuals that are using herbal health supplements and there is a good reason behind this.

A Short Definition Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Plus An Explanation Of The Common Warning Signs
Learn what is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS and what are the recurrent upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms. You will discover what is the cause of this disorder and what are the factors that can trigger IBS.

Do You Suffer With Persistent Allergies? Organic Treatments For Allergic Reactions Is A Magnificent Technique That Can Help
Natural remedies for allergies are becoming more sought after due not only to the high price of allergy medications, but also to the fact that those medications simply aren't working for many allergy sufferers. Also, prescription and over the counter remedies can have side effects that do not suit our busy lifestyles.

The Answer To Each And Every Obstacle Is So Straightforward - Energy Healing!
EFT provides impressive relief for a huge range of issues and works very gently, naturally, is painless and drug free. This is possible as it works by realigning any energies in your body which have become disrupted.

The Science-Proven Pressure Decreasing Measures Of 3 Widely Used Essential Oils
It's always been thought that aromatherapy can help reduce stress, but now scientific research is supporting this with evidence. Here's a look at the "big three" essential oils used for stress relief, and the science behind them.

Medicinal Features Of The Essential Oils
Essential oils are becoming very popular in the world of natural health. For the many folks who are still unsure what they are, beyond fine smelling little bottles, here's a little review.

Check Out Peppermint & Some Other Mint Oils In Aromatherapy
The mint family, including peppermint, spearmint and corn mint, are very popular essential oils. Here's a quick look at their applications in aromatherapy and natural medicine.

Understanding The Top Five Most Used Essential Oils Utilized In Aromatherapy
Many people are interested in using essential oils, but are unsure where to begin. Here's a look at the top five oils used in aromatherapy, and some ideas to get you started.

Strategies In Which The Glandular Fever Virus Makes Its Way Into The Body And Causes Its Warning Signs
This article looks into the different ways that the glandular fever virus can attack the body. This article also looks at ways in which a person can prevent catching this horrific virus as well as what to look out for, if you believe that you have glandular fever.

More Readings......

Other Associated Resources