Every day, our bodies are exposed to limitless toxins and stressors that can put pressure on our immune system. Some of it we can control and some of it we can’t, but nevertheless, it doesn’t change the fact that our immune systems take various hits every day. In a healthy person, this isn’t normally a problem. However, if the immune system is compromised, this can lead to illness or perhaps even more serious health issues.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re dealing with at this time, people everywhere are adjusting to a new normal. As we’re all experiencing, the stress of these changes certainly differs from our regular day-to-day routines and lives. Social distancing and the measures we have in place at the moment can only do so much. People need to interact in their daily lives for several reasons, and sooner or later, things will return to normal. The one thing that we should start putting into practice now is building our immunity, and this is something we can all do on our own, so it’s up to us to be proactive about it.

We are continuously exposed to various organisms that get inhaled, swallowed, or inhabit our pores and skin and mucous membranes. Whether or not these organisms lead to disease is decided by the integrity of our body’s defense mechanisms or immune system.

When our immunity is working properly, we don’t even notice it. But when we have an under- or overactive immune system, regularly referred to as a compromised immune system, we’re at an increased risk of developing infections and other health conditions.

Factors that affect the immune system

Many factors can compromise immunity, but some of the major ones include:

Toxin

Exposure

Diet

Exercise

Stress

Sleep

Exposure to illness

The reality is that no matter how firmly we try to keep away from it, our immune systems will subsequently get jeopardized on some level and at some point over the path of our lives. Stressful conditions at work, insufficient sleep, or some different factor (or factors!) are inevitable in everyone’s existence, and these will simply have a negative impact on the immune system and our everyday health.

Boosting immunity

If you’re wondering how to boost your immune system, be advised that it may not happen overnight. It’s a continual process of strengthening your immune response daily with dietary and lifestyle changes. Hence, building up or maintaining your immunity is like jogging a marathon for your entire life, it’s never a sprint race you can run from time to time.

But thankfully, the best news is that your body is made to fight germs and guard itself against harm.

Several things can be put into action to enhance your immunity. As noted earlier, getting adequate sleep, consuming a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and lowering our toxin load are all matters that assist. However, an alternative way is to add essential oils to your daily routine. There is more than one essential oil that can be applied proactively for boosting your immunity. (1)

What’s fantastic about using oils to enhance immunity is that they also do so much more. Essential oils can help defend you from unwanted bacteria and viruses, all while filling your home with their lovely aromas.

Essential oils for immunity

Let’s take a glimpse at some of the most scientifically backed essential oils for immunity, plus a few that contain potent antimicrobial characteristics that can be useful in fighting a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

1. PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Peppermint essential oil is an ancient plant used in traditional medicine. According to the latest study, peppermint oil has incredible antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and the menthol compound was found to inhibit antibody development with the aid of inducing cell-death and regulating cellular systems through regeneration and modulation of cleansing pathways. It also has anti-allergenic potential and helps to relax the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, making it a legitimate option for boosting immunity. (2)

Furthermore, Peppermint essential oil can be used to relieve migraines, headaches, and stomach upset. It can also be used to improve digestion and has terrific detoxifying properties. The top feature of peppermint oil is that it’s widespread and convenient to find.

2. OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL

Oregano essential oil is recognized for its healing and antibiotic-like properties. It fights infections naturally due to its anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasite characteristics. Since it contains a naturally-occurring anti-pathogen, it can be used to improve and enhance the immune system.

A 2016 study confirmed that the fundamental compounds in oregano that are responsible for its antimicrobial characteristics consist of carvacrol and thymol. Furthermore, quite a few analyses show that oregano oil exhibited antibacterial property compared to different types of bacteria, including B. laterosporus and S. saprophyticus. (3)  (4)

3. EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Eucalyptus essential oil is generally used as a remedy once colds or flu have already set in. Still, as sickness prevention performs an essential role in building a strong immune system, you should consider eucalyptus essential oil as one of your main allies because it can help your body hold a strong immunity and also fight infections when necessary.

Commonly listed as an ingredient in some kinds of traditional store-bought capsules and remedies, it could also help with decongestion and clogged sinuses, expel mucus, and relieve the many aches and pains related with these symptoms. (5)

Eucalyptus oil can be used effectively, both via aromatherapy or topically, to defend against the microorganisms that make you sick. Studies have determined that eucalyptus oil can efficiently kill 22 types of damaging bacteria, like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, among others, which can weaken your immune system. (6)

4. FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Apart from its immune-boosting abilities, Frankincense essential oil, often referred to as olibanum, is used in aromatherapy for a wide variety of health advantages consisting of boosting regular immunity, minimizing pain and inflammation, and stress relief.

This miracle oil supports your immune system at a cellular level by encouraging the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s fundamental protection in defense to bacterial and viral infections. It can also help to address the irritation associated with any type of infection, such as those of an open wound.

Numerous research studies have established that frankincense has effective immune-boosting and cancer-fighting benefits. This, alongside its different qualities, may explain its value in battling the disease and in treating autoimmune infirmities such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel syndrome.

Several research studies have confirmed that frankincense prolongs immune-enhancing abilities that help in stimulating our defenses. (7) (8)

When diffused, frankincense oil has additionally proven to reduce high blood pressure and coronary heart rate, primarily due to its anti-anxiety and depression-decreasing effects, which play a large function in our immunity. Plus, in contrast to prescription medications, it doesn’t have other negative effects. (9)

5. THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

Similarly to the ancient remedies, Thyme essential oil has specific characteristics and compounds that make it very robust for enhancing one’s immune system. The active compound is referred to as thymol, which is a terpene that can be used in various ways, including as a cough suppressant.

Using thyme oil alongside other quintessential oils such as evening primrose can produce superb results in the cure of frequent coughs and other upper respiratory tract illnesses, and has been scientifically tested to be excellent in option for bronchitis due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has natural antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties and can be used as an excellent treatment for most bacterial infections that affect humans, for instance, certain coliforms. (10)

6. TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea Tree essential oil can additionally enhance the immune system due to its potent antimicrobial properties. It’s used in respiratory illnesses for its strong decongestant characteristics on the sinuses and as an expectorant in the treatment of dry coughs.

Tea Tree oil can effectively act as your first line of defense against many pathogens with its antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. Unlike most essential oils that share comparable properties, Tea Tree oil can genuinely be classed as an immune system stimulant rather than just a support. It can also serve as the MOST POTENT air purifier when diffused regularly in your home, killing a range of sickness-causing germs and nasties that can be found floating around.

These wondrous outcomes have been substantiated through a multitude of scientific studies. When tested for possible results on many virus types, tea tree oil is surprisingly effective against influenza strains. Frequent inhalation of its scent will eventually stimulate the human body and strengthen the immune response and natural defense. Furthermore, topical applications can work just as well. (11)

Precautions

It’s generally encouraged to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil of your choice before using on the skin, with the exclusions of Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Tea tree. However, all essential oils must be diluted before their use on pets and children, mainly those below the age of 10.

It’s essential to consult a doctor or aromatherapist professional first if you’re thinking about starting a therapeutic routine using Essential Oils. Some skin types can exhibit allergic reactions, so before the use of any oils, it’s recommendable to do a skin test first, which you can do in the comfort of your own home. Apply two drops of oil on your wrist and wait 24 hours to see if any inflammation occurs. If not, then you’ll be safe to use it.

Try to use the exact amounts of oil as per the directions or recipes above. Otherwise, they can be toxic and result in irritation, allergic reactions, and other undesirable effects.