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Are Essential Oils Antiviral?

We're in the thick of rainy season in Central Wisconsin.  The temperature is 70 degrees on a Monday, and by Wednesday it has plummeted to a high of 35.  As if this isn't hard enough on a person's body, a week and a half ago we travelled out of state.  Whenever we're exposed to new people and places, our immune system kicks in to ward off any intruders.  Well, most immune systems to that.  Mine leaves the door unlocked and the key on top of the doormat in plain sight.  Once I am sick my body can fight off the infection, but that it allows me to be so ill in the first place...

So I think I had the flu last week.  If it wasn't the flu, then it was without a doubt the worst cold of my life.  I'm not exaggerating.  I had a low grade temp all week, my throat felt like it had daggers in it, congestion was in my chest early in the week and then filled my sinuses by the end.  Not only was this respiratory, but the virus seemed to burrow itself into my joints.  I was a mess from head to toe.  

By midweek, it became apparent that I would have to do laundry.  Our machines are in the basement which is almost never an issue.  Between the fever and the aches, the thought of walking back upstairs between loads was out of the question.  Since I was to spend some time in the basement, I decided to go through some of the boxes I brought back from my parents house last month (they're moving out of our family home!).  

There's always a silver lining, you just have to know how to find it.  Among the boxes was my Grandmother's box of recipes.  I can't imagine that most sane people who are zapped by a viral illness would think to themselves, I should make these recipes.  This is what sets us apart.  The silver lining was that I had a vision looking at this box.  I saw myself baking and cooking.  Once the laundry was done, I hauled it back upstairs with the recipe box perched on top.

If I had been in my right mind, I would have brought essential oils up with me at the same time (they are stored on a shelf in the Caught Red Threaded workshop which happens to be in the basement).  Later than same day, I retrieved doTerra's oil blend BREATHE, and my own DEEP TISSUE blended as a bath soak.  I needed relief from the congestion and joint pain.




Many topical products available at retailers and big box stores contain harmful/toxic chemicals.  The same is true for the cleaning products we buy for our homes.  We purchase these items as unsuspecting consumers, thinking we are doing our home environment a favor.  In reality, we are creating a chemical storm.  It brews and does harm to our skin, lungs, eyes, etc.
Why choose essential oils?  First and foremost, they are not toxic to the body.  They can offer support for your emotional and physical well-being.  Essential oils are easy to use.  You can inhale directly from the bottle, or your hand.  Likewise, they can also be placed directly on your body (see below for dilution options).  Essential oils also work quickly and effective to help you during a stressful situation.  Essential oils can help promote concentration and focus. You have several choices when it comes to using essential oils.  You can:
  • apply directly at location
  • place oil in your palm and then rub head to toe
  • dilute with a carrier oil and then rub on location
  • blend with bath soaking salts
  • smell right out of the bottle, or from your hands (as mentioned earlier)
Dilution Tips:
  • blend with your favorite lotion or carrier oil
  • add a couple drops to your bath water
  • depending on the brand you use, place 1-2 drops in a glass of water or directly on to your tongue (not all brands are USDA safe for human consumption)
I'm happy to report that except for a horse sounding voice, I'm feeling so much better in just 6 days.  And I've worked my way through half a dozen of my Grandma's recipes... who knows where that will lead me.  How have essential oils benefited you and what EO brands and blends have you tried?  

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