Strengthen your natural defenses with essential oils

The winter season is often synonymous with colds and infections, putting our immune systems to the test. From October onwards, it's essential to prepare our bodies to face up to these aggressions and strengthen our natural defenses. Among the many natural solutions available to us, essential oils prove to be invaluable allies, thanks to their powerful antiviral, antibacterial and immunostimulant properties. In this article, discover how to use essential oils effectively to prevent winter infections, and protect your health and that of your loved ones.

Prevention of winter infections generally begins in October. Protect yourself and your loved ones from viral or bacterial attacks and prepare your winter essential oil kit.

Two types of prevention are possible to combat winter infections, particularly those of the "flu" type:

Prevention of "flu-like" viral infections:

• Cutaneous applicationMix one drop of Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenerva) and one drop of Thyme linalol essential oil (Thymus vulgaris L. linaloliferum) with a small amount of vegetable oil (e.g. sweet almond oil) or a neutral cream (e.g. Crème Élémentaire). Apply this aromatic blend 1 or 2 times a day to the chest and back, massaging gently to help the active ingredients penetrate the skin.

• BroadcastDiffuse Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamonum camphora) and/or Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenerva) in your essential oil diffuser to purify the air. These oils have antiviral and antiseptic properties, ideal for preventing the spread of infections.

• Dry inhalationPour 4 drops of Ravintsara essential oil into an inhaler. Breathe deeply several times a day as soon as the first signs of a cold appear, to support your immune system and relieve symptoms.

• Wet inhalationFor wet inhalation, pour 1/2 liter of hot water into a bowl. Add 2-3 drops of Ravintsara, Niaouli or Eucalyptus radiata essential oil. Lean over the bowl, covering your head with a towel to create a kind of tent. Close your eyes and inhale the beneficial vapors for 5 to 10 minutes. For children, lemon essential oil (Citrus limon) is recommended, as it is milder and less rich in cineol, making it more suitable for their sensitivity.

Prevention of winter infections in the broad sense:

• Cutaneous applicationMix one drop of Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana) and one drop of Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenerva) with a little vegetable oil or neutral cream (Crème Élémentaire). Apply this mixture 1 to 2 times a day to the chest and back, massaging gently to help the active ingredients penetrate.

This synergy not only strengthens natural defenses, but also promotes relaxation and sleep, crucial elements for good immune health.

Holistic program to protect against winter ailments

1. Cleansing the body
It's essential to start by purifying your body, as viruses thrive in an environment overloaded with toxins.

• Hydrotherapy hydrotherapy: Use one or more hydrotherapy sessions to help your body eliminate toxins.
• Mini diet opt for a mini-diet based on homemade vegetable juices and broths.
• Avoid mucus-producing foods limit your intake of wheat (gluten) and dairy products, as these foods promote the production of mucus, a breeding ground for viruses.
• Reduce sugar and meat lighten your immune system by cutting down on sugar and meat, especially red meat.
• Liver detox when you wake up, drink warm water with fresh lemon to stimulate your liver. Throughout the day, drink peppermint or chamomile tea. Avoid orange juice and alcohol, which weaken your body.

2. Strengthen your natural defenses with essential oils
Essential oils are wonderful allies for boosting your immune system and purifying your environment.

• Lemon essential oil diffusion diffuse lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil in your home or workplace to disinfect the air and eliminate germs.

• Immuno-stimulating massage to boost your immune system, massage your stomach and forearms with the following mixture, diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil (jojoba, sweet almond or apricot kernel):

  • 1 drop Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  • 3 drops Bergamot (Citrus aurantium) essential oil
  • 1 drop Eucalyptus radiata essential oil (Eucalyptus radiata)

3. Take a bath with essential oils
At the first signs of a cold (chills, runny nose), take a hot bath with essential oils.

• Anti-chill aromatic bath mix 3 drops of rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) and 3 drops of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) in a neutral base, then pour this mixture into the bath water. Remain in the bath for 15 minutes, then rest immediately afterwards.
• Relaxation tips add a glass of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to promote muscle relaxation.

4. Antiviral massage for flu
In case of flu-like symptoms such as generalized pain or fever, massage with one of the following mixtures diluted in 20 ml of base oil:

• Mix 1 :

  • 3 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil
  • 3 drops Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamonum camphora)
  • 4 drops essential oil of Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris L. linaloliferum) or Thyme thujanol (Thymus vulgaris L. thujanoliferum)

• Mix 2 :

  • 3 drops Himalayan spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)
  • 2 drops peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)
  • 5 drops Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii)

5. Anti-fatigue tip
To strengthen your adrenal glands, massage the soles of your feet several times a day with 2-3 drops of Black Spruce (Picea mariana) essential oil.

• Immune-boosting blend :
  In a 15 ml bottle, mix :
  • 10 ml Tamanu vegetable oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)
  • 3 drops Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
  • 2 drops Basil essential oil (Ocimum basilicum)
  • 3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium asperum)
  • 2 drops black spruce (Picea mariana) essential oil

Application massage your feet and lower back with this blend every morning. In the evening, replace the Black Spruce essential oil with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil for a relaxing, soothing effect before bedtime.

Major anti-infective essential oils:

Essential oils rich in phenols and terpenols are considered the most effective against infections. They directly eliminate germs while respecting intestinal flora. Here are a few examples of powerful anti-infectious oils:

• Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• Clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Oregano compactum essential oil (Origanum compactum)
• Savory (Satureja montana) essential oil
• Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris thymol)

Precautions for useThese oils are hepatotoxic in high doses and should not be used for more than 6 consecutive days without medical supervision. They must be diluted in a vegetable oil before application to the skin.

Precautions for using essential oils :

• This advice is aimed at adults and children over the age of 7.
• They are not intended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
• Do not use this advice if you are allergic to any component of the essential oils.
• These recommendations should not be followed in cases of asthma, epilepsy, severe respiratory pathologies, or any other contraindication relating to the essential oils mentioned.
• This information is provided for information purposes only, and in no way replaces a medical prescription adapted to a particular case.