No one likes being ill or going to the hospital and taking medicines. The immune system plays a strategic role in ensuring the good health of a person. People who have weak immune systems are more likely to get sick very often.
The main reason behind this is that a weak immune system is not able to produce the necessary antibodies that are required to fight infections and viral. In order to function properly and remain healthy and fit, it is important to boost your immune system.
In this post, a few most effective essential oils have been suggested that help in boosting the immune system. But before moving ahead, let’s find out what the immune system is.
What Is The Immune System?
The immune system is nothing but the human body’s defense mechanism that helps us in protecting from many different pathogens, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and diseases. The immune system is a system of cells that are spread out through out our body to guard our body against any pathogens or organisms that are not good for the human body.
The immune system detects any unwanted outsiders within our body and attacks them with the aim of keeping us safe and healthy.
So, whenever our immune system detects something that is harmful to use, it gets activated. This is usually known as an antigen. There are different antigens and once this is identified our immune system generates an immune response.
In the immune response, the signal between different cells of the immune system. There are different types of the immune responses, innate and adaptive.
An innate response is something that happens immediately and is also non-specific. They are the first responders, and there are many types of innate immune cells, like macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and eosinophils (1).
The innate immune cells activate the adaptive response. When an innate immune response takes place, it can cause inflammation and thus releases cytokines within the body.
On the other hand, the adaptive immune response is much more specific, and it is generally related to memory. This means that the adaptive response, when exposed to an antigen, learns how to respond to it in the future again. The adaptive immune response includes B cells and T cells (2).
The immune system can become weak due to many different reasons, and one such reason is aging. As we grow old, our immune system becomes weak, and its ability to fight infections and illnesses also decreases. So, to boost the immune system, one needs certain help. Essential oils are one such help that can promote and improve your immune system.
Why Choose Essential Oils For Boosting The Immune System?
Essential oils are plant extracts that are rich in medicinal and therapeutic properties (3). Essential oils are available in pure form and are free from toxins and other chemicals. The effects of essential oils on humans are complex, but it has many benefits for the human body.
Essential oils are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and many such properties that are good for the proper functioning of the immune system. Essential oils can boost the immune system in the most natural manner.
Essential oils can be used in many different manners. They can be used as an aromatherapy diffuser, and their therapeutic benefits can be enjoyed. Essential oils help in releasing toxins from the body and also help fight bacteria, viruses, and infections.
What Are Some Of The Best Essential Oils To Boost Your Immune System Support?
Following is the list of essential oils supporting the immune system:
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a commonly used oil for treating different skin and health conditions. Eucalyptus oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that help in boosting the immune system. One of the benefits of using eucalyptus essential oil is that it helps in decongesting the airways and helps improve the respiratory system as well.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. It has a minty scent that instantly refreshes the mind and body.
According to a study, it has been found that eucalyptus essential oil can help reduce inflammatory levels caused due to innate immune cells (4).
2. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil is rich in vitamin C, which helps detoxify the body. Releasing toxins from the body helps in boosting the immune system and thus fights infections and diseases (5). Lemon oil is best for improving the respiratory system and also helps stimulate the production of white blood cell production.
It also helps in improving the overall immunity of humans by killing germs and bacteria. Lemon oil has a fresh citrusy scent that helps in energizing the mood and freshens the surrounding.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is one of the great essential oils for boosting the immune system. It helps in dealing with seasonal allergies like cold and flu, and also sore throat. Regular use of this oil helps stimulate the immune system by fighting viruses, infections, and bacteria.
Among the best essential oils for hemorrhoids, oregano essential oil stands out prominently. Its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory attributes make it highly effective. Using it can not only soothe pain and diminish swelling but also aid in the healing of hemorrhoidal tissues.
Oregano oil contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that are required for boosting immunity (6). Oregano oil is also good for the effective functioning of the digestive system.
4. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is one of the most popular essential oils that has many benefits for skin and health. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation and pain. It also contains natural astringent and antiseptic properties that can help in boosting the immune system. It also contains antioxidant properties that help in fighting infections and bacteria.
5. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is another commonly used essential oil. Lavender oil has a pleasant scent. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties that heal skin and health issues. It helps reduce inflammation. Lavender oil has sedative properties and is a great oil for inducing sleep and relaxation. Lavender essential oil exerts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in fighting bacteria and other infections within the body.
Massaging with lavender oil can help in improving the immune system. Much research has been undertaken to evaluate the innate and adaptive immune response to the use of essential oils.
A study revealed that lavender oil could help fight bacterial growth taking place within the macrophage. It also helps reduce inflammation caused to macrophages, and also by using such essential oil for snoring can give great relief (7).
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is a famous essential oil, especially in the field of skincare. Tea tree oil is rich in anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that have the ability to boost the immune system.
The use of tea tree oil helps in reducing inflammation levels. It also helps in improving the respiratory condition and thus is considered to be an essential oil that is great for overall wellness and health.
Study reveals that tea tree oil has the ability to reduce inflammation related to immune response and different types of immune cells (8).
7. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is a warming oil which means that it increases blood circulation and thus improves blood flow of any particular and helps heal and recover quickly. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help in fighting infections, viruses, bacteria, etc. Cinnamon oil can boost the immune system effectively.
Moreover, Cinnamon oil, which is an effective essential oil for diarrhea, can aid in soothing the digestive system. Its antimicrobial properties may combat harmful gut bacteria and parasites.
8. Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is one of the traditional oils that is being used for treating and improving different health conditions. It is one of the best essential oils that can be used to help boost your immune system. Clove oil is rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are great for boosting immunity.
Clove oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving pain. It is also great for offering relief for sore throat and toothache. Clove oil promotes a healthy immune system.
A study proves that clove oil can be used to reduce the T cell’s immune response that is related to the adaptive immune system. It also helps reduce inflammation due to innate immune cells (9).
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9. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is a great oil that helps in providing comfort by relieving many symptoms of different issues or diseases. Rosemary oil is great for clearing congestion and helps improve breathing.
It also helps in reducing headaches. It also helps in fighting infections and many diseases. Thus it boosts the immunity system and helps keep diseases at bay.
10. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has a strong minty scent to it that refreshes and energizes the mind and body. It has multiple uses and has been used for ages for skin and health. It has the ability to boost immunity as it helps reduce headache, digestion, and any other symptoms effectively (10). This oil improves focus and gives mental clarity. It also helps suffice craving levels.
Also, Peppermint essential oil is one of the strongest antifungal essential oil. It is effective against a wide range of fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, and Trichophyton. Peppermint oil can be used topically to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, and scalp. It can also be diffused in the air to help prevent the spread of fungal spores.
11. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger oil is also being used since ages as a traditional medicine to offer health and wellness (11). It is a warming oil that improves blood circulation and blood flow when massaged. It is great for improving the digestive system and also helps in releasing congestion. It is a great choice for a strong immune system.
12. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit oil helps in releasing toxins from the body, and this boosts immunity. It helps in cleansing the body and thus removes infections, bacteria, etc., from the body. Grapefruit oil affects the immune system positively.
How Do You Use Essential Oils To Boost Immunity?
There are different ways in which you can use essential oils to boost your immunity. Following are some of the most commonly used methods of using essential oils:
Diffusion
This is the most common way to use essential oil and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy essential oils. You just need to have an electrical diffuser and add water to it up to the mark given.
Then add a few drops of any of the above essential oils or your favorite essential oil into the diffuser, sit back and relax, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils that boost your immunity. You can use any single essential oil, or you can even mix and match different essential oils and experiment with different scents.
Massage
This is one of the most powerful methods of utilizing the benefits of essential oils. Massaging diluted essential oils can do wonders in treating different skin and health conditions. You can mix any single essential oil or different essential oils with any carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, sweet almond oil, etc., and rub it on the skin daily to boost immunity.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your moisturizers, lotions, or creams and apply them directly on the skin to enjoy their maximum benefits.
Inhalation
This is again an effective method of using the essential oil and its benefits. You can inhale essential oils by way of an aromatherapy inhalator or steam inhalation. Steam inhalation also helps in clearing congestion, and it can directly boost immunity.
Bathing
Bathing with essential oils is also an effective way to boost immunity. You can add a few drops of essential oil to your bathtub and immerse yourself in it to enjoy the benefits of essential oils, which boost your immunity.
DIY Essential Oil Blends For Immunity
# Blend 1
Ingredients
- 3drops grapefruit oil
- 2 drops black pepper oil
- 2 drops of geranium oil
# Blend 2
Ingredients
- 3 drops eucalyptus oil
- 2drops lemon oil
- 2 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops frankincense oil
# Blend 3
Ingredients
- 2 drops of lemon oil
- 2 drops of peppermint oil
# Blend 4
Ingredients
- 4 drops of lavender oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 1 drop of tea tree oil
# Blend 5
Ingredients
- 2 drops of lemon oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drop oregano oil
What Other Things Can You Do To Support Your Immune System?
Along with the stimulating essential oils, you should follow other measures as well to support your immune system:
1. Eating Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is a must to make sure your immune system is strong. Always opt for nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein sources, and low-fat dairy products.
2. Avoid Unhealthy Diet
Along with adopting a healthy diet, it is very important to give away unhealthy eating habits. Products that contain saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and refined carbohydrates should be avoided.
3. Including Supplements in Your Life
Adding supplements to your day-to-day routine is very helpful in boosting the immune system. Supplements like vitamin c, zinc, probiotics, etc., have a direct impact on immune system functioning.
4. Reduce Stress Level
High stress can negatively impact your immune system, so it is very important to reduce stress levels to make sure your immunity is strong. Meditation, yoga, and exercise can help you manage and reduce your stress level.
5. Weight Management
Increased weight can also give rise to many diseases and thus affect your immune system. So, to avoid a negative impact on the immune system, it is necessary to manage your weight and eat healthily.
6. Drinking Less Alcohol
Excess alcohol can negatively impact your immunity and can weaken your immune system. You should drink alcohol in moderation.
7. Sleeping Habits
It is important to have enough sleep so that it does not mess with your immune system. Good sleep can improve your immune system.
8. Quit Smoking
It is proven that smoking leads to many health issues, and it can cause risk to your immune system by weakening it and affecting its proper functioning. Smoking gives rise to many diseases and thus impacts your immune system. So, it is advised to quit smoking if you want to improve your immunity system.
Also, must checkout: Essential oils to quit smoking
9. Regular Exercises
Regular exercising helps in managing stress levels and weight and also boosts immunity. It also improves sleeping habits.
Safety And Precautions
Essential oils being natural extracts, are safe to use. But there are a few safety precautions that should be adopted in order to avoid any allergic reaction:
- Always dilute essential oil before applying it to the skin. Undiluted essential oils are highly concentrated and can have an allergic reaction on the skin. So, it is advised to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
- You can dilute essential oils by mixing them with a carrier oil. Carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, sweet almond oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, etc.
- Always undertake a patch test before applying essential oils to the skin. Essential oils can have certain side effects or allergic reactions. Undertaking a patch test will help in identifying whether you are allergic to any specific essential oil.
- Avoid using essential oils around your pets, as they can be highly toxic for your pets.
- Avoid using essential oils around your children, as it can negatively impact them.
- Avoid using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In this post, some of the most effective essential oils for immunity have been discussed that are great for supporting the immune system. Essential oils and their components can help in overcoming serious health issues and keep your immune system on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential oil helps with your immune system?
Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil, oregano oil, rosemary oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, ginger oil, and few other oils help your immune system.
What boosts immune system the most?
Maintaining a healthy diet boosts the immune system the most.
What does the frankincense oil do for immunity?
Frankincense oil has antibacterial properties that helps fight bacteria and viruses and thus boosts immunity. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation caused due to immune response.
Source:
- Cell Death & Differentiation. (2019). Regulation of the innate immune system by autophagy: monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and antigen presentation. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41418-019-0297-6
- Nature Immunology. (2006). T cell– and B cell–independent adaptive immunity mediated by natural killer cells. https://www.nature.com/articles/ni1332
- Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. (2017). Antifungal effect of plant extract and essential oil. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11655-016-2524-z
- BMC Immunol. (2008). Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374764/
- The role of oregano herb and its derivatives as immunomodulators in fish. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/raq.12453
- Immunol Invest. (2016). Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential Oil Exerts Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Macrophage Mediated Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26730790/
- Int Immunopharmacol. (2015). Immunomodulatory activity of Melaleuca alternifolia concentrate (MAC): inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB activation and cytokine production in myeloid cell lines. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25858876/
- Phytother Res. (2011). Essential oil of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) augments the humoral immune response but decreases cell mediated immunity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21796701/
- Animal Feed Science and Technology. (2015). Mentha piperita (peppermint) in growing Japanese quails’ diet: Serum biochemistry, meat quality, humoral immunity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840115001832
- Zingiber Officinale the Herbal and Traditional Medicine and Its Therapeutically Importance. https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:rjpp&volume=2&issue=2&article=002