Influenza is a common infectious respiratory disease that not only causes seasonal outbreaks, but can also cause deadly global pandemics. Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat symptoms of influenza and essential oils derived from them have been prescribed as complementary and alternative treatments against influenza. Whilst there have not been any clinical trials or scientific studies done on the COVID19 virus so far, there are numerous studies that describe the antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of essential oils. ¹

Immunity Pure Essential Oil Blend

Immunity Essential oil blend has been formulated to give you everything you need to get through the cold and flu season. The properties of the six powerful essential oils chosen for this blend are described below,

Organic Eucalyptus Radiata If you've ever been sick with a cold or the flu, chances are you have smelled Eucalyptus. Compounds contained naturally in Eucalyptus essential oil are used medicinally in many over-the counter cold and flu remedies for cough and congestion including syrups, cough drops, and vaporizer rubs and fluids. Eucalyptus oil can be used not only to disinfect surfaces² but eucalyptus oil has airborne antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory [i]tract.^3. Eucalyptus oil is a powerful respiratory aid and has a strong influence on breathing. It stimulates oxygen uptake in our cell tissues and increases circulation. Increased oxygenation in the lungs promotes the cleansing and repair function of our red blood cells. Organic Eucalyptus oil is also an excellent blood cleanser and helpful for regenerating lung tissue and function^.4,5.

Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Lauraceae) is regarded as one of the strongest antibacterial agents known. ^6,7. It is useful for resisting viral infections and contagious diseases. Cinnamon Essential Oil showed 100% in vitro inhibition of influenza type A (H1N1) virus at 0.3% as well as 100% inhibition of H1N1 virus after 30 min exposure to cinnamon leaf oil vapor ^{,4,8,9, 10,.} Please note Cinnamon oil is extremely powerful and can therefore be a dermal irritant so do not use this blend undiluted on your skin.Put on clothing, tissues, vaporize, or dilute in base oil or lotion to apply to skin.

Organic Clove bud, Syzygium aromaticum is a spicy, warming yet slightly bitter, woody essential oil, reminiscent of true clove buds, but richer. Although clove oil is a very potent oil that should be used with great care in aromatherapy, it does have wonderful properties - from stimulating the mind and lifting depression, to aiding digestion, relieving pain in arthritis and rheumatism and easing respiratory problems. Clove has excellent antiseptic properties due to its high proportion of eugenol.It may be used for the prevention of colds and flus ^11,12,13, making it a perfect addition to this essential oil blend.

Organic Lemon (citrus limonum) cold pressed essential oil boosts the immune system and cleanses the body, improves the functions of the digestive system, more importantly as an addition to this blend it helps to fight against infections ¹² .Compounds called polyphenols are found in lemon oil and provide impressive anti-viral properties. Lemon oil improves immune function, promotes white blood cell formation, improves circulation, clears the mind, and tones the skin. Lemon oil is anti-infectious, antibacterial (especially with spores), antiviral, antiseptic, and a disinfectant. Dr. Jean Valnet, M.D . and medical researcher¹³, has stated that the essential oil of lemon acts as a liver decongestant and diuretic and is a powerful body cleanser.Lemon Oil is also a powerful disinfectant, researchers found that lemon essential oil had antibacterial activity against all six of the bacteria they tested¹⁴. Therefore, lemon is added to this blend for its uses for respiratory infections, throat infections, sore throat, (see Throat Balm), detoxifier, and disinfectant. More recent research on COVID has shown really good results with Lemon and Geranium oils, please see this link if you are interested Article Geranium and Lemon Essential Oils and Their Active Compounds Downregulate Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), a SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain, in Epithelial Cells

Organic Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil is from the common garden herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole. A study published in the journal Cough15, found that cineole may help to break up mucus and reduce inflammation.

Rosemary oil is described as being useful for all respiratory infections, congestions, lung tonic, colds, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, increases mucus secretion and relieves breathing.¹⁶ It is also said to boost the immune system against colds, flu and infections due to it’s powerful antimicrobial properties^17.

Organic Holy Basil (ocimum sanctum) essential oil, which is sometimes known as Tulsi, is a potent herb that has been used in India for thousands of years to treat colds, coughs, and the flu. According to Ayurveda, there are many holy basil benefits, as it promotes purity and lightness in the body, cleansing the respiratory tract of toxins, and relieving digestive gas and bloating. The holy basil leaf offers a rich source of essential oil, containing eugenol, nerol, camphor, and a variety of terpenes and flavonoids. Holy basil oil is a strong antiseptic against many kinds of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites ^18. A study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that the luteolin in holy basil may help control inflammation by inhibiting the brain cells that are responsible for the body’s immune response. Microglial cells exposed to luteolin had a reduced inflammatory response, thus boosting the immune system ^19.

Directions for Use

• Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
  Add to water for an effective all-purpose surface cleaner.
• Add a few drops to a scarf or handkerchief or to clothing.
• Sprinkle a few drops on car mats to help cleanse the air in your car or put in car diffuser.
• Dilute with vegetable oils and massage onto lymph nodes on neck (see throat balm)

Essential Oil Safety Information

• Do not use Essential Oils undiluted on your skin.
• Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals, always do a skin patch test before using for the first time.
• If you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before using any essential oils.
• Essential oils should not be taken internally they are mucal irritants and upset gut bacteria.
• Please keep essential oils out of the way of fire hazards.
• If applying diluted to skin avoid sunlight for 12 hours afterwards as cold pressed citrus oils are phototoxic.
• Avoid contact with eyes, inner ear and sensitive areas.
• Store in cool dark place.

Contraindications: Should NOT be used by people on blood thinners or aspirin since Holy Basil oil may inhibit blood clotting due to Eugenol. Nor should it be used on clients with hemophilia, menstruating women or anyone with a blood disorder involving a weakened clotting factor.

References

1. William N Setzer, Essential oils as complementary and alternative medicines for the treatment of influenza. American Journal of Essential oils and Natural Products 2016; 4(4): 16-22
2. Tyagi A, Malik A. Antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus oil in liquid and vapour phase against food spoilage microorganisms. Food Chemistry 2011; 126:228-35.
3. Vimalanathan S, Hudson J. Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products. 2014; 2(1):47-53.
4. Tyagi A, Malik A. Antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus oil in liquid and vapour phase against food spoilage microorganisms. Food Chemistry 2011; 126:228-35.
5. Davis P. Aromatherapy:An A-Z. The CW Daniel Company Limited, Great Britain 1999.
6. Holmes P. The energetics of western herbs Vol. II Artemis Press, USA, 1992.
7. Mallavarapu GR, Ramesh S, Chandrasekhara RS, Rao BRR, Kaul PN, Bhattacharya AK. Investigation of the essential oil of cinnamon leaf grown at Bangalore and Hyderabad. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 1995; 10:239-242.
8. Raina VK, Srivastava SK, Aggarwal KK, Ramesh S, Kumar S. Essential oil composition of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume leaves from Little Andaman, India. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 2001; 16:374-376.
9. Fichi G, Flamini G, Zaralli LJ, Perrucci S. Efficacy of an essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Psoroptes cuniculi. Phytomedicine, 2007; 14:227-231.
10. Lawless J. The encylopaedia of essential oils. Element Books Limited, Great Britain 1992.
11. Valnet J. The practice of aromatherapy. The C.W.Daniel Company Limited, Great Britain 1980.
12. M. VIdua-Martos, Y. Ruiz-Navajas, J.Fernandez-Lopez & J.Perez-Alvarez, Journal of Food Safety First published:22 October 2008
13. Lavabre M. Aromatherapy workbook. Healing Art Press, USA 1997.
14. Fischer J, Dethlefsen U. Efficacy of cineole in patients suffering from acute bronchitis: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Cough. 2013 Nov 21;9(1):25. doi: 10.1186/1745-9974-9-25.
15. Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2^nd Edition Australia) International Centre for Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia 2003.
16. Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.
17. Melissa Eisler, What is Holy Basil, The Chopra Centre, 01/22/2016 Mind-Body Health AyurvedaHealth and WellnessAyurvedic Herbs
18. Ray Sahelian, MD, Luteolin flavonoid health benefit, November 2 2016 http://www.raysahelian.com/luteolin.html

19.3.Oleg V. Pyankov,Evgeny V. Usachev,Olga Pyankova &Igor E. Agranovski Inactivation of Airborne Influenza Virus by Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils Pages 1295-1302 | Received 24 Apr 2012, Accepted 18 Jun 2012, Accepted author version posted online: 16 Jul 2012, Published online:30 Jul 2012