Can essential oil prevent the coronavirus?

Since the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, many people have faced serious physical and emotional challenges, which may have a profound effect on their health and mental well-being. Moksha Lifestyle Products wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathy to all concerned and sincerely thanks all those who put the safety and well-being of others ahead of their own.

How can essential oils help with this critical condition?

Essential oils or their ingredients are widely used in pharmaceutical preparations, in cosmeceuticals (skincare products and combined benefits of cosmetics and therapies), such as dietary supplements, flavor enhancers, traditional and complementary medicines, in the aromatherapy and spa industry.

Essential oils are popular with the public as well, not only because their fragrance is soothing and strong but also because they offer many health benefits and are considered safe for home use when used within safety guidelines.

Also, the simple act of inhaling essential oils can have many measurable effects on the body such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, changes in brainwaves activity, changes in eye movements, and so on.

In fact, several studies have shown that the aroma of essential oils has a profound effect on the mind and body and has proved that it can bring immediate relief from stress and alleviate emotional distress.

Antimicrobial and Antiviral activities of essential oils

The immune system is a very complex system that contributes to keeping the body healthy and protecting itself from dangerous diseases. Certain health and attitude factors can make it difficult for the immune system to function fully. Natural remedies like essential oils can support the body’s response and, in general, can provide support for the perfect person as well.

Essential oils have a long list of therapeutic properties, but not all essential oils act in the same way. For example, some essential oils work in a wide range of ways, while others work in certain areas. Some essential oils may produce a rapid response, while others may be more subtle. These variations are determined by the ingredients present in the essential oil, the amount used, and the method of application.

Many essential oils can work together and can address more than one health issue at a time. During a serious infection like Covid19, to get the highest benefits from essential oils, it is important to choose a small number of essential oils that provide both full benefits and physical benefits, in order to increase physical and mental health that can rejuvenate the body.

The contribution of essential oils as natural antimicrobials is promising, as some essential oils have been found to prevent bacterial recurrence in medical studies, but the means by which essential oils can be disinfected are still unclear. In contrast, there are proven antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oils to choose from.

The essential oils that have been tested for anti-bacterial properties have been extensively tested against the herpes virus, so it is unthinkable that these essential oils are listed as antivirals that will automatically help fight Covid19 but may provide indirect support to the immune system.

Other essential oils that have therapeutic properties that can alleviate various symptoms and may help during Covid19 infection should also be considered: respiratory antiseptics, anti-inflammatories, mucolytics, febrifuges, antitussives, expectorants, decongestants, cytophylactics, antioxidants, and prophylactics.

All the essential oils that have these properties can help to make the body less susceptible to infections and can reduce the severity of symptoms.

For example, respiratory oils such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Juniper berry can help keep the respiratory tract open and improve respiratory capacity but can also act as a mucous expectorant, such as antivirals and antimicrobials, and aid in ‘cleansing’ ‘dry air in confined spaces, thus providing normal support to the body or any other treatment in many ways. While essential oils cannot be the cure the current epidemic, they can still be useful for people with severe symptoms of Covid19 and who do not need hospitalization.

Finally, another good reason to use essential oils to fight germs is that germs are badly affected by fragrant molecules. Also, bacteria have been shown to be able to withstand only one type of scent molecule at a time, while essential oils provide a wide range of scented molecules that can damage bacteria. So again, although essential oils are not a cure, certain essential oils can interfere with the bacterial cycle of infection. After all, plants produce essential oils as part of their defense system against countless microorganisms and parasites living in nature.

What Ways to Use:

Before using essential oils, one must be aware that certain essential oils have a very strong, penetrating, odorless, and strong odor and are not suitable for children, pregnant women (with frequent odors), or weak individuals.

Direct inhalation using a scented filler or nasal inhaler can improve breathing or help keep the mind clear. This method can help reduce more respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath caused by sinusitis, hay fever, or fever. Useful essential oils include Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Pine Needle, and Tea-tree. Essential oils have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, or use for regular rest including Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Orange, Rose, and Vetiver.

Diffusers and sprays are great for not only maintaining a pleasant environment but also as an air purifier, as many essential oils have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, e.g. Cinnamon Leaf, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree. Essential oils increase mental alertness, improve memory and enhance independent functions by Bergamot, Lemon, Peppermint, and Rosemary.

Topical applications to strengthen the immune system and organs through the extraction of essential oils.

Which Essential oils to consider:

Ventilation of airborne microbes — used in diffuser, spray bottle, or aerosols:

When airborne infections are imminent, it is important to keep the surrounding air as clear as possible from contagious objects. Spraying the air with essential oils to maintain air quality helps to keep the environment healthy for all. Also, the circulation of essential oils can stimulate the immune system. Other essential oils for cleansing the air:

Bergamot: Anti-infectious, antiviral, deodorant

Cinnamon leaf: Powerful antimicrobial and air disinfectant.

Eucalyptus: Antimicrobial can help prevent further infections, antiviral, immunostimulant

Lavender: Anti-infection, immunostimulant, mucolytic

Peppermint: Antimicrobial, antiviral, purifies the air.

Immuno-stimulants/Antimicrobials/ Antivirals

These are essential oils that can either strengthen immunity or directly fight infectious organisms:

Bergamot: Antiviral, antimicrobial

Cajeput: Antiviral, antimicrobial, expectorant, immunostimulant

Eucalyptus: Antimicrobial can help prevent further infections, antiviral, immunostimulant

Lavender: Antiviral, antimicrobial, expectorant, anti-infectious

Lemongrass: Antiviral, antifungal, anti-infectious

Manuka-: Antiviral, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, antitussive, expectorant

Melissa: Immunostimulant, expectorant, antitussive

Ravintsara: Antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-infectious, immunostimulant,

Rosemary: Antimicrobial, expectorant

Tea-Tree: Antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-infectious, immunostimulant

Thyme: Antimicrobial, anti-infectious, immunostimulant

Takeaway:

Essential oils cannot be used to cure this disease but can help build immunity and might be able to help alleviate few symptoms. In case of suffering from it, one must consult a healthcare practitioner and under their guidance use essential oils.