Essential Oils for Immune Support

While there are many beneficial essential oils out there- only a few make the list for my “top” immune boosting oils.

Continuing reading to find out and as always be sure to consult your doctor prior to using essential oils.

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What are essential oils and why should you be using them?

“Essential oils are the essence of a plant, a gift from the earth, distilled and prepared for you to bring the power of nature into your home.

Inside many plants—hidden in roots, seeds, flowers, bark—are concentrated, highly potent chemical compounds. These natural compounds are essential oils.

Essential oils give a plant its scent, protect it from hazardous environmental conditions, and even assist it with pollination, among other important functions and benefits.”

These powerful compounds have been used for centuries for scent, to heal, disinfect and support the body in ways that food and supplements can’t.

When you hear the word “essential oil” what comes to mind?

Most people think of essential oils as being in their beauty or skin care products. But, essential oils have many more incredible uses such as: balancing moods, decreasing stress, improving pain and inflammation, regulating hormones, natural sleep aid etc. The list goes on and on, but my favorite one of all is the way essential oils are used for immune support.

Essential oils play a large role in supporting our body’s overall health and now there is more and more research confirming that these oils have huge immune boosting effects as well.

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Below are my top choices for immune boosting/immune supportive essential oils. And as with all things, I suggest choosing quality over quantity every time. Some people will say otherwise, but going off of my experience with other brands and after researching heavily- doTERRA does have THE BEST essential oils out there.

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My top Essential Oils for Immune Support

#1 On Guard

On Guard essential oil should be at the top of everyone’s list!!

It is made with Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower essential oils.

It can be taken internally in a capsule, used to wipe down counters, diffused in the air and used as a hand and clothing wash.

This oil really does it all:

~Protects against seasonal and environmental allergies

~Strengthens the immune system

~Supports respiratory function

~Has the ability to cleanse and purify the air

~Kill off harmful bacteria and viruses….etc

This is the one and done oil- if you can only buy one off of this list. I highly recommend this one!

#2 Oregano

Most commonly known as an Italian herb- oregano boasts some of the best immune benefits.

~Oregano is an anti viral, anti-bacterial and anti- fungal

~Oregano also contains strong anti-oxidant capabilities

~Studies have confirmed oregano to inhibit norovirus, staph, e. coli and strep

~Oregano can be used topically to clean counters, added as a seasoning to meals and taken internally in a veggie capsule

#3 Frankincense

This oil is known as the “King of all oils”

Frankincense has been used since biblical times and has now gotten the recognition it deserves with all the new found research

Frankincense has been used as a highly effective anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti viral

Frankincense also protects against free radicals aka damage from environmental and industrial toxins as well as dietary toxins

Frankincense can be used topically as well as diffused and taken internally in a veggie capsule

#4 Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a very well-known scent as it has been widely used in over- the- counter cold and flu medicines for a long time to help break up and loosen mucus

Eucalyptus contains strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

It is rich in anti-oxidants and is very useful in clearing up congestion and opening air ways

Eucalyptus can be diffused into the air, added to a spray bottle to clean surfaces as well as adding a drop to your moisturizer to rub on the chest or under the nose to relieve congestion.

Eucalyptus is one EO that should not be ingested!

# 5 Thyme

Thyme is another popular herb most people use for cooking- however Thyme is great for coughs

Thyme has a special terpene that has proven to reduce coughs associated with upper respiratory infections

Thyme contains anti bacterial and anti microbial benefits

Thyme can be added to meals, taken internally in a veggie capsule and placed on the skin with a carrier oil to repel insects

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So why should you add Essential Oils to your health cabinet?

Your immune system thrives on fresh, nutritious foods like organic fruits and vegetables, grass fed meats and free range eggs, wild caught fish, and healthy fats. These foods help your immune system operate at optimum capacity to protect you from infections and other serious illnesses.

However, when your body is lacking in these elements due to an inadequate diet, stress and/or pollution, your body reacts by producing toxic molecules known as “free radicals”, upsetting your immune system.

Scientific studies demonstrate that diffusion of essential oils, topical use and safe internal use can purify and cleanse the air while also providing significant internal protection. Taking essential oils is an excellent way to utilize their immune-boosting properties will supporting your immune system all year long.

To summarize…..

Pay attention to ingredients and sourcing with essential oils, as most essential oil companies are not created equal. Click here to see why I chose doTERRA.

Again, chose quality over quantity. Pure essential oil extraction takes time and skill. And if you are choosing a company that rushes the process or doesn’t extract properly then you are most likely not getting a pure essential oil.

Do your research and ask questions. Find a company that you trust and can feel good about using their essential oils in your daily routine.

As always I hope this was helpful- reach out with any questions!

Hello friends!

Fall and winter are right around the corner, which means so are colds, flu and sinus issues. That being said I wanted to share Part 1 of my favorite immune boosting foods and supplements to keep you healthy all season long! And although these foods and supplements are powerful and can certainly help lessen the duration or severity of a cold or the flu- it really takes being consistent throughout the year with your nutrition and overall wellness. And please always check with a doctor and or pharmacist prior to taking any of the items listed below. I am not a doctor or pharmacist, I am simply speaking from experience and sharing what has worked for me and my family :)

Let’s dive in and get started- this list really is my “holy grail” to surviving cold/flu season!!

• Elderberry Syrup

  • This syrup is a staple in our home, luckily I have a dear friend who makes it and mails it to us. But, if you can’t find it locally there are several good brands that make high quality, low sugar versions.

    Why Elderberry Syrup?

    • Black elderberries contain antioxidants as well as immune- boosting properties. There are lots of research articles detailing just how powerful elderberries are with reducing the duration of colds and the flu.

    • Most common forms of elderberry are syrups, lozenges, tea and my favorite homemade elixirs. I recommend taking elderberry at the first sign of a cold- within 24-48 hrs to maximize the effect. And while I personally don’t make my own- you can use this super easy recipe from Wellness Mama to keep on hand.

• Colloidal Silver

  • Colloidal Silver is a water solution containing nanometer sized particles of suspended silver. The silver particles are so small that normal filtering processes cannot remove them. In ancient times, silver was commonly used as a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antimicrobial. Research has shown that consuming silver is both safe and effective for boosting and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Why use Colloidal Silver ?

• It can assist in healing wounds

• Prevent and kills viruses

• Treats and prevents the common cold and flu

• Can kill mold- parasites- fungi

• Treats and prevents sinus issues and allergies

• Natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Treats and fights bronchitis and pneumonia

  It really can do it all!!! For me the best time to use it is at the first sign of a cold or flu. For all other issues, I just begin using it when it occurs. And as always please make sure you contact your doctor first prior to taking it.

  • These are the 2 brands I use- Sovereign Silver and Silver Wings- both very high quality and work quickly!

Bone Broth

• Bone Broth is an age old broth used by many cultures to prevent colds and illness throughout the year. Bone broth is traditionally made by slowly simmering the bones of beef, chicken, fish, etc in water with an acid (like vinegar) and optional spices, vegetables and herbs. Broth can boil for as little as 4 hours or up to 48 hours. As the bones cook down they release gut-healing compounds including glutamine and collagen. Bone broth is easily digestible, tasty and a great drink to sip on during those cold fall and winter months.

Benefits of Bone Broth:

• Reduces Inflammation

• Helps heal leaky gut

• Prevents colds and illness, by inhibiting viruses

• Strengthens the immune system

• Helps detoxify the liver

• Promotes good sleep

• Strengthens bones

• Improves digestion

  You can purchase bone broth already made in the store or you can make your own. I love this recipe by Wellness Mama as it is simple and effective. My favorite brands in the store are Bare Bones and Bonafide Provisions. Both use high quality ingredients from grass fed and organic pasture raised animals.

Raw Garlic

• Garlic has been used for centuries as a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Garlic contains flavoniods, oligosaccharides, amino acids, allicin and high levels of sulfur. Each playing an important role in supporting our body’s immune system and natural fighter cells.

It is important to note that most of these beneficial properties of garlic come from consuming it raw. When garlic is cooked and or heated the alliin inside the garlic gets destroyed. As little as 60 seconds in the microwave will destroy this powerful compound.

Why consume garlic?

• Anti-bacterial

• Anti-viral

• Anti-fungal

• Fights off the cold and flu naturally

• Combats heart disease

• Possible cancer fighter

• Helps manage blood sugar levels

  The thought of consuming raw garlic will make some people gag, for others they will breeze right through it. So, if you prefer taking a supplement- my advice is to go with a high quality one. My favorite brand is Protocol for Life Balance. (If you are interested in ordering this brand- head over to the schedule page to set up a consult.)

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for over 300 functions in the body. Because Vitamin C is essential -we must consume it daily in order to maintain proper levels.

  Why take Vitamin C?

  • Vitamin C is crucial for healing

  • Assists in the production of collagen

  • Helps protect the body against heart disease, cancer, the flu and more

  • Powerful antioxidant- protects the body against free radicals and damage to cells

  • Needed for proper adrenal function

  • Enhances anti-body cell production

  • Assists other vitamins and minerals in properly being absorbed by the body

    I consume Vitamin C daily. I typically use a supplement and on days I exercise at OrangeTheory I add in an additional glass of fresh squeezed orange or tangerine juice. You can obtain Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables- but you would have to consume 5 servings or more daily. Most people aren’t doing that- which is why I like a good quality supplement. This is the one I use.

I’ll be back later sharing a few more of my fav’s for immune support!!! Stay tuned :)