The true medical aromatherapists around the globe tell us time and time again: the most effective use of essential oils for health is the combating of infectious illness. Aromatherapy in the US is still mostly relegated to support of the psyche - which it does quite well - but study after study continues to confirm the antibacterial and antiviral effects of essential oils, along with their great compatibility with human physiology. Many protocols (detailed instructions) have been translated and published from the European medical aromatherapy liturature - information which you can personally incorporate into your own natural health and wellness program.

For a brief review, essential oils are the pure aromatic compounds naturally extracted from herbs, trees, roots and flowers. They are the chemicals that give plants their smell; the luscious aroma of Jasmine or the sharp scent of Wintergreen. Plants make these chemicals as defense from invaders such as bacteria, fungus, viruses and insects. Each plant's oil has a unique composition, hence there are thousands of variations of essential oils, each with it's own chemical profile. Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are easily absorbed into the human body, passing through cell membranes, then further on into the bloodstream. Essential oils can protect us from microbes and viruses in different ways: by clearing the air around us naturally, by fortifying our immune system, and by destroying microbial invaders once in our bodies.

Get a little nervous when friends or co-workers have a sneezing or coughing fit? Here's an excellent defense tactic - diffuse one or more of the powerful yet pleasant smelling antimicrobial oils into your space. 'Narrow Leaf' Eucalyptus (or Eucalyptus Radiata) is a very popular variety for this - it has been referred to as an 'aromatherapists designer oil' because of its broad range of immune-supportive effects and its pleasant aroma. Other oils used with a little softer scent are Green Myrtle and Ravensara - all these oils may be blended to your 'taste'. A very pleasing yet powerful blend can be made using three parts clove bud essential oil, five parts lemon essential oil, one and one-half parts Eucalyptus Radiata, one and one-half parts Rosemary Cineol essential oil and two parts Cinnamon Bark essential oil. For immune-supportive purposes, a high-quality cold-air nebulizing diffuser is best, as it will make a fine mist of the oils which will disperse within a space at a relatively high concentration.

Next, it's important to fortify your own immune system. Medical aromatherapists don't claim essential oils as wonder drugs in this regard - it is important to keep yourself healthy for your immune system to work effectively. Many natural medicine physicians believe it important to keep your own internal 'friendly bacteria' in balance for best protection. This can be done by eating a 'clean' diet with an abundance of natural and organic foods, and consuming intestinal bacterial support in capsule form (available at almost all health food stores). On the aromatherapy front, the essential oil of Niaouli has been considered by some to be the single most powerful supporter of the human immune system. Niaouli essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the Niaouli tree, native to Madagascar, but now being cultivated in Spain for aromatherapy use. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, one of America's leading medical aromatherapists, "Niaouli oil is as complex in its composition as it is in it's uses...One of the fastest-acting and most effective applications of Niaouli is to apply anywhere between 5 and 20 drops to the whole body during the morning shower. This procedure will become entirely holistic if a loofah glove is used and the oil is worked into the skin along the energy meridians. This application...is especially recommended in the flu season, as it stimulates the defense mechanisms of the body." Niaouli would also be appropriate for diffuser use similar to the Eucalyptus varieties.

Once a bacteria or viral infection has set it, treating it with essential oils can be a little more complex. The difficulty lies in finding the proper oil for one's particular illness, as some oils are excellent against certain microbial strains, though these same oils may not be the right choice in other instances. Prevention with immune stimulant oils as above is best; however, at the very first signs, application of 10-20 drops to the skin of both Eucalyptus Radiata and Bay Laurel essential oils to the skin in the steam of a shower (so that the skin is more porous) is called for. Eucalyptus can be applied to the chest and back, whereas Bay Laurel should be applied directly to the lymph nodes to support the immune response. The vast majority of individuals will have no sensitivity response to such application - if, however, any skin irritation is noted, apply diluted to 5% in a carrier oil such as olive oil hazelnut oils. Green Myrtle can be used in cases of bronchial infection where Eucalyptus may be found to strong an aroma. Ravensara used in the same manner is called for in cases of colds and flu - it can be a stronger antiviral than the above mentioned oils, and has a pleasing aroma.

To create a natural wellness medicine chest for cold and flu care, keep Eucalyptus Radiata (Narrow Leaf) or Globulus (Blue Gum), Green Myrtle, Ravensara Aromatica, Rosemary Verbenone and Thyme essential oils on hand. The Eucalyptus, Myrtle and Ravensara will support bronchial conditions through topical application or inhalation; inhalation of Rosemary and/or Thyme can be of help with head colds and sinus infections - they can be inhaled directly from a diffuser. Other methods of use can be appropriate if directed by a health professional. These are all very powerful oils and should be used with respect; if you do so, they will certainly be welcome additions to your wellness program.

When choosing your own self-healing methods as part of your overall natural health and wellness program, it is important to choose the proper modality for each situation. Conventional medicine has it's place, and should absolutely be employed when it will provide the best results. When it comes to common colds, the results have not been so dramatic. Alternative therapies have offered a reasonable solution, and can be effective if used wisely and with discretion. There are many helpful texts available for the use of essential oils as medicines - Advanced Aromatherapy and Medical Aromatherapy, both by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, are excellent sources for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Be aware of your own body's sensitivity to any essential oil and adjust usage accordingly, and seek professional advice whenever necessary.