When the weather changes, and temperatures drop, we can be more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. How can aromatherapy keep us healthy this fall? Try incorporating essential oils into your “Immune Boosting” arsenal, and help keep the germs at bay.
The first step in staying healthy, is not getting sick. Strengthening our ability to ward off infection, and creating a holistic environment that protects us from invading germs and stressors is the most effective strategy for keeping cold and flu-free. And the essential oils of Clove and Cinnamon can provide a powerful personal force-field.
Clove (Eugenia carophyllata) essential Oil is steam distilled from the plants flower buds. The oil’s aroma is woody, spicy and warm with a hint of a fruity top note, and is native to places like Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Clove Essential Oil is known to have very powerful anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. In other words, it can effectively neutralize germs coming from a variety of sources. It is also a well known ingredient in many dental preparations because it can gently numb sore and tender gums, while at the same time fighting the bacteria that causes gum disease.
I like to use Clove essential oil, combined with a tiny bit of Cinnamon Bark essential oil in a spray mist. Just add about 20 drops of Clove Oil and 3 drops of Cinnamon Oil to a 4 oz bottle of distilled water, and spray around yourself and your environment – to protect against all airborne pathogens. The combination of both Clove and Cinnamon is also excellent for our respiratory system, by supporting our sinus and lung health and promoting expectoration.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum ) Essential Oil is steam distilled from the dried inner bark of the plant, and like Clove is native to Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. And like Clove it also shares a deep, spicy and woody aroma.
It shares more than just synergistic aroma with Clove; for Cinnamon is also a powerful anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial oil, that can also zap out contagions on contact. Hence, the reason why it is an amazing addition to any room spray with an intention of clearing and cleansing the air.
A note of warning – however. Be responsible and use caution when using and experimenting with both Clove and Cinnamon essential oils. Although they are proven germ fighters, they can also cause skin irritation, and in some very sensitive cases – may even feel like a burn. Keep the oils away from your eyes and all mucous membranes, and try not to let them come into direct contact with your skin. Avoid if pregnant or severely weakened or depleted, and please don’t take them internally.
The best method of delivery is to add a few combined drops to a spray bottle filled with water, and misting your room, office, bed linens, car, etc. Try carrying your little spray with you wherever you go, especially when traveling, like subways, buses, airplanes to keep you protected and healthy.
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