Boosting immunity with nature’s finest essential oils

I often talk about remedies being found in the wild – it’s a big part of my work to help people reclaim their true capacity to heal themselves. Immunity is no different; we can powerfully work with essential oils to harness their healing power.

And as we move more deeply towards winter, each year, it becomes apparent that the dreaded coughs and colds and snivels and sneezes loom. Just the last few weeks I’ve had a few sniffles, caught from my baby girl – so if you’re anything like me, with children at home – that can only mean one thing: we’re in deep desire of immunity boosting so that we can stay as healthy as possible. So, this article is a timely reminder for me to get my own essential oil kit out, so that I can begin to focus on immunity-building oils.

Of course, all of these coughs and colds are nature’s way of building immunity, too, but there are also powerful ways that we can work with building our immune systems with essential oils – super charging our body’s natural systems. What I’ve come to see is that we are able to harness nature to be able to cultivate our deepest health. And, as our immune system consists of the organs and processes of the body that provide resistance to infection and toxins, at times, it could do with a little support. So, we thought that this month, it would be perfect to explore immunity-boosting aromatherapy tips and blends, so that we can all stay healthier this winter.

Top 10 essential oils to help boost immunity

There are plenty of oils that are immunity boosting so I thought we’d begin with a run-down of my Top 10 to have in your ‘immunity kit’ so that you can then begin to create blends that can both help soothe any symptoms of coughs and colds, as well as pre-empting by supporting your immune system.

Here are my Top 10 immunity boosting essential oils:

1-Clove – this warming woody, slightly fruity oil has a restorative and stimulating effect on the immune system to help prevent coughs and colds. It is another antiseptic oil and a popular choice for festive blends. It blends well with Ginger, Orange and many other citrus oils.

2-Eucalyptus – this vibrant, fresh, woody oil is one of the most popular choices for immunity-strengthening, and again has a deep affinity with the respiratory system. With anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, it is the epitome of a winter essential oil – for fighting coughs, colds and flu – and also building immunity to avoid them. It blends really well with Lemon (and you can also get Lemon Eucalyptus) – as well as Lavender and Rosemary, which are also stimulating for the immune system.

3-Lemon – one of my favourite oils, Lemon’s sweet, fresh aroma is one of deep cleaning – and always makes me think of the immune system. It’s a great oil for supporting the immune system and fighting infection – it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that help protect the body against bugs, and infection. It blends really well with Tea Tree (also a popular oil for immunity), Peppermint, and other citrus oils.

4-Grapefruit – this tangy, citrus oil has a beautiful aroma, that helps to rid the body of toxins – which means it is a wonderful immunity-booster. It blends really well with Black Pepper, Juniperberry (another great cleanser) and floral oils.

5-Peppermint – a fresh, minty aroma, this is a great oil for stimulating and invigorating the immune system. It has a particular affinity for the digestive system, and also respiratory immunity, and is also cleansing. It blends well with Eucalyptus, Lemon and Benzoin (which is also great for chesty bugs).

6-Sandalwood – our final favourite in this round up is Sandalwood, which has a woody, but sweet aroma often used in perfumes. It has an affinity with the respiratory system, and it is an anti-septic, so is healing for immunity. It blends well with Black Pepper, Lemon, and most citrus oils.

7-Lavender oil is an essential oil extracted from the lavender plant. While it doesn’t directly boost immunity, its anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties may support overall immune function indirectly.

8-Black Pepper – this woody, but spicy oil is really strengthening for the immune system. It is anti-catarrhal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and a great expectorant, too – having a deep affinity with the respiratory system. So, it’s one of those oils that is simply a must-have for immunity building. It blends well with Cinnamon, Rosemary and Sandalwood.

9-Cinnamon – this exotic, spicy oil has a warming effect and has powerful anti-microbial and anti-septic properties. It’s perfect for warding off colds, flu and other infections – and it’s also a smell very much associated with Christmas, so it’s perfect in those festive blends, too. It blends really well with Sweet Orange and Lemon, which are also great immune-boosters (and also popular for Christmassy blends).

10-Ginger – with a strong, spicy, woody aroma, this warming oil (perfect for winter) has a stimulating effect and a particular resonance with the digestive system, but also the lungs. It blends well with Orange, Cinnamon and Clove, so is another good choice for your festive blends.

It is also worth noting that many of the citrus oils have immunity-boosting properties, and also go well with most of the oils listed here, so these are worth considering for too – especially Sweet Orange – but also Lemongrass, Lime and Yuzu, etc.

TOP 10 ESSENTIAL OIL SET WITH BONUS

Diffusion

Diffusion is the blending tip I’m offering up first, because this feels one of the most potent – and often the easiest – way to work with essential oils for immunity. All that’s required is either an Electrical Diffuser (which I’d recommend) or a candle-burner – so that you can pop your oils in and then let them diffuse into the air.

Blend guide: add water to your electrical Diffuser or candle burner and pop in 2-3 drops (of each) of up to 3 of your favourite immune-boosting oils, and let them fill the air with healing aromas with the very properties required to boost your immune system. Do this daily, for long-term effects.

Example blend: add 3 drops of each of Cinnamon, Clove and Sweet Orange mixed in water in your diffuser, and allow that to filter into your cells, via your sense of smell. This one is a lovely Christmassy blend, too, if you want to get into the festive mood.

Aromatherapy Massage

One of my other favourite ways that is really powerful for embodying essential oils is to either have an aromatherapy massage with a healer, or to provide one for yourself. This requires you to make a blend of the oils that you are drawn to, and to rub it in, daily – you could even use it as a moisturiser. This is an effective way of really allowing the oils to seep into your skin so that they can create deep change.

Blend guide: add 2 drops of each (6 drops total) of your favourite 3 oils into 15ml of Grapeseed Oil (or another carrier oil), and mix well. Apply to your body, massaging gently into your skin, in the direction towards your heart – you don’t need to apply firm pressure; the oils do all the work (even a traditional Aromatherapist wouldn’t apply pressure in a massage, for this reason – you don’t want to be over-stimulated!)

Example blend: add 2 drops Black Pepper, 2 drops Grapefruit and 2 drops Sandalwood into 15ml Grapeseed carrier oil and mix well, before applying to your body, daily and allowing it to work its magic.

Nicole Barton
Consultant Aromatherapist