Jenn Hyla

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Top 10 Essential Oils For Immune System Support

Jenn Hyla

The Immune System

The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. We are all born with this natural defense and immunity to a variety of pathogens. 

The body’s first line of defense is the skin and mucous membranes. Common cold and flu cases have seasonal patterns. Although there isn’t a consensus on why this occurs, one theory is that cold air cools the nasal passage and slows down our body’s ability to clear mucus. This may allow viruses and bacteria to linger in the respiratory tract.

Winter conditions may also cause dry skin, which can cause small cracks and an increase in inflammatory cytokine production in the body. This combined with the lack of sunshine and vitamin D during winter months may also lower immune response, making us more susceptible to illness.

Once a pathogen makes it into the bloodstream, the body launches a powerful immune response, and many symptoms, including swollen glands, fever, cough, runny nose, aches, chills, and many more. 

While most colds and cases of flu clear up on their own there are some all-natural ways to support the body’s natural defenses to hopefully avoid the whole mess in the first place! 

If you’ve been following me a while, you’ll know I’m all about essential oils! They are considered one of the oldest and most potent forms of plant medicine. Essential oils are naturally occurring compounds found in different parts of a plant. Massive amounts of seeds, stems, leaves, flowers, barks or roots are steam distilled, cold-pressed, or solvent extracted to produce one bottle of essential oil. Just like different plants have different properties, so do their essential oils. 

To learn more, watch my free class essential oils 101 >>

Always use your essential oils with caution, as they are extremely potent. One to two drops per sitting is usually plenty! Always check the labels of your essential oils thoroughly before use. Essential oils have blood-thinning properties, and should not be used by those with a compromised liver, or with bleeding disorders. 

Below are a few ways I like to use essential oils for immune support. 

Topical use

Applying essential oils topically is a powerful way to support the immune system. Essential oils are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, and keeping the skin hydrated, and exfoliated with these recipes below!

  • Massage oil - 4 oz fractionated coconut oil, 30 to 40 drops of essential oils. Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Apply liberally to the body each night, and as needed for sore muscles and dry skin. 

  • Breathe Easy chest rub - 2 tbsp cocoa butter, 2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil, 5 drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils. Combine ingredients and mix well, store in an airtight container in cool temperature away from direct sunlight or fridge.

  • Detoxifying Mask - 1 tbsp bentonite clay, 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil, 2 to 5 drops of essential oils. Mix well, and apply to clean moist skin. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, wash off gently with warm water and a washcloth. 

Aromatic use 

Inhaling the aroma of essential oil can promote clear open airways to support the body’s most powerful detoxification organ, the lungs. In addition to providing more oxygen to the cells, full abdominal breathing utilizes the diaphragm and stimulates all the digestive organs. I love to enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils with the methods described below.

  • Diffuser: Fill the room with the therapeutic aroma pf essential oils. Follow your diffuser’s instructions to fill with water and add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils. 

  • Steam cup: Create aromatic steam with a 4 to 8 oz of hot water, and add 2 to 5 drops of essential oil. Breathe the aroma for 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Hand diffuser: Add one drop of carrier oil, and one drop of your favorite essential oil to the palms of your hands, and rub together. Cup hands over the nose, and mouth, being careful to avoid the eyes. Inhale the aroma, breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Repeat for 1 to 3 minutes.

Internal use

Consuming essential oils should only be done with caution, as essential oils are extremely potent. One to two drops per sitting is usually plenty! Not all plants are safe to ingest, and neither are their essential oils. Essential oils can counteract with some medications. 

Never apply or ingest any essential oil without checking the labels thoroughly. Be aware that the market for essential oils is largely unregulated. Even products labeled as 100% pure have been found to contain harsh solvents and fillers. Do your research before ingesting to be sure your essential oils are created in an ethical, sustainable, and organic way. I always dilute my essential oil with coconut, olive oil, or butter when taking it internally.  

  • Tea - Add one drop of edible essential oil into your favorite tea with a splash of coconut milk, and honey to taste. (Avoid “hot” oils such as oregano, ginger, and cinnamon)

  • Capsules - Add one drop of edible essential oil into a gelatin or veggie capsule and fill with olive oil. Take with a full glass of water near a meal. 

  • Cooking - Add one drop of edible essential oil into 2 tbsp minimum of cooking oil, butter or marinade.

Top 10 Essential oils for immune system support

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and this work should not be taken in lieu of medical advice. This work is reflective of my views, and are not reflective of the views of any affiliated brands or products mentioned. This work has not been reviewed by the CDC or FDA. I do not claim to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness. This work is for educational purposes, whatever the reader decides to do with this information is up to them. The author takes no responsibility for any action taken from the information shared here, now, or in the future.

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