The Flu Season & Essential Oils

Flu is a highly contagious disease, usually more prevalent in the Winter and Spring. It is spread from discharges from the mouth and nose from infected persons. The influenza virus has great genetic variation, which accounts for the frequent epidemics, caused by different strains of the virus. The main target of the virus is the respiratory system. Flu can be highly dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with a weak immune system.

Symptoms of flu include sudden onset, fever, chills, muscle aches and pain, headache, weakness, and physical and mental exhaustion. Sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms of the common cold are usually present, and intestinal complaints are also very common.

Essential Oils to the Rescue

The History of Thieves

Europeans began producing essential oils in the 12th century. During the Plague of the 15th century, certain thieves were able to rob the dead without fear of becoming infected by the terrible disease. After being captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims of the plague, the thieves were offered a deal. The magistrate offered them leniency if they would reveal how they managed to avoid contracting the dreaded infection, in spite of their close proximity with the infected corpses. They disclosed that they were perfumers and spice traders, and that they had rubbed themselves with a concoction of aromatic herbs (cinnamon, and clove).

Thieves Blend was found to have a 99.6 percent kill rate against airborne bacteria!

When Ancient Tradition Links with Modern Society: Thieves™ Blend

Fast forward - 20th century, Young Living Essential Oils begins testing Thieves™ Blend, a proprietary combination of cinnamon, clove and rosemary essential oils for its potent antimicrobial properties. Thieves Blend was found to have a 99.6 percent kill rate against airborne bacteria. According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference (Essential Science Publishing, page 125), Studies conducted at Weber State University during 1997 showed the antibacterial effectiveness of this blend against airborne microorganisms."

Thieves Blend Product Line: Kill Bacteria - Naturally.

Thieves Blend is so effective and popular - that there is an entire line of germ fighting products to choose from: Sore Throat Lozenges; Household Cleansing Spray; Bar Soap; Toothpaste; and Mouthwash.

"Our family uses Thieves Blend. It is a more natural way to fight infectious germs - it's good for us, and good for the planet." James Niederland, LCSW, Psychotherapist & Wellness Consultant

you can use the Young Living essential oils topically or internally. For topical application, apply to the bottoms of the feet, the pulse points of the wrist, or to the back, neck, and chest.

For internal use, put 2-4 drops into a vegetable capsule (gel cap) and swallow. Do this three times per day, for at least a week. You can usually purchase gel/veggie caps at any health food store. Young. If you don't have any gel/veggie caps, you can put 2-4 drops in a tablespoon of honey and let it trickle down your throat.

In Europe, doctors use essential oils and herbs as treatment for Infections, Colds and Flu. Some of the essential oils recommended are Idaho tansy, Cypress, Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia), Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint and Fir, Idaho Balsam.

Idaho Balsam Fir is a conifer oil distilled in northern Idaho. It has been used for treating muscle aches and pains, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.

As you probably know, the flu requires bed rest, a well-balanced diet, and lots of liquids )water, homemade Lemonade, vegetable juices, soups and herbal teas.) Fill your diffuser with Lemon, Eucalyptus or Lavender to disinfect the room air and keep the nasal passages clear. If you have a sore throat, place one drop Melrose (blend) essential oil on your tongue and swallow. Do this every half hour until the pain is gone. The Thieves blend is also an excellent choice. Add one drop of Thieves to 1/4 cup of warm water, gargle and swallow. Do as often as needed.

It is important that you are aware of any safety precautions, as some essential oils can sting or burn so they need to be diluted. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil may be used as a carrier oil. Please contact me if you have ANY questions about dilution.

Diffusing Essential Oils:

When oils are diffused in a home, office or classroom, they purify the air itself by removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris. They also increase the atmospheric oxygen of the air, and boost levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions which dramatically inhibit the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens.

As the odorous molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room they rapidly kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, viruses, rifles, molds and fungi they come into contact with. And lastly, they completely destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, household pets, bathrooms and more. Fill a 2 ounce glass spray bottle with distilled water, add 6-8 drops of your oil of choice and place one on each toilet (Purification recommended) and other select places.

Perhaps the most popular and effective method of diffusing oils is to buy a product called a (cold) "Diffuser," which sprays an ultra-fine mist of the essential oil of your choice into the air. The millions of misted particles sprayed from a diffuser are so fine they can hang in the air of your house, vehicle, office or classroom literally for hours, spreading from room to room via the normal air circulation that occurs as you walk through the area. For economy and efficiency, it is recommended to attach a simple timer to the diffuser. You can program the timer to be on, for example, for 15 minutes and off for 30 minutes, conserving oils and money.

VERY IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT DIFFUSING OILS:

Whatever you do, DO NOT HEAT YOUR OILS. Keep them around room temperature. Heating the essential oils will not only ruin the therapeutic value of the oil, but it can also harm you. Research shows that high temperatures will change the chemistry. This changed chemistry can be toxic to the human body. This is simply basic organic chemistry 101. If you want to fragrance a room and obtain health benefits, use a cold diffuser. Do not use a light bulb called an Aromalamp or burn oils with fire from a candle.

The Thieves essential oil and over 140 others can be found at my website The Very Essence

Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you. Young Living uses only therapeutic grade oils. Perfume grade or poor quality oils may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions.