Article by Puja Chandra Nanda
The world is presently combating a common deadly enemy – the highly contagious coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China and has till date infected thousands of people around the globe including many in Singapore. The coronavirus joins hundreds of viruses that cause infections in humans including the common cold and influenza. While our best bet to treat the infections is seeking timely medical help; it is beneficial to protect ourselves and our loved ones by practicing good hygiene and sanitation.
A well – researched topic in alternate medicine is the use of essential oils to ward off infections. Essential oils are extracted from plants and have been used for thousands of years by people all around the world for prevention and treatment of many diseases. According to research, many of the essential oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties and can help fight off viruses and other bugs. A number of essential oils have been found to be effective in skincare and personal hygiene products and as sanitizers and disinfectants in the house. Additionally, some essential oils have been found to be beneficial in boosting immunity and in alleviating symptoms of flu and other viral infections and preventing pneumonia and other bacterial complications.
Essential Oils that are Particularly Useful in Warding off Infections:
Lavender essential oil
Lavender is a multipurpose oil. It is purported to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The inhalation of lavender oil is supposed to alleviate discomfort from cough and also free the airway during bronchial asthma. Using lavender oil as an ingredient in personal hygiene and household cleaning products is also useful due to its potent properties.
Geranium essential oil
Geranium extract helps cope with infections in the upper respiratory tract, including cough and bronchitis. Geranium oil extract is also said to relieve symptoms of common colds and shorten the duration of illness. Geranium essential oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it effective against multiple bacterial strains.
Whitewood or Cajeput essential oil
Cajeput oil or whitewood oil is is obtained from the Cajeput and the Paparbark tree found in Indonesia and Australia. It is known for its therapeutic properties from fighting infections, to healing wounds, to alleviating stomach ailments. The whitewood oil helps the immune system fight off viruses including colds and sore throat. Being anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature, it is widely used as in skincare products and can be topically used on wounds and cuts to reduce rashes and scars. Whitewood oil also has strong insecticidal properties and is can be used to eliminate mosquitoes and other bugs.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary is a common herb that is often grown in home gardens. It is said to afford respiratory relief and is also linked to treatment of asthma. Rosemary can be mixed in other carrier oil and applied to the skin. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Clove Oil
Clove used as a spice in South East Asia and India, has several health benefits. It is reported to have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. One of clove’s main ingredients is eugenol, which has numbing properties when applied topically which is why clove oil is often used to soothe aching gums and teeth. It is also said to have anti-aging properties.
Using Essential Oils
You can inhale some essential oils directly from the bottle. For those oils that are stronger than others, you may need to dilute them before inhalation or for topical use. Adding essential oils in an essential oil diffuser, diluting the oil in warm bath water is a good way to benefit from them directly.
Another way to benefit from essential oils is to have them as ingredients in cleaning products, sanitizers, personal hygiene and skin care products due to their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The presence of essential oils in the products ensures that the products are multi-purpose and safe to be used around children or people with sensitive skin.
Twinkle products such as the Twinkle Disinfectant Multi-purpose Cleaner and the Twinkle Anti-Dust Mite Room & Linen Spray are powered by ingredients such as the Whitewood Oil, Lavender and Orange Oil. The products are safe to be used around the house as these are organic and natural. The blend of essential oils in the products have been tested to be effective in killing germs and bacteria, fungus, virus, mould and other undesirable microorganisms and toxins.
Also, the Twinkle Hand + Body Sanitizer and the Twinkle 3 in1 Hand + Body Foam Wash contains 8 anti-bacterial essential oils including Lavender, Geranium and Whitewood to ward off infections and to keep the skin clean and protected. Read more @ https://twinkle.com.sg/
Do note that essential oils should be used with care. And as always, you should consult a doctor in case of any illness or disease.
Sources:
- www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-cough
- https://sg.iherb.com/blog/10-essential-oils-for-respiratory-infections/326
- www.mindbodymastered.com