Nature’s Antibiotics and Antiseptics: Essential Oils and Their Uses as Powerful Antivirals & Antimicrobials   Essential oils are the aromatic molecules of plants.  They have evolved with plants over millions of years to help plants attract pollinators, detract predators and protect themselves from pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.  They are the active part of the plants' immune systems. We an utilize these same aromatic molecules for the same purposes. Nearly every essential oil has SOME anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties due to their tiny and lipophillic or fat-soluble structure.  This allows them to penetrate the cell membrane of an invading organism and destroy it.  However, unlike pharmaceuticals, they do not damage healthy cells.  These molecules were developed for the benefit and protection of the plant and this intelligence allows them to harm only that which is harmful.  Healthy animal cells utilize these essential oil molecules to protect themselves as well. Their structure not only allows them to physically interact with and destroy pathogens, it also allows them to pass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, as well as tissues and organs of the body to cause chemical and hormonal reactions by locking onto receptor sites. This can trigger a cascade of reactions that can help unleash your body's natural healing mechanisms.   Essential oils work WITH your body to support your mental, physical and emotional health.  Humans have utilized this knowledge for thousands of years and through experimentation, personal and institutional, they have discovered many powerful plants and have put them to use. Ancient Egyptians used plants to fumigate, heal and even fight decay through their embalming process, which used only natural materials. Ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, the Fertile Crescent and nearly every human civilization on every continent used steam and smoke and even distilled plants to keep humans and animals strong physically, mentally and spiritually.  Centers of production for 'perfume' oils (essential oils) and workers who worked with perfumes managed to escape plagues while nearby towns lost the majority of their populations. Common household spices and aromatics have been incorporated into food preparation for centuries because of their use as natural protectors against mold and decay (natural preservatives in the times before refrigeration) as well as their ability to protect the user of the spices from harmful bacteria in/on the food. Modern evidence has proven that essential oils are effective in the fight against viruses,  bacterias and molds.  Science is proving what our ancestors have known for thousands of years-plants contain powerful components that keep us healthy.  And, distilling these plants with steam to capture the most volatile and aromatic substances increases and concentrates these potent substances into powerhouses of health. While nearly all essential oils are effective at boosting immunity and cleansing environments.  Some stand out as the experts in their field.   Nature’s Antibiotics and Antiseptics: How to use these powerful essential oils   Aromatherapy is unique in its ease of use and diverse methods of application.  As “preventive medicine” it is unsurpassed while the versatility of aromatherapy adds new dimension to healing. Essential oils dispersed into the atmosphere can kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms before they invade the body, guarding against infection.  The immune-system stimulation effect of essential oils increases the process of phagocytosis (the destruction of invading microorganisms by white blood cells).   The powerful antiviral and antimicrobial properties of essential oils can be utilized to naturally and safely disinfect, assist the immune system in fighting off infectious disease, speed wound healing, discourage the growth of molds and fungi, and improve overall health and wellness.   Essential oils are powerful, concentrated substances that can be used in a variety of ways to bring deep healing, but they must be used safely.  Nearly every essential oil must be diluted prior to application.  It is important to remember that  even every day herbs become potent medicines when they are steam distilled and their most volatile oils are captured to create essential oils.    DIFFUSION:  Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oil molecules into the environment so that their healing properties fill a room or an area with their potent substances. From the simple to the elaborate, many different methods exist for diffusing oils into a room.  Electric diffusers, candle diffusers, lamp rings, nebulizers, and clay pot diffusers are some of the many different varieties that can be purchased to make this process simple and effective.  In addition to these methods, simple tissue diffusion can also be utilized to quickly and effectively circulate the antimicrobial properties of essential oils near you.  Simply place 3-4 drops of your essential oil blend on a tissue and place it near you or an object you wish to disinfect.  This method can be used anywhere and is quickly transportable.  The tissue-infused blend can be placed in a closet or drawer to discourage the growth of mold spores. Steam diffusion is another easy and effective method of circulating the powerful properties of essential oils.  Simple heat 2 cups of water and then add 10 drops of your antimicrobial oil blend to the water.  If you are using an oil that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes (such as cinnamon, pine, or thyme) you may wish to use fewer drops.  The steam will heat the oils and cause them to quickly diffuse into a room.  This is a great way to gently and effectively disinfect your environment when illness is present as well as open stuffy nasal passages reduce inflammation of constricted bronchial tubes.    INHALATION:  Aromatic molecules are inhaled into the nasal passages where they come in contact with the olfactory epithelium.  The mucus layer of the epithelium is covered with receptor-bearing cilia.  The various shapes of the essential oil molecules fit together with these receptors.  In addition to the molecules of essential oils being absorbed into the blood stream through the nasal passages, nerves carry messages to the  part of the brain called the limbic system.  From here, the hypothalamus receives the messages and sends them to other parts of the brain which releases various neurotransmitters impacting many functions of mind and body.  Essential oil molecules are some of the few substances on earth that can pass the blood brain barrier, causing near instantaneous changes in brain function.  Molecules inhaled through the nose or mouth are also carried to the lungs and interact with the respiratory system. Thus, inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways. Essential oils can be inhaled using the steam method, applied to a washcloth and placed in a shower where the molecules will be released, used in a sauna, or inhaled directly from a bottle or inhaler cartridge.   SKIN APPLICATION: The most common form of delivery for essential oils is skin application.  Our skin is somewhat permeable allowing for the oils to readily penetrate the skin’s sebaceous glands, travel to lower layers of the skin, and enter the bloodstream through the capillaries.  Research has shown that this process takes about twenty minutes.  The skin is an organ of both absorption and elimination and the essential oils can travel through the circulatory system bringing its therapeutic  effects to the area in need.      Oftentimes, it takes only a very small amount of the active compounds to begin a molecular reaction, bringing the desired healing result. Different factors can affect the absorption of essential oils through the skin. If you massage the area first, it will increase circulation to that area, thereby causing an increase in absorption of essential oils. Heat will likewise increase circulation and thus enhance absorption. “Some researchers report that essential oils may be more readily absorbed from skin locations with greater concentrations of sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head, soles, palms, and armpits (Battaglia, 2003).” However, application of essential oils diluted in an carrier base can be effectively applied to many areas of the body with excellent results. To apply your essential oil blend to the body, add 9-15 drops of the total blend to 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons) of a carrier oil or all natural lotion.  To add essential oils to a bath, add the oils to milk, carrier oil, or salt so they may disperse in the water.  Use a maximum of 8 drops per bath and 2-6 drops for a foot bath. If you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to consult an aromatherapist and do some research on the oils you wish to use. CLEANING AND DISINFECTING: House cleaning and disinfecting does not have to be hazardous. Cleaning with essential oils refreshes your environment and your senses! Essential oils are ideal cleaning supplies. They remove toxic mold, stale air, unpleasant odors, and kill viruses, bacteria and dust mites. You can make your own basic disinfectant, kitchen and bathroom deodorizer, dishwashing soap, air freshener, and non-toxic floor and carpet cleaners. Simply combine your antiseptic/disinfectant essential oil blend with alcohol and then add to an equal amount of distilled water, making a 5% solution.  (Approximately 6 ml of combined oils per 4 ounces of cleaning base)      Anti-microbial Essential Oils     Common name: Eucalyptus Latin name: Eucalyptus globules        parts used: leaves  :respiratory aid; add 2 drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale (not too closely) to relieve sinusitis, dry throat and cold symptoms :add 2-7 drops to a tablespoon of oil and massage over chest and back to relieve coughing and phlegmatic conditions :a powerful disinfectant, either diffused or mixed with water and sprayed on surfaces :Eucalyptus smithii is very mild and can be used with children and pregnant women at appropriate dilutions and may  be applied neat (adults) to stiff, painful joints and achy chests to relieve coughing & open sinuses :”strongly antibacterial against several Streptococcus strains”-AFHP :listed as beneficial against bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia and respiratory tract infections-AFHP :”is a good expectorant and is suitable for treating cold symptoms”-Schnaubelt :”strong anticatarrh and expectorant properties”-Rose :”an excellent pulmonary antiseptic...influrnza, sinusitis….used in a spray, an emulsion of 2% essence of eucalyptus kills 70% of ambient Staphylococci)..preventive of contagious and pulmonary diseases…”-Valnet :..”soothing inflammation and easing mucus. Particularly good for influenza, throat infections, coughs, catarrhal conditions, sinusitis, asthma and tuburculosis. Clears the head due to stuffiness from colds and hay fever. Excellent with infectious illness. Effective on all types of fever.”-Sellar   Common name: Geranium Latin name: Pelargonium asperum      parts used: tops and flowers  :powerful antifungal :relieves congestion in the body :antiseptic and astringent :”geranium oil is also remarkably effective against Candida albicans and other fungi....the antimycotic effect of geranium is not like-as is the case with many other oils-to an antibacterial effect, this means geranium acts against yeasts without affecting bacterial flora.”-Schnaubelt :AFHP lists it as being effective against athletes foot and other skin and nail fungi   Common name: Oregano Latin Name: Origanum vulgaris    parts used: leaves  :”When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is aromatherapy’s heavy artillery...has varying degrees of skin irritation...in general, use of oregano should be limited to acute conditions..”-Schnaubelt :”...effective against 3 strains of Candida...strong antifungal and antibacterial activity..”-AFHP :used in an ointment to treat lice (along with lemongrass, thyme and geranium at about 2% total strength in wax/Vaseline-Valnet   Common name: Lavender Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia    parts used: flowering tops  :often called a ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ :nervous system relaxant :speeds wound healing and promotes tissue regeneration :anti-viral :a few drops can be applied undiluted to cuts, scrapes, burns and insect bites to heal and calm the skin and relieve pain and itching :listed as helpful with Candida and Tinea pedis, infectious skin complaints, influenza, tuberculosis and cystitis (AFHP) :”the essence of lavender has anti-venomous properties...a strength of 4.5% kills..typhoid and staph...and 5% will kill diphtheria...kills the tuburculosis bacillus at a strength of .2%...lavender vapor destroys pneumococcus and haemolytic streptococcus in 12-24 hours”-Valnet :”stimulates the immune system”-Worwood   Common name: Ravensara Latin name: Ravensara aromatica    parts used: leaves, fruit and bark  :strongly anti-viral and neurotonic, making it the number one choice for combating the flu, at first sign of symptoms massage 7  drops per tablespoon of oil all over body every 2-4 hours and diffuse into environment, or put 2 drops in a bowl of warm water and inhale :good for herpes, shingles, chronic fatigue :immune-stimulant :”It works small wonders with acute cases of the flu, raising overall energy and creating an optimistic mood...is best suited for treating mononucleosis…”-Schnaubelt :listed as useful for chicken pox, influenza, sinusitis, whooping cough and viral hepatitis in Aromatherapy for Health Professionals :”anti-infectious, strongly antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant and neurotonic..”-Rose   Common Name:  Tea tree Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia    parts used:  leaves  :often referred to as the ‘first aid kit in a bottle’ :most reputed function is its ability to help the immune system fight off infectious disease; activates white corpuscles to create a defense against invading organisms, hence shortening the duration of many illnesses. :broad spectrum antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic :exceptionally powerful antiseptic, known to be many times stronger than  carbolic acid, or phenol (chemical disinfectant) :can be used undiluted on blemishes, cuts, abrasions, and insect bites. :has been shown effective against: Candida, E. coli, Staph. aureus (MSRA) & gram negative bacteria (AFHP) :”It is the oil perfect for treating infections of the mucous membranes of mouth and gums, for acne and herpes” and for bacterial, candida-related vaginitis…..”-Schnaubelt :”a high germicidal value...nonirritating and non-corrosive...has the property to penetrate pus...leaving a healthy surface...immune stimulant, protective against radiation, a major anti-infectious and antibacterial agent with a spectrum of action, anti-candida, antiviral, and anti-parasite..”-Rose   Common Name: Lemon Latin Name: Citrus limon    parts used: expressed oil from rind  :AFHP lists lemon essential oil as helpful against thrush, colds, Herpes simplex I, warts, as an immunostimulant increasing white cells and also useful as an air antiseptic for sickrooms : Schnaubelt states it as “perhaps the most effective oil for disinfecting room air using a diffuser” :phototoxic, avoid sun exposure after usage :”activates the white corpuscles in defense of the organism...antiseptic...vaporized lemon essence neutralizes meningococcus in 15 min….typhoid in less than an hour...pneumococcus in 1-3 hours...Staph. In 2 hours and haemolytic strept. In 3-12 hours...render TB completely inactive at a strength of .2%...a few drops will kill 92% of all bacteria in oysters in 15 min…”-Valnet :alkalizes the body :”..long valued as an antiseptic against bites form disease carrying insects...The Egyptians saw it as an antidote to meat and fish poisoning and typhoid epidemics.”-Sellar   Common Name: Clove bud Latin name: Eugenia caryophyllata    parts used: unopened, dry flower buds  :”broad spectrum of action against bacteria...irritating to skin, after a negative allergy test apply a maximum 1 drop per 20 ml solution”-Schnaubelt :abcesses, gum infections, influenza..”exhibits broad antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and acid fast bacteria as well as fungi.’ AFHP :”Valuable in disinfecting the atmosphere during infectious illness. An excellent bactericide and if frequently vaporized during winter will encourage resistance to germs.”-Sellar     Common Name: Thyme Latin Name: Thymus vulgaris    parts used: leaves  :”red thymes are powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agents...20 times stronger than phenol..can be highly toxic; it is strongly fungicidal, antibacterial….used in embalming fluids….effective against Salmonella and Saph. aureas”-AFHP :”one of the few oils effective against Chlamydia. It is also effective against viruses and stimulates immune response...broad spectrum of action against many infectious conditions makes it appropriate for a traveler’s first aid kit...suitable for treating flu, bronchitis...and a general weakened condition”-Schnaubelt ;irritating to skin, so use in low dilution or you may substitute thyme linalool :”basically stimulates action of white corpuscles and helps the body fight disease and deters the spread of germs. Beneficial to the immune system...fortifies the lungs...warming and helps to eliminate phlegm..”-Sellar :”Thyme has notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic properties and should be used with great care. Overuse of it can stimulate the thyroid gland lymphatic system...must be used in moderation...must not be used on children unless it is the chemotype Thyme linalool.”-Worwood     Common Name: Scotch Pine Latin Name: Pinus sylvestris    parts used: needles  :antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, air antiseptic, good for respiratory infections, bronchitis, colds, flu, pneumonia, cystitis-AFHP :”An inexpensive oil for use in a diffuser, pine oil has a strong antiseptic effect for bronchial illnesses.”-Schnaubelt :external uses-inhalation of the essential oil for influenza, sinusitis, bronchitis” -Valnet   Common Name: Cinnamon Bark Latin Name: Cinnamomum ceylanicum    parts used: dried inner bark  :”studies on cinnamon essential oil (unspecified) vapour showed complete inhibition of Aspergillus niger and A. flavus and a broad range of activity against a further 35 fungal species…..used in vapor toxicity tests against a range of fungi involved in respiratory tract mycoses; they were considered promising chemotherapeutic agents for respiratory tract mycoses as they could be inhaled and were lipolytic….shown to have strong antibacterial properties against Saph. Aureus, Stroptococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” -AFHP :caustic to the skin, not to be used on children under 5 or the elderly, maximum strength in blends mutst be less than 1%, but is best used for inhalation/vaporization     Immune Building and Regulating Essential Oils: Frankincense, Thyme, Vetiver, Melissa, Lemon, Tea Tree, Oregano, Niaouli, Patchouli, Spruce   Other anti-fungal essential oils: Lemongrass, Dill, Rosemary, Patchouli, Basil, Spikenard, Sweet Orange     Here are some easy to use and highly effective recipes using Nature’s Antibiotics, Antimicrobials, and Antiseptics:   All recipes are made in a 5 ml bottle and then used as suggested. 1 ml equals apporximately 30 drops from an essential oil bottle with a reducer/dropper top (like all of the bottles we sell and most other essential oil companies as well). If a recipe calls for 1.2 ml oil; 30x1.2=36 drops of oil.   · Mold Buster: place drops on a cloth strip and place in drawer of furniture; add 3 ml to 2 ounces of equal parts distilled alcohol and use to clean moldy surfaces or discourage mold/fungal growth 1.2 ml each: *tea tree   *clove   *lemon    *eucalyptus    *geranium    *thyme  (optional:  bergamot) OR *equal parts:  dill, rosemary, and lemongrass the vapors of these oils are known to kill toxic molds · Surface Cleaning and Disinfecting:  to make a 5% solution, add 6 ml to 4 ounces of equal parts water and alcohol and use to clean bathrooms, kitchens, and floors .7 ml each: *pine   *lemon   *clove   *thyme   *cinnamon  *tea tree   *eucalyptus    (optional: sweet orange)            OR             1.65 ml each:             *lavender   *lemon    *pine              OR   * 3.75 ml   lemon     *1.25 ml oregano  add 14-15 drops to ¼ cup vinegar and use to clean and disinfect  floors                · Anti-viral/Immune Boosting Blend:  combine 45 drops of this essential oil blend with 2 ounces all natural lotion or massage oil and rub into chest, back, and arms; add appropriate amount to diffuser or 3-4 drops to pot of hot water and inhale to assist the body when healing from infection, clear stuffiness from colds, and combat viruses and bacteria   *1.5 ml each of ravensara and lavender *1 ml each of tea tree and eucalyptus (optional: niaouli or rosemary)       · Healthy Home Diffuser Blend:  place 2-3 drops on tissue and inhale; place appropriate amount in diffuser to cleanse and disinfect atmosphere; place 3-4 drops in a bowl of warm water and inhale steam 1 ml each                                                   *lavender   *tea tree   *eucalyptus   *clove   *cinnamon   (optional: pine)    OR 1 ml each *ravensara   *lemon   *eucalyptus   *lavender   *thyme   (optional: niaouli or rosemary)