Our body doesn’t know the difference between “good” and “bad” stress, and it goes into “fight-or-flight” automatically. In this global pandemic situation, many people are thrown off their routines, schedules, eating habits, and sleeping patterns, which can put quite a bit of stress on our body and immune system. In addition to the basic supplements, like a multi; omega-3; probiotic; additional vitamins A, D, and C; and zinc, I also like to keep essential oils on hand in my home, car, and purse. Many of these have various health properties, and they are a great addition to your standard health practices. 

The Health Benefits of Essential Oils

I keep oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, lavender, and oregano on hand in case I need extra support in specific areas. These can be put in your bath water, in a diffuser, used as a roll-on, as room sprays, as cleaning agents, in soaps, or added to massage oils. When applying these to the skin, we must use them with a gentle carrier oil like apricot, avocado, or coconut oil. We also must be cautious when applying certain oils to children, due to the oil’s strength or if there are any allergies. Certain oils can be harmful to pets if used in diffusers, so be sure to check before using them.

• Tea tree oil is used in a variety of natural products. When used in a shower or bath, the steam can help clear our nasal passage.
• Eucalyptus is a very well-known oil that is used in natural chest rubs and bath salts.
• Peppermint can help clear air passages and can be rubbed on the neck or temples for headache relief. If you like the flavor of peppermint, a cup of tea during the day can also be a nice addition.
• Cinnamon and clove have many health-promoting benefits and smell wonderful when used together in a diffuser.
• Lavender has many relaxation properties and can help stimulate the immune system. If you have trouble sleeping, it can also be put on a pillow, used in a diffuser in the bedroom, or put into a bath.
• Oregano is a powerful herb that has many health benefits. Since it has a powerful flavor, it may be best used topically or in a soft gel.

Remember to keep up with your daily supplement routine, which should include a multi; omega-3; probiotic; vitamins A, C, and D; and zinc – all great additions during this time when our immune systems need extra support. Essential oils may also be useful, and can be incorporated in teas, added to diffusers, or put into a bath. Stress levels all over the world are elevated right now, but eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising often can help us keep our immune system right where it should be… healthy!