Essential Oils for Immune System Support Health

By Caryn Gehlmann

Have you ever noticed how you get fatigued and even sick more often when you’re going through something stressful? This is especially the case with big life transitions — like getting married or divorced, moving, changing careers, taking care of elderly parents, etc. Thankfully there are relatively easy things we can do to lower our stress level, which in turn supports our immune system. And there are essential oils for immune system that help, too!

You know me, I love to do everything in threes, so let’s look at three stress-busting, immune-building tips in this month’s Just for the Smell of It post.

#1 — Find Essential Oils that Support Your Immune System

The research on the interaction between essential oils and our immune system is fascinating. A single essential can contain hundreds of different compounds which may have a variety of effects on the body. For example, new research is being done on Eucalyptus essential oil. These studies are looking at how Eucalyptus can enhance phagocytosis, a process immune cells use to engulf a germ, as well as reducing cytokines associated with inflammation.

We’ve been hearing from our customers about the extra pressure many of them are under right now so we decided to customize a new blend to help give the immune system some relief when under stress. The uplifting and soothing essential oils in this blend were carefully chosen to promote both physical and emotional balance.

Eucalyptus Radiata – Immune & lymphatic support, eases muscle tension. Gently uplifts and inspires.
Ravintsara – Immune & lymphatic support, calms and soothes anxious feelings, promotes clear thinking, and supports the desire for releasing our fears and creating change.
Saro – Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immune support. Soothes nervous tension, uplifts emotion and mood.

We decided to call this new blend Harmony because it’s our hope that it helps you find the internal harmony you need to gracefully cope with change and keep moving forward. Feel free to order a sample with your next order and let us know what you think!

#2 — Use Self-Massage for Instant Stress Relief at the End of the Day

After all, research shows the benefits of massaging your hands can include less anxiety, a better mood, and improved sleep, all of which contributes to a healthier immune system. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes to experience some stress relief. Watch this short video for tips.

Please note: If you have serious pain, we recommend you speak to your doctor, physical therapist, or massage therapist about specific massage techniques, before trying anything new. Hand massage isn’t recommended when you have open wounds, fractures, broken bones, or skin irritation such as rashes.

For an even more relaxing and calming experience, consider adding essential oils to your arms and hands massage routine. You can blend essential oils in with an all-natural lotion or a carrier oil. If you really want to give dry skin a treat, try e3’s Super Carrier blend. This is a unique and delicate blend of Argan, Calendula, Jojoba, Rose Hip Seed, and Sweet Almond carrier oils. This makes a wonderful oil as it is rich, soothing, and nourishing which can help to soothe, soften and balance most skin types.

#3 — Don’t Forget How it Smells When Using EOs Therapeutically

We have customers call us when they’re looking to formulate a blend to address a specific health issue they’re having. The tendency can be to focus on the therapeutic properties of certain essential oils and totally ignore the scent. This seldom is a good idea. There’s a reason essential oil use is called “aroma” therapy. Part of what helps your mind, body, and yes even your immune system is a positive reaction to the aroma.

For example, we recently had a customer ask, “How can I create an essential oil blend for a chronic earache?”

She’d been treated by her doctor but was looking for some additional support with the discomfort. Lakita, one of our experienced clinical aromatherapists, worked with her on the blend and focused on essential oils recommended for earaches, however, it resulted in an intense medicinal aroma.

So Lakita recommended softening it a bit with other beneficial oils and came up with a combination of Lavender, Tea Tree, Marjoram Sweet, Ravintsara, Pine, Oregano, Vetiver, and some Frankincense & Myrrh Blend. This blend was diluted at a 15% ratio that our customer could use to massage around her ear and down her neck around the lymph nodes. (A reminder, to never use essential oils in your ear!) The customer loves how it smells which makes it easier to use.

Wondering what other essential oils you can use for immune system support? Feel free to browse through e3’s essential oil singles and check out their therapeutic properties. Or you can contact us here or on Facebook and we’ll try to answer all of your questions. Maybe you’d like to create your own unique blend? We’re here to help you get started. Download our free guide, The Art and Science of Blending Essential Oils.