Aromatherapy and the Immune System
Where is the Immune System Located?
The Immune System is located throughout your body, particularly your blood, your lymphatic system, and your colon. In your blood, cells generated by the bone marrow wrap themselves around microbes to kill them, and lymph circulates to kill foreign agents as it goes along. Additionally, your colon contains millions of “good” bacteria that combat other microorganisms that are harmful to your body.Can Stress Impair My Immune System?
Definitely! Whether physical or psychological, stress adversely affects your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. When you are stressed, your adrenal glands work overtime, which have a detrimental effect on other systems that keep destructive microorganisms at bay.How Do I Strengthen My Immune System?
Strategies that help improve your immune system are effective when they take into account factors such as stress reduction, supporting good intestinal bacteria, and promoting better blood and lymph quality. A particularly effective strategy is the use of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils through various mediums towards bettering your overall health.“Make your immune cells “sing and dance” every day that God gives you to live.” Dr. Daniel Pénoël
How Does Aromatherapy Work for My Immune System?
Aromatherapy works in three ways: (1) By virtue of their antibacterial and antiviral properties, essential oils can directly attack and destroy harmful microorganisms in your body. (2) By directly stimulating the organs of your immune system in a twofold manner: improving the production of their various immunity-boosting cells and encouraging lymph to flush out toxins. (3) By alleviating stress and controlling the hormones secreted by the adrenal system. Which Essential Oils Help Strengthen My Immune System?- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), and Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) oils are antibacterial and fungicidal. At the same time, they stimulate the immune system.
- Pine (Pinus silvestris), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Black Spruce (Picea mariana), and Geranium (Pelargoneum graveolens) oils are antimicrobial as well, but have the added function of stimulating the adrenal glands and the spleen, promoting the flushing of toxins.
How Do I Use Essential Oils for Immune Support?
You can use these oils in a variety of ways:

