Immune System: 5 Ways to Boost Yours!
How are you feeling right now?
With continuous media coverage of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s quite natural to feel anxious. Right now it’s important that you do as much as you can to practise selfcare. Yes I’m sure you are concerned for your loved ones and those who are vulnerable but if you don’t look after yourself, how CAN you look after them?
In this blog I’ve put together 5 ways to help you boost your immune system so you can support yourself and your loved ones through this challenging time.
Immune System: 5 Ways to Boost Yours!
1). Switch Off
We are hearing a lot about ‘self-isolation’. Firstly I recommend once you know the facts of what you can do to avoid catching it – click here for a reminder that you limit how often you watch the news and disable instant updates that you may have set up. If an urgent update is revealed you will find out about it. Remain conscious of good hygiene practices and get on with your daily routine as much as you can. Fear in itself creates stress and this in turn weakens your immune system.
Take some time out whether it’s listening to your favourite podcast, reading a great book, watch a comedy film, laughter is great healer. Try to re-balance the doom and gloom and scare-mongering that is taking place and keep things in perspective.
2). Use Anti Viral Essential Oils
Various studies have shown that essential oils have powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties and an excellent blog by Salvatore Battaglia, author, teacher and aromatherapy expert explains some of the findings. To read his full blog, which is technical click here. Key points detailed below….
“One study found in the vapour phase, essential oils such as Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Cinnamon, Lemongrass and Thyme oil were very active against influenza virus after only 10 minutes exposure.“
“The results of an Australian study demonstrated that vaporised tea tree oil was very effective as an antiviral for airborne influenza virus. The study found tea tree oil was able to achieve complete virus inactivation.”
“The researchers reported that the essential oils antiviral activity may be on the (two) principal membrane proteins of the influenza virus….Most essential oils inhibited viral activity of one of the proteins and only Cinnamon inhibited viral activity of both proteins mentioned.”
Battaglia has focused on studies examining the antiviral activity of essential oils vaporised on airborne influenza viruses and provides this blend to use in a diffuser or oil burner.
- 5 drops of Blue Mallee Eucalyptus
- 4 drops Tea Tree
- 1 drop of Cinnamon Bark
As a Clinical Aromatherapist I often make bespoke oil blends for my clients and have an organic oil blend of this recipe in stock in a 10ml dropper bottle for £14 for existing therapy clients (consultation already completed). Details here.
and for £19 for those who need a consultation. Details here.
Email me if you have any questions.
3). Get to bed on time
Did you know that sleep is one of the body’s greatest healing mechanisms? Crucial repair processes are taking place between the hours of 10pm and 2am so if you get to bed at midnight you are not allowing your body enough time to regenerate and fight off infections. Lavender oil is an excellent sleep aid – it’s soporific which means it induces sleep. If you need some help getting a good night’s sleep you may be interested in the Peace Room & Linen Mist or the Sweet Dreams Gift Set.
Staying up worrying is not going to help you so do what you can to unwind and relax before bed – certainly do not take this time as an opportunity to catch up on the latest news! Maybe take a 15-20 minute soak to unwind. Here’s a recipe for you to try.
Bedtime Bath Recipe
3 drops Frankincense essential oil
2 drops Rose Geranium essential oil
3 drops Carshalton Lavender essential oil
10ml Jojoba oil
Blend above oils together and add to running bath water followed by…
250g / 2 mugfuls of Epsom Salts – The magnesium relaxes both your muscles and your mind and is wonderful at reducing stress and encouraging a good night’s sleep
Soak for 15 minutes minimum – ideally 20 minutes.
4). Fresh lemon juice to start the day
This is one of the kindest things you can do for your general health and wellbeing and it’s so easy too! Every morning squeeze the juice of half an organic lemon into a cup of warm water and drink, add a little honey if you need to. This is a wonderful way to gently support your liver and help your body rid itself of toxins more easily.
5). Nourish your body
The foundation of a good immune system is found in a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. Do your best to eat or drink a rainbow. This way you will be getting a variety of vitamins and minerals from your food and keep it organic where possible.
I really hope that you have found this blog useful and that you feel in better control to help boost your immune system and keep things in perspective. Remember this is temporary, it will pass.
I purposefully haven’t mentioned all the things we need to be doing as recommended by the government and the NHS because I’m 99% sure you already know! However, if you’ve been hiding under a rock I encourage you to follow the link at the end of this message.
Feel free to leave comments below. Take care and stay healthy :).
Best wishes,
Louisa
Such a mindful, useful and fantastic message here. These steps are so easy to follow and our enjoyable things to do. It’s a reminder to keep a balanced mindset and take time to self care.
Thank you Natalie 🙂
Hi Louisa
Just to say I can wholeheartedly recommend your anti-viral diffuser blend. I’ve been using it since the day I had my wonderful Japanese facial massage with you. I use it in my living room from late afternoon onwards, initially 10 drops and then no more than 3/4 drops later on in the evening along with either bergamot or lavender essential oil. I’m a fan of cinnamon anyway. I’ve also placed a diffuser on the landing to waft through the house.
Hopefully along with my daily fresh turmeric, ginger and lemon drinks I’m doing all I can to build up my immune system.
Thank you Jane, so lovely to hear – you’re doing all the right things, stay healthy 🙂
Hi Louisa
Really well thanks I’m going to order some of your oils
Thanks
Thank you Valerie, glad to hear that you are well. 🙂
How useful, Louisa. I’ve been drinking a mug of blackcurrant tea with essence of cinnamon in it. Delicious and I hope, helpful. I must go back to my fresh lemon in the morning too. All the best Jane Higgs
Thank you Jane, oooh essence of Cinnamon and Blackcurrant, sounds lovely 🙂
Thanks Louisa for always thinking of what we need. This is a good time for us all to cut down on outside activities and spend the time looking after ourselves.
Thank you Karen, yes it’s definitely time for selfcare 🙂
What a great article Louisa with very practical ways of helping yourself. Very timely too with current worldwide health fears.
Thank you Hazel, quite!
Thank you for this info Louisa. You spoke to my husband Michael at the farmers market and he told me your advice. I shall get making up a blend and using my oil burner to help cleanse the air and my head too!!
Glad to be helpful Caroline 🙂 Thank you.
Hi Louisa,
I,am going to try what you have suggested ,and will get back to you.
I shall give up onwatching so much news.apart from the weather.
Thankyou Kate steele-newman 14.3.20
Thank you for commenting Kate, stay healthy. 🙂