For the best experience, please upgrade. Learn more
The Research on Antiviral Essential Oils – Plus: How We Use Them
Did you know there are hundreds of scientific studies demonstrating the anti-viral actions of essential oils? And that using these oils in support of your own health is really simple to do?* Here’s a quick review of the research, and how we use essential oils to keep us healthy throughout the year…Yes, we’ll get into [...]
October 21 2013
Did you know there are hundreds of scientific studies demonstrating the anti-viral actions of essential oils? And that using these oils in support of your own health is really simple to do?* Here’s a quick review of the research, and how we use essential oils to keep us healthy throughout the year…Yes, we’ll get into a little bit of chemistry, but we’ll keep it brief!
One of the great features of using essential oils therapeutically is the ease with which they get into our cells and our bloodstream. Because of their lipophillic (‘fat-friendly’) nature, essential oils pass through cell membranes, and make their way throughout our bodies when inhaled or used topically.
The essential oil of Melissa has been shown to be an effective antiviral agent in dozens of scientific studies.
When you put essential oils on your throat, they pass through your skin[1] to the lymph nodes in your neck. When inhaled, diffused essential oils penetrate the cells of your respiratory system – in the nose, sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.
A search of pubmed.gov returns pages and pages of peer-reviewed studies, demonstrating the efficacy of essential oils as antiviral agents. A number of essential oils have been shown to have anti-viral activity, and these essential oils are rich in a class of molecules called ‘monoterpines’.[2] Linalool, the ‘sweet’ note in Lavender and a great many other oils is a monoterpine, which is effective in inactivating enveloped viruses (the virus which causes the flu each year is an enveloped virus).
‘Benchmark’ Thyme essential oil is a very potent antimicrobial blend of four strains of Thyme herb.
Researchers have found that essential oils ‘inactivate’ viruses in one of two ways: by inhibiting their ability to replicate[2][3] and/or inhibiting viruses’ ability to fuse to cell walls and infect a host cell[4]. What’s important to us here is that the oils act directly on the viruses themselves. Many oils have also been shown to positively support our own immune system, enhancing its ability to ward off infecting microbes – essential oils thus provide two independent means of warding off illness from viral infection.
Another important discovery is that whole, natural essential oils are 10-times more effective in inactivating viruses than individual, isolated compounds from these oils.[2] That is to say, Tea Tree essential oil is approximately 10 times more effective than terpinen-4-ol alone (the compound in Tea Tree thought to be the most active antiviral constituent). This has been the case for each oil studied, and has been shown to be true when essential oils have been researched for their antibacterial properties as well.
To keep well during the cooler months, when a cold or flu may be going around, we’ll diffuse and topically apply our Super Immuneblend. This is our combination of oils (all rich in monoterpines) that have demonstrated antiviral activity (the recipe includes Melissa, Bay Laurel, ‘Benchmark’ Thyme+, Hyssop, Ravensara, Pinus sylvestris, Lavender Tea Tree and Lavender). As there is no single essential oil that is most effective against all viruses, blending several highly-active antiviral essential oils together can provide us with the most effective ‘broad-spectrum’ formula.
By inhaling these essential oils from a diffuser, we can get an active amount of these essential oils throughout our respiratory system, and even in our bloodstream. The effect we’ve noticed is that Ananda staff which regularly ‘partakes’ in use of the Super Immune blend rarely catch colds when they are going around our community. When diffusing isn’t convenient, we’ll also dab several drops of the oil on each wrist, and rub these on the neck, under the chin, for absorption by our lymph nodes. Being asked “who smells so good?!?” is an added bonus!
References:
[1] Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, et al. (2008) Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpesviruses. Phytomedicine. Sep;15(9):734-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18693101
[2] Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research.2010 May;24(5):673-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19653195
[3] Garozzo A, Timpanaro R, et. al. (2011). Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil on Influenza virus A/PR/8: study on the mechanism of action. Antiviral Research. Jan;89(1):83-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21095205
[4] Li X, Duan S, et al. (2013). Melaleuca alternifolia concentrate inhibits in vitro entry of influenza virus into host cells. Molecules. Aug 9;18(8):9550-66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23966077
+ ‘Benchmark’ Thyme essential oil is a blend of pure essential oils distilled from 4 strains of Thymus zygis. Its chemical profile is similar to that of a blend of Tea Tree and Thyme essential oils, though much higher in terpinen-4-ol than Tea Tree alone.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
ANANDA CONTINUES JUST DIFFERENTLY You will soon see a slight change to our website. We have decided to transition the online store to a resource and information site.So while you can not purchase products, you can still have access to the incredible depth of information!We have 16 years of research, and useful tidbits about Essentials oils, CO2 extracts, Carrier Oils and […]
In Eternal Memory of Eric Cech, Ananda’s Founder “The best business model I can hope for is one that will run out of business.” – Eric Cech Eric’s business mindset was otherworldly. He admitted in casual conversation to his wife Anita one day: “The best business model I can hope for is one that […]
We Want You To Know – We Have Heard You. Your sentiments are important to us. We are considering our next steps with YOU in mind. Dearest Ananda Customers~ Many of you have asked us if this closure is permanent, or if there is any way we may be able to remain open, or make […]
It Comes with the Greatest Pleasure To let You Know… that…Because of YOU Ananda has Managed to Survive one of the Most Uncertain Times of its Tenure ~ We can not thank you enough for your enormous patience, understanding and support. From your incoming calls, comments on social media, direct messages across various channels, emails […]
Here are a small fraction of the heartfelt responses we have received following the notice of our business closure and liquidation sale. We offer all of you a deserved shout out for being the improbable, most essential, significant, factor in creating the Dream you are voicing to us: Hope for a Sustainable Future and Provider […]
Thank You For your Support Since 2004 The Ananda Apothecary is Closing Business SAD BUT TRUE As previously disclosed, The Ananda Apothecary has been greatly affected by to the global health situation. Bottom line is, we were increasing growing slim on product with no resupply any time soon. We are unable to get goods […]
* SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL * *OFFERS VALID APRIL 24 – MAY 2, OR UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. WE’RE GIVING OILS AWAY Get Yours Today! WITH ANY PURCHASE THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET GET UP TO THREE OF YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE OILS FREE *We have limited supplies due to overseas shipping restrictions. Order now while supplies last. ALSO […]
100% pure and genuine
×
What aspect of your life are you looking to improve?
window.cfields = {"1":"quiz_score"};
window._show_thank_you = function(id, message, trackcmp_url) {
var form = document.getElementById('_form_' + id + '_'), thank_you = form.querySelector('._form-thank-you');
form.querySelector('._form-content').style.display = 'none';
thank_you.innerHTML = message;
thank_you.style.display = 'block';
if (typeof(trackcmp_url) != 'undefined' && trackcmp_url) {
// Site tracking URL to use after inline form submission.
_load_script(trackcmp_url);
}
if (typeof window._form_callback !== 'undefined') window._form_callback(id);
};
window._show_error = function(id, message, html) {
var form = document.getElementById('_form_' + id + '_'), err = document.createElement('div'), button = form.querySelector('button'), old_error = form.querySelector('._form_error');
if (old_error) old_error.parentNode.removeChild(old_error);
err.innerHTML = message;
err.className = '_error-inner _form_error _no_arrow';
var wrapper = document.createElement('div');
wrapper.className = '_form-inner';
wrapper.appendChild(err);
button.parentNode.insertBefore(wrapper, button);
document.querySelector('[id^="_form"][id$="_submit"]').disabled = false;
if (html) {
var div = document.createElement('div');
div.className = '_error-html';
div.innerHTML = html;
err.appendChild(div);
}
};
window._load_script = function(url, callback) {
var head = document.querySelector('head'), script = document.createElement('script'), r = false;
script.type = 'text/javascript';
script.charset = 'utf-8';
script.src = url;
if (callback) {
script.onload = script.onreadystatechange = function() {
if (!r && (!this.readyState || this.readyState == 'complete')) {
r = true;
callback();
}
};
}
head.appendChild(script);
};
(function() {
if (window.location.search.search("excludeform") !== -1) return false;
var getCookie = function(name) {
var match = document.cookie.match(new RegExp('(^|; )' + name + '=([^;]+)'));
return match ? match[2] : null;
}
var setCookie = function(name, value) {
var now = new Date();
var time = now.getTime();
var expireTime = time + 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365;
now.setTime(expireTime);
document.cookie = name + '=' + value + '; expires=' + now + ';path=/';
}
var addEvent = function(element, event, func) {
if (element.addEventListener) {
element.addEventListener(event, func);
} else {
var oldFunc = element['on' + event];
element['on' + event] = function() {
oldFunc.apply(this, arguments);
func.apply(this, arguments);
};
}
}
var _removed = false;
var form_to_submit = document.getElementById('_form_3_');
var allInputs = form_to_submit.querySelectorAll('input, select, textarea'), tooltips = [], submitted = false; var getUrlParam = function(name) {
var regexStr = '[\?&]' + name + '=([^&#]*)';
var results = new RegExp(regexStr, 'i').exec(window.location.href);
return results != undefined ? decodeURIComponent(results[1]) : false;
}; for (var i = 0; i < allInputs.length; i++) {
var regexStr = "field\\[(\\d+)\\]";
var results = new RegExp(regexStr).exec(allInputs[i].name);
if (results != undefined) {
allInputs[i].dataset.name = window.cfields[results[1]];
} else {
allInputs[i].dataset.name = allInputs[i].name;
}
var fieldVal = getUrlParam(allInputs[i].dataset.name); if (fieldVal) {
if (allInputs[i].type == "radio" || allInputs[i].type == "checkbox") {
if (allInputs[i].value == fieldVal) {
allInputs[i].checked = true;
}
} else {
allInputs[i].value = fieldVal;
}
}
} var remove_tooltips = function() {
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip);
}
tooltips = [];
};
var remove_tooltip = function(elem) {
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
if (tooltips[i].elem === elem) {
tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip);
tooltips.splice(i, 1);
return;
}
}
};
var create_tooltip = function(elem, text) {
var tooltip = document.createElement('div'), arrow = document.createElement('div'), inner = document.createElement('div'), new_tooltip = {};
if (elem.type != 'radio' && elem.type != 'checkbox') {
tooltip.className = '_error';
arrow.className = '_error-arrow';
inner.className = '_error-inner';
inner.innerHTML = text;
tooltip.appendChild(arrow);
tooltip.appendChild(inner);
elem.parentNode.appendChild(tooltip);
} else {
tooltip.className = '_error-inner _no_arrow';
tooltip.innerHTML = text;
elem.parentNode.insertBefore(tooltip, elem);
new_tooltip.no_arrow = true;
}
new_tooltip.tip = tooltip;
new_tooltip.elem = elem;
tooltips.push(new_tooltip);
return new_tooltip;
};
var resize_tooltip = function(tooltip) {
var rect = tooltip.elem.getBoundingClientRect();
var doc = document.documentElement, scrollPosition = rect.top - ((window.pageYOffset || doc.scrollTop) - (doc.clientTop || 0));
if (scrollPosition < 40) {
tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _below';
} else {
tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _above';
}
};
var resize_tooltips = function() {
if (_removed) return;
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
if (!tooltips[i].no_arrow) resize_tooltip(tooltips[i]);
}
};
var validate_field = function(elem, remove) {
var tooltip = null, value = elem.value, no_error = true;
remove ? remove_tooltip(elem) : false;
if (elem.type != 'checkbox') elem.className = elem.className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, '');
if (elem.getAttribute('required') !== null) {
if (elem.type == 'radio' || (elem.type == 'checkbox' && /any/.test(elem.className))) {
var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name];
if (!(elems instanceof NodeList || elems instanceof HTMLCollection) || elems.length <= 1) {
no_error = elem.checked;
}
else {
no_error = false;
for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) {
if (elems[i].checked) no_error = true;
}
}
if (!no_error) {
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option.");
}
} else if (elem.type =='checkbox') {
var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name], found = false, err = [];
no_error = true;
for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) {
if (elems[i].getAttribute('required') === null) continue;
if (!found && elems[i] !== elem) return true;
found = true;
elems[i].className = elems[i].className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, '');
if (!elems[i].checked) {
no_error = false;
elems[i].className = elems[i].className + ' _has_error';
err.push("Checking %s is required".replace("%s", elems[i].value));
}
}
if (!no_error) {
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, err.join(' '));
}
} else if (elem.tagName == 'SELECT') {
var selected = true;
if (elem.multiple) {
selected = false;
for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) {
if (elem.options[i].selected) {
selected = true;
break;
}
}
} else {
for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) {
if (elem.options[i].selected && !elem.options[i].value) {
selected = false;
}
}
}
if (!selected) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option.");
}
} else if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "This field is required.");
}
}
if (no_error && elem.name == 'email') {
if (!value.match(/^[\+_a-z0-9-'&=]+(\.[\+_a-z0-9-']+)*@[a-z0-9-]+(\.[a-z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-z]{2,})$/i)) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Enter a valid email address.");
}
}
if (no_error && /date_field/.test(elem.className)) {
if (!value.match(/^\d\d\d\d-\d\d-\d\d$/)) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Enter a valid date.");
}
}
tooltip ? resize_tooltip(tooltip) : false;
return no_error;
};
var needs_validate = function(el) {
return el.name == 'email' || el.getAttribute('required') !== null;
};
var validate_form = function(e) {
var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error'), no_error = true;
if (!submitted) {
submitted = true;
for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) {
var input = allInputs[i];
if (needs_validate(input)) {
if (input.type == 'text') {
addEvent(input, 'blur', function() {
this.value = this.value.trim();
validate_field(this, true);
});
addEvent(input, 'input', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
} else if (input.type == 'radio' || input.type == 'checkbox') {
(function(el) {
var radios = form_to_submit.elements[el.name];
for (var i = 0; i < radios.length; i++) {
addEvent(radios[i], 'click', function() {
validate_field(el, true);
});
}
})(input);
} else if (input.tagName == 'SELECT') {
addEvent(input, 'change', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
} else if (input.type == 'textarea'){
addEvent(input, 'input', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
}
}
}
}
remove_tooltips();
for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) {
var elem = allInputs[i];
if (needs_validate(elem)) {
if (elem.tagName.toLowerCase() !== "select") {
elem.value = elem.value.trim();
}
validate_field(elem) ? true : no_error = false;
}
}
if (!no_error && e) {
e.preventDefault();
}
resize_tooltips();
return no_error;
};
addEvent(window, 'resize', resize_tooltips);
addEvent(window, 'scroll', resize_tooltips);
window._old_serialize = null;
if (typeof serialize !== 'undefined') window._old_serialize = window.serialize;
_load_script("//d3rxaij56vjege.cloudfront.net/form-serialize/0.3/serialize.min.js", function() {
window._form_serialize = window.serialize;
if (window._old_serialize) window.serialize = window._old_serialize;
});
var form_submit = function(e) {
e.preventDefault();
if (validate_form()) {
// use this trick to get the submit button & disable it using plain javascript
document.querySelector('#_form_3_submit').disabled = true;
var serialized = _form_serialize(document.getElementById('_form_3_'));
var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error');
err ? err.parentNode.removeChild(err) : false;
_load_script('https://anandaapothecary.activehosted.com/proc.php?' + serialized + '&jsonp=true');
}
return false;
};
addEvent(form_to_submit, 'submit', form_submit);
})();
You'll receive your quiz results along with occasional updates, news, and training from Ananda Apothecary. We promise to only send you things of real value!