This past weekend, like most everyone else based on the empty store shelves I encountered, I went in search of Lysol disinfectant spray and came home empty-handed.
After all, when you want to ward off the spread of anything in your home, that’s been our go-to, right?
But if you can’t find it, I have some helpful information to share that I came across at the Medical News Today site on how you can use essentials oils against viruses…
Less toxic and gets the germs, too
Research has found that the following essential oils may help fight flu viruses, although more research is necessary. Existing studies suggest that:
- Bergamot oil is effective against flu viruses as a vapor after just 10 minutes of exposure.
- Eucalyptus oil shows antiviral activity as a vapor.
- Red thyme oil is effective against flu viruses as a liquid phase.
- Cinnamon leaf oil also shows antiviral activity as a liquid.
- Tea tree oil may have antiviral properties if a person incorporates them into air filtering systems, some scientists suggest.
- Lemon balm may contain ingredients that could help prevent one type of bird flu virus from reproducing, according to one laboratory study.
Results of yet another laboratory study suggest that a commercial blend of essential oils might reduce the influenza virus’ ability to spread.
Right now, we are just as concerned, if not more so about COVID-19. And these studies referenced don’t apply directly, especially since this coronavirus is a new one.
However, many viruses spread the same way in the air and on surfaces.
Experts have told us that COVID-19, like the flu, can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It might also spread through the air when tiny droplets hang in the air even after an infected person leaves a room.
We are employing all the same types of disinfectants in homes and public places as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19 as we use with influenza.
How to use essential oils in your home
Whether you are just unable to find the disinfectant you prefer to use in your home due to shortages or prefer to try to cleanse the air in a more natural manner, these essential oils listed above could be your best bet.
Thyme and origanum (from the perennial herb known as marjoram) are personal favorites of mine, even though they do not appear on this list. That’s because they are widely used in the pharmaceutical field, mainly due to the germicidal and antiseptic properties of phenolic compounds.
The good news is all essential oils from plants contain phenolic compounds.
Related: 10 essential oils for a clean toxin-free home
If you have a natural health store in your area, check their first. If not, the use of essential oils has become so commonplace, you could likely find them in other local stores and even drugstores, along with diffusers.
In a pinch, if you don’t have a diffuser, you can consider adding some drops directly to the filter at the return duct of your home. You’d have to do this probably at least daily.
Most essential oils are regarded as safe in certain concentrations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approved uses include inhalation, as in using a diffuser or by floating oils in hot water. Essential oils shouldn’t be consumed. The only drawback is that some of these essential oils can be harmful to some pets, especially cats. You might double-check with your vet if you plan to use them in your home.
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Sources:
- What essential oils are good for the flu? — Medical News Today
- Thymus Vulgaris – an overview — ScienceDirect Topics
- Antimicrobial Activity of Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) Essential Oil Against the Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella Enterica Serovar Schwarzengrund Inoculated in Vegetables from Organic Farming — Journal of Food Safety
