H1N1 is a strain of the influenza virus and is one of 400 different viruses humans can catch, from the common cold to AIDS. H1N1, or swine flu as it is sometimes called because it used to only affect pigs, affects the lungs and the stomach whereas seasonal flu does not. It is contagious and is spread easily between humans (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Anti-Viral Medications to Treat H1N1
There are currently two western medications, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza),that are believed to decrease the severity of the symptoms or shorten the duration the illness but there is concern that overuse of the antiviral medications may make the virus mutate and become resistant to these medications.
H1N1 Flu Shot
The H1N1 flu shot is one conventional choice to prevent getting the H1N1 virus and is considered 80% effective. Not everyone is comfortable getting the H1N1 vaccine due to concerns that it has not been tested adequately and about a potentially serious neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome that afflicted approximately 500 people in the 1970s swine flu vaccination period.
Essential Oils and Illness
Universities and hospitals all over the world are proving that pure essential oils can treat and prevent a number of human illnesses. There are several essential oils that have anti-viral and anti bacterial properties that can boost the immune system and help to keep people healthy. For example, the University of Manchester England did research in 2004 on essential oils and MRSA and they found three essential oils that destroyed MRSA.
Wythenshaw Hospital Burns Unit in Manchester England diffuse essential oil on the wards, where tests have proven that the oils diminished airborne bacteria by 90%.
Essential Oils to Boost the Immune System
Essential oils such as Black Spruce, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lavender, Lemon, Origanum, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree and Thyme help to boost the immune system, helping the body to use its natural ability to fight off viruses. For maximum effect diffuse these essential oils daily for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day, in the office or place of work.
Immune Boosting Essential Oil Blend Recipe
Create an immune boosting blend of essential oils. Combine the following essential oils into a 5ml bottle:
- 1ml Juniper essential oil
- 2 drops Vanilla essential oil
- 1ml Tea Tree essential oil
- 1ml Rosemary essential oil
- 2ml Eucalyptus essential oil
Use the blend in an aromatherapy diffuser, in massage oil or in Epsom salts for the bath.
Immune Stimulant with Citrus Oils Aromatherapy Blend
Pour 30mls of an aromatherapy carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, emu oil, grapeseed oil or evening primrose, into a small container. Add to it five drops of orange essential oil, five drops of grapefruit essential oil, and five drops of lavender essential oil. Massage into the skin, including the feet and legs. Also add three drops of the mixture to a diffuser and diffuse around your home. For adults, double the amount of each essential oil to 10 drops.
Prevention is Best Defense
Preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus is the best defense against it. Boosting the immune system to enable the body to fight and resist the virus is also important. Both strategies may be effectively achieved with the use of the appropriate essential oils.
Barbara Greenwood - Barb Greenwood hails from England where she worked in Special Needs Health Care. Already a Registered Massage Therapist, she became ...
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