Essential oils provide an abundance of health benefits, and they share a similarity to human blood, thus performing many similar features and functions including fighting of infections, initiating healing and regeneration, as well as containing hormone-like compounds within them. Essential oils within plants work to prevent infection and contain powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Therefore, when used by humans, they perform an infection fighting function, as well. As viral concerns have become a topic of recent discussion, I would like to share with you a comprehensive list of antiviral essential oils and discuss 3 of my favorites more in depth.
Oregano- One of the Most Powerful Antiviral Essentials Oils Known
This is one of the most powerful antiviral essential oils known. It, also, possesses incredible antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Not to mention it has anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating properties, thus, it works wonders on any type of microbial caused illness. Oregano oil can be quite useful with colds, the flu, shingles, cold sores, even viral bronchitis and viral pneumonia, and many other viral infections.
Caution: oregano oil is hot, so it should always be diluted before placing directly on skin.
Clove- Potent and Powerful
Another powerful antiviral essential oil, clove is an essential oil you will certainly want in your essential oil collection. Additionally, clove features overall antimicrobial properties and is both anti-inflammatory and possesses analgesic (pain relieving) and anesthetic (numbing) properties. Clove is highly beneficial for dealing with warts and cold sores. It can be used for colds, the flu, Chicken Pox, viral bronchitis, viral pneumonia, the measles, and various other viral based infections.
*It is recommended to dilute clove oil before placing on skin.
Thieves Blend- Historical Antiviral Wisdom
Thieves is an incredibly powerful antiviral essential oil blend made by the Young Living essential oil company. It contains clove, cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils. Thieves can be used when dealing with colds, the flu, chicken pox, shingles cold sores, viral bronchitis, viral pneumonia, even AIDS, and virtually every type of viral infection you can think of.
This blend was inspired by the legend of the grave robbers in France during the times of the Black Plague, who would use a special blend of botanicals to protect themselves from the nasty disease, while exposing themselves to the infectious bodies of the diseased. When captured by the rulers/authority figures of the time, they were enticed to share their special blend, by offering them a more lenient punishment.
*Dilute before placing thieves oil on the skin.
A Comprehensive List of Antiviral Oils
- Basil
- Cinnamon Bark
- Cistus
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Lime
- Oregano
- Melissa
- Mountain Savory
- Myrrh
- Palo Santo
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Spearmint
Diffusing Essential Oils- Your New Favorite Habit 
Diffusing essential oils is an excellent way to prevent the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. When essential oils are diffused into the air they increase oxygen and negative ions (which inhibit bacterial growth). Diffusion of essential oils can be an excellent preventative for avoiding infectious diseases, and direct inhalation of essential oils may help to combat active infections.
Your Next Move- Stock Up on a Couple Antiviral Oils
With the powerful antiviral and antimicrobial properties that essential oils offer, you will definitely want to add a few of these to your wellness tool kit. I suggest, at least starting off with 2-3 of the basic, well-known anti-viral oils, such as clove, oregano oil, and the Thieves blend. These types of essential oils are sure to be of benefit for all who use them, both, as a preventative, and in times of illness. Cheers to better health, faster recovery from illnesses, and, ideally avoiding sickness altogether.