Why Does Illness Continue to Rise?
We need a healthy robust immune system if we want to be able to fight against disease because a weak system cannot fight well and we will begin showing little signs that something is wrong with our health. Signs such as daily mucous increase, skin abnormalities, inflammation or just constant fatigue tell us that our bodily systems are not working correctly. Once we acquire an illness, our immune systems’ ability to maintain vigorous health is gone and then the carousel is started.
Stopping the Carousel
One possible immunity therapy may be in using essential oils. Essential oils may reduce mental stress or stimulate the senses to help boost energy. Some can be taken internally to detoxify and tone the body. Some are thought to be great antimicrobials. Reducing stress and boosting energy help to support a healthy body which in turn benefits the immune system.
Immune System Support
Inflammation is our body’s reaction when we stub our toe or cut our finger. It is the tool our bodies use to heal damaged cells and tissue. Although this process is designed to heal, ongoing inflammation responses can lead to some more serious diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Some research suggests that essential oils may reduce the detrimental inflammatory processes contributing to disease. Some research is being done to determine exactly how essential oils may directly enhance the immune system.
Clove Essential Oil
There are two types of immune specific cells. They are humoral and cell-mediated. One binds and attacks and the other engulfs and kills. In 2009, researchers at the University of Maringa in Brazil discovered that clove essential oil stimulated the immune systems in mice and that the improvement was in both humor and cell-mediated immune response mechanisms.
Swallowing Pathogens
Niaouli essential oil from an Australian evergreen was found to enhance cell-mediated immunity. This may help the painful infections that result from pathogens getting into the cells and replicating to destroy tissue. Lymphocytes or T cells as they are called are sent to destroy foreign bodies in our cells. Researchers support clinical use of niaoouli essential oil to support these lymphocytes in controlling infectious disease.
Eucalyptus Induces Phagocytosis
The Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine in Italy (2008) found that Eucalyptus essential oil actually stimulates a component of the immune system known as macrophages. These immune cells are one of the primary defenses against pathogens invading our human cells. Using in vivo (in rats) and in vitro trials, they were able to pinpoint that eucalyptus essential oil does indeed mimic our natural immune response. Researchers propose that such findings may drive the development of a new family of immune-regulatory treatments altogether. This could be quite helpful for those who have weakened immune systems.
Wrapping It Up
In a perfect world where our planetary environment was well tended, our purpose was clear and community supported, and our foods were safe and saturated with nutrition, it is likely that few of us would suffer from disease and frequent sickness. Yet, in these modern times of high stress, environmental hazards, individualism, and processed foods, our immune systems are often compromised and in some cases malfunction. Recent research indicates that essential oils are able to boost the functions of the immune system as well as suppress certain components when misdirected. With such capabilities, essential oils seem indispensable and a gift to humanity.
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