Many essential oils have proven broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. For example, thyme oil was shown to exert powerful antimicrobial effects against 25 different types of bacteria (Deans and Richie, 1987). Other essential oils that are powerful germ fighters include oregano, tea tree and clove.

   

Diffusing is the practice of releasing essential oils into the air to purify our surroundings and breathe them into our body for immune support. Add Eucalyptus, Palo Santo, Frankincense, Oregano, Thyme or any enjoyable essential oil to distilled or purified water in a diffuser. Those who don’t have a diffuser can try adding essential oils to a steaming pot of water on the stove, or putting a few drops on a tissue, leaving it where they can slowly evaporate. Human beings are also great diffusers; try putting a few drops of essential oil (diluted with a fatty oil such as olive, almond or jojoba) on the skin and let the diffusing begin.

   

Instead of using toxic, overly strong and synthetically-scented commercially-produced products, we can make our own. A mixture of water, distilled vinegar and essential oils such as Clove, Oregano, Eucalyptus or Thyme will clean and disinfect just as well. Other natural cleaning substances include salt, baking soda and borax. These beneficial agents can be utilized instead of, or in addition to, the vinegar.

   

The words “fragrance”, “perfume”, “parfum” and “natural fragrance” all mean a man-made, synthetic scent that is toxic to our brain. These are neuro-toxins, which are defined as “a poison which acts on the nervous system”. Read product labels and avoid anything with these particular ingredients listed. Beware that many “natural” products will have a wonderful ingredient listing and then also include these toxic scenting agents.