Anti-Coronavirus Protocol - Essential Oils

Ask any essential oil mama and for whatever ails you, there's an oil for that. I've seen a hilarious T-shirt that simulated a bullet wound on the wearer with the words across the shirt that read, "I'm fine. My girlfriend has an essential oil for this." Cracked me up!

But in all reality, essential oils are very potent and powerful weapons in our arsenal against disease. I am not of the school that for whatever ails you, you should break out the essential oils. Because they are such strong medicine, it can be a lot like killing a fly with a hammer. For some issues, like relaxation, a Bach flower remedy, homeopathic remedy or a simple chamomile tea will suffice. But the coronavirus will not yield its crown so easily.

You're about to see a long list of essential oils that have been shown to have powerful antiviral activity. Do you need to have all of these on hand? No. Pick and choose according to your budget, smell preferences, medical conditions, potential for becoming pregnant, etc. This list is meant for adult usage without medical conditions. Do your homework before using any on yourself if you have any medical condition and if you intend to use any of these on your children. Some should not be used by women who are pregnant, nursing or could become pregnant (as they can cause miscarriage). Others affect blood clotting or the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications. As always, check with your physician or pharmacist.

Virus-Defeating Essential Oils:

1. Carrot Seed - Generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating but avoid during pregnancy.

2. Eucalyptus globulus - Also helpful in dealing with the respiratory difficulties caused by coronavirus in the event of infection.

3. Tea Tree - You should always have this one on hand. Can be used in its pure form, undiluted (neat).

4. Melissa - Non-toxic but possible sensitizer and dermal irritant. This means that the more you use it, the more it can cause the development of a sensitivity. So, save this for occasional use rather than use it in an everyday sanitizer. Care must also be taken as this is one of the most frequently adulterated essential oils so make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer.

5. Cedarwood - Do not use while pregnant.

6. Clary sage - This is a strong sedative. Avoid high doses if you have low blood pressure. Avoid use while drinking alcohol. Avoid driving during usage. Do not use during pregnancy.

7. Helichrysum - Generally considered safe.

8. Star Anise - People with liver diseases (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), intestinal disease, or digestive ulcers should avoid use of star anise. Otherwise, star anise is generally considered safe but may be contaminated with highly toxic Japanese star anise. To ensure the purity of the spice you're buying, always double-check its source and buy from a reputable dealer to avoid accidental intoxication.

9. Rosemary - Increases circulation and adrenaline, avoid if you have high blood pressure; have a bleeding disorder; are on blood-thinners; or if you have epilepsy / seizure disorder. It's not for use in pregnant women.

10. Lavender - It's a sedative; so avoid high doses if you have low blood pressure.

11. Vetiver - It's considered safe in most applications.

12. Thyme - It's really strong, so it's best used in low dilutions. Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if high blood pressure. It may cause skin irritation.

13. Manuka - It's generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating.

14. Clove - It can cause skin irritations so use in low concentrations on the skin. It's great as a surface cleaner.

15. Ginger - It's phototoxic so if applied before sun exposure, it can cause the skin to burn or darken at a faster rate. In otherwords, if you use it, stay out of the sun for about 12 hours. It can also irritate sensitive skin.

16. Lemon - It's also phototoxic so if applied before sun exposure, can cause the skin to burn or darken at a faster rate. It can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid lemon during pregnancy.

17. Peppermint - It increases circulation and adrenaline, which may be a problem if you have high blood pressure. If you decide to use it during pregnancy, opt for low dilutions. Avoid it entirely if nursing. It shouldn't be used on children under 2 years old. Also avoid peppermint if epileptic or if you've been diagnosed with any heart disease. It can irritate sensitive skin.

18. Marjoram - It is not for use in pregnant women.

19. German Chamomile - It may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. [Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, etc.] It might interact with anesthesia for surgery and should not be used 2 weeks before surgery. Might interact with sedative medications.

If you have a friend who sells essential oils, I'm sure s/he will be thrilled to hear from you. I have many, many friends who sell oils and many who have been so kind to give me a medicine cabinet full of them. But when preparing to write this article, I felt I should recommend that if you are one of the few people in America who do not have a friend selling essential oils, I would share with you one of mine. I chose her out of my many for a few reasons: 1) She is a widow trying to make it on her own. 2) She has spent countless amounts of time in prayer for us. 3) She has given to our non-profit organization FireKeepers International more than a widow's mite, for sure. If you find yourself desiring to look to her for your oils, you can find her store here.

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. In fact, I have intentionally left some off due to over-harvesting of plants or to prevent the world from smelling like what I imagine Woodstock would have wreaked of... I'll just let your imagination go wild on that one. Your guesses go in the comments. Be kind and have a sense of humor. After all, laughing is also good for your immune system! Good medicine!

A warm "Sgi! (Thank you") to my research assistants who aided in the precautions for these essential oils: Diane Dornberger and Victoria Krylova.

Dr. Laralyn RiverWind is a Naturopath, Master Herbalist, Biologist and Ambassador of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee (a State Recognized Tribe). Her doctorate in Naturopathy and Master Herbalist degrees are from Trinity School of Natural Health. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Valdosta State University with a B.S. in Biology. She also has considerable experience in the allopathic health industry; in emergency patient care in a level one trauma center; and extensive studies in Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Infectious Disease.