Addressing The Claim That Essential Oils Can Cure Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has gripped the world over the last 8 months, infecting over 500,000 Americans and killing over 160,000 people. With all of the misinformation about the virus spreading on the internet, we felt the need to address some of the ridiculous claims made by brands looking to capitalize over the very real concern and threat this pandemic poses to society. What we know so far is this: There is currently no cure for COVID-19 and the medical world is moving quickly to get a vaccine out the door, which takes months - years of testing before it can be released to the public.

It's come to our attention that essential oil brands claim their oils can cure the disease and we're here to tell you that it's simply not true. Essential oils have been tested and proven to aid in the prevention of colds, flus and viruses, but there is no proof that essential oils can cure COVID-19. Depending on essential oils to cure this horrid virus is dangerous and not recommended. In this article we are going to tell you how oils can help you prepare yourself and your home in case of contact with the infection. 

How Essential Oils Can Help You Prepare for Possible Infection

Essential oils are plants in their purest, most potent forms. They should not be used sparingly and should always be out of reach of children and pets. Many oils contain natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and microbial properties which makes them incredible tools for disinfecting your surroundings.

What we know for sure about the COVID-19 virus is that the best we can do to prepare ourselves is to adhere to social distancing and keeping up with good hygienic practices, such as disinfecting common areas and surfaces and actively washing our hands. Do not touch our eyes, nose or mouth when out of the house and to wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds.

Essential oils are incredible tools to help disinfect your homes and personal items. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is among one of the most popular oils for this purpose and has shown successful results at killing a number of germs and bacteria. Click here to read about a study conducted by Oxford Academic. Tea tree contains many properties that are effective at treating skin concerns and killing many forms of bacteria. This oil is one we recommend keeping on hand to help clean surfaces and killing bacteria on the go!

DIY Anti-Bacterial Cleaner 

Make your own anti-bacterial, all-purpose cleaning spray from the comfort of your home!

What you will need:

• A Spray Bottle or Bucket (16oz)
• 1 Cup Distilled Water
• 1/2 Cup Vinegar (white distilled)
• 1/2 Cup Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• 10 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 7 Drops Lemon or Orange Essential Oil

Lemon and eucalyptus oils have been proven to kill bacteria, making these fantastic tools in the kitchen and bathroom. They also do an amazing job cleaning oil and rust residue. 

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Make your own hand sanitizer to carry on the go! For many of us, taking off of work to avoid possible infection is impossible. Carrying a hand sanitizer can help during those commutes and interactions with other people. 

What you will need:

• A travel-sized spray bottle (2 fl oz)
• 1 oz Distilled Water
• 8 oz Rubbing Alcohol
• 8 oz Aloe Vera
• 5 Drops Tea Tree Oil
• 5 Drops Basil Essential Oil
• 4 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 4 Drops Lemon or Orange Oil

Give Your Immune System A Boost

It's no secret that our immune systems are our greatest defense to illnesses and airborne diseases, which is why it's as important as ever to pay attention to our bodies and nourish it with goodness and vitamin-rich foods. This is where citruses can be super beneficial - lemon, orange, grapefruit and tangerine oils are fantastic and full of vitamin-C.

Try adding a citrus oil to teas, smoothies or juices! Bergamot, oregano and frankincense, among many other oils, have been known for centuries to help boost immunity and provide support when taken daily. Always consult with your physicians before consuming or adding essential oils to your daily routine and remember that exercise and physical activity is essential to keeping immune defenses up. 

Be well and stay healthy out there!