Protect Yourself and Others from Flu with Essential Oils

The flu has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years, with trans-species infections becoming more common. Long gone are the days of being cavalier about prevention. So how do you effectively arm yourself, and your family, against the onslaught of viruses floating around out there?

As always with being green ? get back to basics. Good hygiene and common sense are your two best defenses. Coming up third is your botanical arsenal from Mother Nature. Medicinal grade essential oils are among the most potent and powerful healing substances from the plant kingdom.

The oils most effective at fighting viruses, including the flu, are melissa, ravensara, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, frankincense, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, sage, lavender, rosemary, and lemon. During the Plague of the 15th century, thieves?that also happened to be perfumers and spice traders?wore cone-shaped masks filled with a concoction of aromatic herbs so that they were able to effectively rob the dead without fear of becoming infected by the terrible disease.

A modern day adaptation is to take a standard issue NIOSH Approved N95 mask and sprinkle on a few drops of 3-5 of the oils mentioned above that appeal to you. A common cloth handkerchief works just fine, too, although you might be confused with a robber yourself if worn in public?I just keep mine in my pocket and use periodically. You can also sprinkle your oils on a small piece of cotton fabric that can line the mask. Remember that masks protect others against the mask user's germs; masks are ineffective at protecting you from small particles and germs transmitted by an ill person's coughs or sneezes, which is why the essential oils are so?essential.

Personally, I never travel on an airplane without my aromatic hankie. Never apply essentials oils directly to the skin or take internally without advice from a reputable certified aromatherapist or trusted resource book on the topic. Therapeutic essential oils can also be used in diffusers, on clothing, or in a warm bath.

Additional Tips To Promote Wellness and Avoid The Flu

- Keep your immune system strong by fueling your body with plenty of whole foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

- Stop sabotaging your health with processed convenience "food."

- Replace toothbrushes regularly and don't share cups or silverware.

- Encourage your children to sneeze into their elbow, rather than their hands or into the air.

- Wash hands regularly.

- Avoid heavily populated events and venues, particularly indoors, when possible.

- Minimize flying, but when you do, carry on an essential oil-infused hankie.

- Avoid farms or parks where you could come into contact with animal or bird feces.

Dena Smith Givens writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.