Essential Oils for Immune System Support

Some essential oils may promote a healthy immune response. Suggested essential oils for immune system support are based primarily on traditional use. Scientific research is limited, though some does show promising results. See studies on PubMed.

Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Dummies suggests the following essential oils to boost immunity:

• General immunity support: bay laurel, cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, oregano, and sage.
• White blood cell stimulants: bergamot, chamomile, lavender, lemon, myrrh, pine, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, and vetiver.
• Help individual cells heal: carrot seed, frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, rose, rose geranium, and sandalwood.
• Help eliminate metabolic waste (through the lymph system): bay laurel, grapefruit, juniper, and lemon.

Ways to use:

• Combine the essential oil with a carrier oil for massage.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a piece of cloth, cotton ball, or aromatherapy inhaler and inhale.
• Diffuse the essential oil.
• Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil (diluted in carrier oil) to your bath.

Use care with strong oils such as cinnamon, oregano, and thyme. They can cause irritation for some people. Not all these oils are appropriate for pregnant women, young children, or people with certain medical conditions.

Blends of Essential Oils for Immune System Support

Immune Boosting Essential Oil Blend

• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops manuka essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 3 tablespoons carrier oil

Apply blend to wrists, temples, and sides of your neck and chest.
Source: The Best Natural Cures Using Essential Oils

DIY Immunity Essential Oil Blend Cream

Apply this balm daily to feet, hands, and chest.

• 4 tablespoons shea butter
• 5 drops eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops thyme linalool essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil

Melt shea butter. Stir in essential oils. May take up to 24 hours to thicken. Spot test before using on a large area. Apply twice a day to feet, hands, and chest.

Source: Essential Oils Every Day: Rituals and Remedies for Healing, Happiness, and Beauty 

Essential Oil Immune Blend

• 1/2 teaspoon (50 drops) lavender essential oil
• 30 drops eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 10 drops vetiver essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree or manuka essential oil

Blend oils in a 5-ml glass dropper bottle. Use the blend in any of these ways:

• Make a room spray: Add 75 drops of the blend to a 4-ounce spray bottle of distilled water. Shake well before each use.
• Make an aromatherapy bath: Add 6 drops of the blend to 1 teaspoon carrier oil and stir into a bath.
• Make an aromatherapy inhaler: Add 21 drops of the blend to a blank inhaler insert. Inhale the scent several times a day.
• Make a massage oil: Add 4 drops of the blend to 2 teaspoons carrier oil.

Adapted from The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

More Massage Blends

Use either of these blends for an immune support massage.

• 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops thyme linalool essential oil
• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 drop orange essential oil
• 3 tablespoons carrier oil

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

• 5 drops niaouli essential oil
• 4 drops ravensara essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 tablespoons carrier oil

Adapted from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Essential Oils for Thymus Support

Your thymus gland is an important part of your immune system. Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body suggests a blend of the following essential oils to support the thymus:

• Blue Tansy
• Clove bud
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Holy basil (tulsi)
• Hyssop
• Juniper berry
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Ravensara
• Rosemary

Blend these oils in equal parts. Add an equal part of black cumin seed oil.

To use: Dilute the blend in a carrier oil. Apply 2 to 3 drops over the thymus—on the breastbone at the third rib. Rub in a clockwise direction for 30 seconds. Then gently tap the thymus to stimulate it.

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