I used the essential oils to help my immune system and to prevent disease and remain healthy supporting bodily systems and especially respiratory systems.
I also use Herbs to support my immune system. My immune system was very compromised by chemotherapy so it is critical that I continue to work to improve my immunity and immune system.
Herbs for cold and flu prevention
Echinacea flowers
Echinacea
Herbs are our original medicine, used by every culture of the world for illness prevention and treatment.
There are many great herbs, formulas, and companies out there. You can always consult a local herbalist for an individualized herbal recommendation that suits your needs uniquely. Another approach is to use an off the shelf product.
The classic Chinese herbal formula for cold and flu prevention is called “Jade Wind Screen”. The basic idea is that the formula acts like an extra jacket, a “wind screen”, or “wind breaker” as we say in the west. This particular formula has been proven effective over thousands of years by the experience of herbalists and their patients. It is made of a 3 simple herbs. Planetary Formulas call their version of Jade Wind Screen “Astragalus Wind Screen”. Astragalus is one of the main herbs in the formula.
Astragalus Wind Screen comes in tablet form, so you can easily take these with you wherever you go.
Echinacea Defense Force is another great formula for prevention. Personally, this is the one I use more often.
Which is best for you? Read more about each formula to find out which one feels right. I tried them both in order to pick my favorite.
Essential Oils for cold and flu prevention
These are highly concentrated plant oils from certain aromatic plants.
Very potent and great smelling, essential oils are easy to use. For cold and flu prevention, I diffuse them into the air in my office and home, add to them the bath, apply to my skin diluted in jojoba oil, and use them for steam inhalations. Using tiny amounts every day offers a great deal of protection from microbes in the environment.
Recommended Essential Oils:
Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Globulus
Frankincense, Boswellia carterii
Ravintsara, Cinnamomum camphora
The plan for natural cold and flu prevention
keep calm and stick to the plan Start using these remedies as early as October in order to prevent cold and flu in the fall and winter. You need to boost your system before you catch a cold or flu! Keep using them through the winter.
1. Astragalus Jade Wind Screen or Echinacea Defense Force – first month, take 2 tablets 2 times a day. After that, try dropping back to 1 tablet 2 times a day for maintenance. If you will be traveling, around sick people, or under stress, go back up to 2 tablets 2 times a day. Notice how you feel in order to find your optimal dose.
2. Essential Oils
Diffuse essential oils daily into the air
Apply a diluted essential oil blend when you are going out into public
Steam inhalations 2-3 times per week
Add essential oils to a warm bath 1-2 times per week
Eucalyptus globulus – diffuse 20 drops into the air
Frankincense – add 2-5 drops into a hot bath and diffuse 20 drops into the air.
Ravintsara – diffuse 20 drops into the air. 1 drop into warm water for steam inhalation. 2-5 drops into a hot bath.
Essential oil blend to apply to wrists and neck:
Add the following essential oils into 1 ounce of jojoba oil:
3 drops: Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Globulus
5 drops: Frankincense, Boswellia carterii
5 drops: Ravintsara, Cinnamomum camphora
Wear a coat, boots, warm gloves Lifestyle adjustments to prevent cold and flu
Wash your hands frequently
Get plenty of rest
Provide extra protection against the cold – use that hat, scarf, big coat and puffy mittens!
Where to get all this stuff
Herbs
Planetary Formulas Astragalus Jade Wind Screen – can be found in many health food stores and here on the web
Planetary Formulas Echinacea Defense Force – can be found in many health food stores and here on the web