Do you know what essential oils have antiviral properties? This article will introduce you to some of the most popular antiviral essential oils to diffuse, as well as 5 diffuser blend recipes that use these oils.
Please keep in mind that there have been limited studies done on the topic of essential oils and viruses.
While this post is about antiviral oils to diffuse, it is not to be used as a treatment or cure for any illness or disease, but as a natural way to support the mind and body through aromatherapy.
Essential Oils with Antiviral Properties
Essential oils have long been used for their health benefits. Some essential oils have antiviral properties that can help to protect against the flu and other viral infections. One essential oil that has been shown to have antiviral activity is oregano oil. Oregano oil contains the compound carvacrol, which has been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses.
Additionally, oregano oil has been shown to boost immunity and improve respiratory health. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to be effective against the influenza virus. Other essential oils with antiviral properties include peppermint oil and tea tree oil. These essential oils can be used in a diffuser to potentially ward off viral infections.
Essential Oils and Coronavirus
Do essential oils kill viruses? At this point, there is little research into the effect essential oils may have on the coronavirus so it is important to keep that in mind when searching the internet on this topic. There's a really well-written and detailed article from Tisserand Institute about this exact topic, here is a snippet:
It’s important to note that prevention and treatment are not the same thing. An essential oil that kills virus particles in the air or on the skin is a different concept to one that interferes with the actions of a virus once it has entered the body. At this time, we cannot suggest any aromatherapy formulations to either prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Here is more detailed research on essential oils and covid.
Best Antiviral Essential Oils List
You may be able to improve the natural strength of your immune system by diffusing antiviral essential oils.
Antiviral simply means that it prevents viral growth. Here is a list of essential oils with antiviral properties.
- Bay Laurel
- Cinnamon
- Citronella
- Clove Bud
- Eucalyptus radiata
- Fragonia
- Geranium
- Ho Wood
- Manuka
- May Chang
- Melissa
- Niaouli
- Oregano
- Palmarosa
- Ravensara
- Ravintsara
- Rosalina
- Savory (Winter)
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
Reference: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
Antiviral Essential Oils to Diffuse
Some of the essential oils from the list above are hot oils and may not be ones you want to use topically on your skin. Using them aromatically in essential oil diffuser blends tends to be a preferred method.
They can also be used in aromatherapy inhalers or even essential oil sprays.
When it comes to diffusing antiviral essential oils, you can diffuse a single oil from the list above, create a blend of aromatherapy oils using a few different oils from the list, or try one of the blends we share below.
Get creative and see what you like best with the essential oils you have on hand.
How to Diffuse Essential Oils
To use antiviral essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser, you need to add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the diffuser with recommended water for your diffuser tank.
I like to use a 100-200 ml water tank diffuser, but you can use whatever size you prefer. It is best to diffuse in 30-minute intervals as to not overwhelm the space and your senses. Read more about diffusing essential oils.
Here are the steps:
- Place diffuser on a steady surface away from fans and direct sunlight
- Add recommended water for your diffuser to the water reservoir tank's fill line
- Add essential oil drops, 5-10 drops per 100-200 ml of water
- Plug the diffuser in and turn on with desired setting for your machine
- Diffuse for up to 30 minutes
5 Antiviral Diffuser Blend Recipes
Here are a few essential oil diffuser recipes to clear the air and support wellness.
1. Fresh Mess Diffuser Blend |
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This antiviral essential oil blend recipe includes the lesser known palmarosa oil. Palmarosa essential oil is good for general mood boosting and increasing well-being. It also has great anti-microbial properties, making it a nice addition to a diffuser in the home or at work.
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2. Wellness Blend |
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Here is a natural antiviral oil diffuser blend that packs a powerful punch.
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3. Thyme to Purify |
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Try diffusing these antiviral oils to purify air and generate better air quality in your home or office.
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4. Respiratory Support Blend |
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Diffusing essential oils is a common method used to assist with the respiratory symptoms of a cold, flu, or other ailments. This antiviral essential oil diffuser blend offer respiratory support too.
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5. Fresh Air Diffuser Recipe |
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We all know that fresh air is good for us, but sometimes it can be difficult to get outside. Let this cleansing oil blend freshen up the air in your space.
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Safety Guidelines
Diffuse 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time, read more about how long to diffuse oils.
It is best not to apply undiluted essential oils onto the skin. When using essential oils topically on the skin, be sure to dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.
Using essential oils can improve a person’s emotional, physical, and mental state. For best results, make sure you use pure essential oils and learn how to use them properly.
People can have different responses to essential oils, you may find what works for one person, doesn't work for you. You can learn more here about what to do when essential oils don't work.
Where to Buy Essential Oils?
Don't have the essential oils you need? Here are some of our favorite brands:
Essential Oil Diffusers Guide
Get our Essential Oil Diffusers Master Guide - How to Aromatherapy Diffusing Guide with 200+ Diffuser Blends by Jennifer Lane, Certified Aromatherapist and owner of Loving Essential Oils:
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