Swine Flu Outbreak

I've received five emails, so far, asking what I would recommend people use to protect themselves from this outbreak. Or asking if essential oils can help protect us from the flu.

I remembered, years ago, the SARS outbreak, and that one of my mentors had suggested some oils that might offer protection from the flu. Quoting from an April 2003 newsletter:

As SARS is a coronavirus and closely related to the virus that causes flu and colds, I would recommend a mixture of

• Ravensara aromatica,
• Cymbopogon martini (palma rosa),
• Lavandula augustifolia,
• Eucalyptus globulus.

Place a couple of drops on a handkerchief and inhale deeply every half an hour or so. This is particularly important when you are flying or in any crowded environment!

We've made some little inhalers for our personal use. If I were working in a crowded office or teaching in a classroom, I'd consider diffusing a blend of the four.

It just occurred to me that I have never had a flu shot. And to the best of my knowledge, I've not had the flu in the 20 or so years that the oils have been part of my life. Other ailments catch up with me; but not the flu.

Could it be because I spend the better part of my life surrounded by the aromatics we make available? naaaah...probably not! ;)