Fight the Flu

Now here is another article from the New York Times that is worth sharing. Maybe some of you have seen it when it was published in September 2009 but in any case, it is of interest now more than ever after all the scare of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu Virus). 

The Claim: Cinnamon Oil Kills Bacteria.

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR

THE FACTS

In a country obsessed with germs and sickness, antibacterial soaps and sanitizers are becoming more and more common. But because such products contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, some researchers recommend sanitizers made with cinnamon oil, which has been shown in many studies to have powerful antimicrobial properties.

A recent study by a team of surgeons, for example, found that a solution made with cinnamon oil killed a number of common and hospital-acquired infections, like streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The study found it was just as effective as several antiseptics widely used in hospitals. Another study by French researchers in 2008 had similar results, showing that at concentrations of 10 percent or less, cinnamon oil was effective against Staphylococcus, E. coli and several antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen, a pediatrician in New Jersey who dispenses natural health advice on his blog, wholechildcenter.org, recommends a tried-and-true recipe for homemade hand sanitizer called thieves oil. “I add cinnamon bark, lemon oil and eucalyptus,” he said, adding, “The recipe goes back to the Middle Ages, where it was used by these thieves who would go around stealing jewelry from dead bodies, and they never got sick.”

Cinnamon oil, when applied topically, is generally safe. But in some people it can cause an allergic reaction.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Cinnamon oil has antiseptic properties. ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com

scitimes@nytimes.com 

Here is some additional information worth mentioning: 


This is an excerpt of Young Living Cinnamon Essential Oil: "The warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon has been sought throughout the ages both as a valuable commodity and for its ability to improve wellness. Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ cinnamon bark is meticulously tested to ensure that no dilution from similar-smelling oils has occurred. Cinnamon is thought to promote healthy cardiovascular and immune function, and acts as an antiseptic. You can also use it to enhance your cooking, or dilute and massage into chakras to create a soothing, relaxing sensation."


Other Essential Oils that help fight the flu are Thieves, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Ravensara, and Myrtle. 


Tips to stay healthy:
❀ Diffuse pure and high grade essential oils on a daily basis in your home and/or in your work environment. This will help keep the air free of toxins. 
❀ Wash your hands frequently.
❀ Rub a few drops of any of the above mentioned essential oils into the palm of your hands, bring them to your nose and cup your nose with both hands, inhale a few times. This not only kills the bacteria on your hands but functions also as aromatherapy and will help to support your immune system. 
❀ Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Junk food, while tasting delicious, not only makes us sluggish but also has an impact on our immune system. 
❀ Get a good nights sleep. I use my essential oils to enhance my sleep by putting some drops of lavender essential oils on my hands and then rubbing my pillow with my hands. I also use lavender essential oil on my feet to help me calm down. 
❀ And don't forget to move your body... exercise, walk, do yoga, tai chi or whatever you like... according to weight watchers, vacuuming and cleaning your home for 45-60 minutes will burn calories (I believe I got 1 or 2 points for this when I was on their program). 

♥ Stay healthy and be well ♥