Part 2

The first half of this article focused on the anti-viral properties of essential oils and how they can weaken or even destroy viral cells. We will now explore how stress reduction is a major component of a healthy immune system, and ways one can mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body.

The body doesn’t recognize good stress from bad stress, but the results are essentially the same- muscle tension, poor sleep, more of a tendency to use nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine, which deepens the stress cycle by secreting more excitatory chemicals; poor digestion, shortened temper, and a weakened immune response. Whether this stress is caused by planning a wedding or opening a business (positive events, but stressful), or by losing a job or a home, the effects on the body will be the same. Stress in the short term can be perceived as useful, because it provides the body with quick energy through the release of glucose and adrenaline, to help accomplish the task at hand. Long term stress however can result in elevated blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure; chronic muscle tension, and an overtaxed immune system that will be unable to tackle an invading virus with the efficiency that could prevent the illness.

Massage therapy, warm baths with salts and essential oils, careful attention to one’s diet, and adaptogenic herbs can all help restore the para-sympathetic nervous system in times of stress. This branch of the nervous system in the anti-thesis of the burnout syndrome as it governs the secretion of calming and balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and nor-epinephrine, encourages healthy digestion so that one may receive the optimum energy from food and therefore be less likely to overeat, and promotes deeper sleep.

Adaptogenic herbs are tonic herbs that essentially help the body adapt to everyday and chronic stress, both internal and external. A three month period of taking adaptogenic herbs should promote a healthier immune response, more energy, and better cognitive function. Individuals with auto-immune and/or inflammatory conditions may benefit from a longer course of these herbs, with guidance from a qualified practitioner. Examples of adaptogenic herbs include many of the medicinal mushrooms: reishi, maiitake, shiitake, and turkey tail; as well as Siberian ginseng, astragalus, and schizandra berry. All tonic herbs should be discontinued during the course of an acute illness as they are considered preventative and strengthening. To take these herbs while one is sick may strengthen the energy of the virus itself. Chinese medicine refers to this as “trapping the robber in the house.”

There is no reason to feel helpless as the numbers roll in of more flu cases. Common sense precautions, combined with some help from mother natures allies, and reducing stress can go a long way to keeping ones health not only intact, but full of vitality.