“Strengthen the Immune System with Aromatherapy”

There are many ways to strengthen the immune system against flu, colds, and other respiratory ailments. Dr. Sara Pour, Faculty Member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Istanbul Aydın University, stated that there are many products on the market that alleviate these problems, saying, “Aromatherapy offers a natural way to strengthen our immune system by maintaining holistic health, balancing our mind, body, and spirit.”

Although the literal meaning of “Aromatherapy” may be ‘treatment with scent,’ its effects are not limited to scent alone. Indeed, behind the essential oils, which are the main players in this therapy method, lies a scientific adventure. Sara Pour, Faculty Member of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Istanbul Aydın University, expressed that aromatherapy is an art and science of healing that supports and improves holistic health, saying, “At the heart of aromatherapy are essential oils, which are obtained from different parts of plants and are rich in healing properties. In fact, these tiny molecules represent the speaking soul and heart of the plant.”

What is the immune system? Dr. Sara Pour explained that the immune system is our body’s defense against various pathogens, viruses, and diseases, saying, “If any of these are detected, our immune system immediately begins to work to rid our system of unwanted invaders. Stress and anxiety trigger a series of physiological responses known as the ‘fight or flight’ response in our bodies. This response causes our adrenal glands to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In the short term, these hormones increase our body’s energy levels and allow us to respond rapidly to emergencies. However, when we are under constant high levels of stress, these hormones become excessively active in the body and disrupt the functioning of our immune system. Cortisol, especially in situations of prolonged stress, suppresses the immune system and increases inflammation. While this protects the body from excessive responses in the short term, it reduces the immune system’s ability to respond effectively to diseases and infections in the long term.”

Mechanisms of action of essential oils Dr. Sara Pour stated that essential oils can stimulate the immune system through the use of components such as antibodies, cytokines, and dendritic cells, saying, “Some essential oils can stimulate the proliferation of immune system cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes. Some essential oils that can help improve balance and harmony in our bodies include Tea tree, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, which is one of the most effective essential oils for supporting the immune system due to its high Terpinen-4-ol content. Tea tree is highly respected for its exceptional antimicrobial properties and its ability to stimulate the immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases.” “Another important essential oil is Frankincense, which strengthens the immune system due to its high content of pinene, while also standing out for its calming and anxiety-relieving effects with limonene and linalool. Thyme essential oil, due to its thymol and carvacrol content, stands out for its infection-preventing effect. Eucalyptus essential oil, commonly used in natural cold and flu remedies, is a great decongestant that can help clear your respiratory tract and prevent infection.” “To take advantage of the countless benefits, you should use lavender essential oil. Because of its high linalool and linalyl acetate content, it has a high ability to relieve stress, which is often one of the biggest factors in improving immune system health. In addition to relieving stress, lavender is full of antioxidants that help remove free radicals associated with cell damage, disease, and aging. Lemon, with its abundance of vitamins and minerals, is a great oil for detoxifying the body. Additionally, it can be used to improve mood and sharpen focus due to its high limonene content.” “Peppermint essential oil, with its high menthol content, provides its unique scent and cooling effect. Scientifically proven to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, menthol makes it an excellent choice for strengthening the immune system. One of the main ways it helps strengthen the immune system is by improving respiratory function.”

Synergistic blends Dr. Sara Pour stated that by combining multiple essential oils, synergistic blends can be created that enhance their antimicrobial and antibacterial activities, saying, “For example, mixing lemon and tea tree oils can combine the antiviral properties of lemon with the antibacterial properties of tea tree, providing a broader range of effects. As a result, aromatherapy is a wonderful way to support and improve overall health during the cold months. Including essential oils in your daily routine can strengthen your respiratory system, protect against flu infections, and other respiratory ailments. Remember, efforts to cope with stress and anxiety and to protect and strengthen our immune system can have a significant impact on our overall health and quality of life.” While aromatherapy has many health benefits, Dr. Sara Pour emphasized that it cannot replace the treatment of diseases, stating that it is a complementary method used to relieve symptoms and maintain health.