Essential Oil Blends for Uncertain Times

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There are times when we just have to throw our hands up and go with the flow. During times of uncertainty, stress levels can rise and combatting fear becomes more and more of a battle. These are times when we need to learn to go with the flow and find ways to keep our sanity and peace. I’ve created several essential oil blends to help you get through the most uncertain times. A shout out to my Instagram peeps for contributing these recipes!

General Recipe

For all of the blends below, combine the suggested number of drops in a 5-mL essential oil bottle or roller. Top off with a neutral carrier oil and affix the roller fitment. Give it a gentle swirl and start rolling. My preferred carrier oils include:

Learn more about choosing a carrier oil in this post.

Essential Oil Blends for Uncertain Times

Gratitude

During times of change, transition, and stress, staying positive and grateful can do a lot for your mental health. Choosing to focus on our blessings instead of negativity is always the right answer. This gratitude blend can help lift spirits as you take inventory of all you have to be thankful for, even during the most trying of times. Try starting and ending your day by reflecting on at least 5 things for which you can be grateful. This exercise is even more effective when you take the time to write out these things in a gratitude journal.

Spring Cleaning

If you find yourself stuck at home, go ahead and make the most of your time. Cleaning and organizing will help get you out of your funk and make you feel more productive any time of the year. Roll on some of this blend (or even put it in your diffuser) to get you up off the couch and blessing your home.

  • 8 drops peppermint
  • 6 drops lemon
  • 6 drops Black Spruce 
  • 5 drops ylang ylang
  • 3 drops lavender

Stress Release

We all need this blend. Uncertain times bring stress and fear, so mix up this essential oil blend and focus on releasing those negative thoughts and emotions. Take some deep breaths as you set your intentions on letting go of negative thoughts and focusing on positivity.

  • 8 drops grand fir
  • 8 drops copaiba
  • 4 drops sacred frankincense
  • 4 drops orange
  • 3 drops lavender

Work From Home

Whether you are a seasoned at-home worker, or you find yourself in a new situation of trying to establish a routine from home, this blend will help. Roll this on and go get busy!

  • 10 drops lime
  • 8 drops frankincense
  • 5 drops cardamom
  • 5 drops rosemary
  • 4 drops peppermint

Wellness

During times of uncertainty, it’s so important to stay on top of your wellness routine. Give your immune system a little TLC with this wellness blend. Roll it on several times throughout the day.

  • 10 drops clove
  • 10 drops lemon
  • 5 drops frankincense
  • 3 drops oregano
  • 3 drops thyme

Good Vibes

Sometimes when cabin fever sets in, people be not so nice. This good vibes blend will lift the spirits of every person in your home. Make the roll on and pass it around, or use the blend in your diffuser.

  • 8 drops of grapefruit
  • 8 drops of bergamot
  • 7 drops of ylang ylang
  • 5 drops lemon
  • 3 drops coriander

Meditation

When you just need to chill, ground, and re-focus, a few minutes of meditation can lift your spirit. This meditation blend is a favorite for encouraging your mind to relax and unwind for even better results.

  • 8 drops frankincense
  • 7 drops bergamot
  • 7 drops blue spruce
  • 6 drops drops copaiba
  • 6 drops cedarwood
  • 4 drops tangerine

Love making essential oil roll ons? Check out more ideas here.

Emerging COVID-19 Treatments

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The burning question of today: How close are we to a cure for Coronavirus? Researchers promise that a vaccine for the virus is forthcoming, but in reality it could be months before an approved vaccine hits the market. So what about other emerging treatments for COVID-19? Do we have options?

Vaccine Development

Normal vaccine development takes an average of 10 to 15 years. Before approval in the United States, a vaccine must go through several phases of development, including research, animal testing, human clinical trials, and quality control. In the case of an epidemic like Coronavirus, the FDA expedites the process. Even still, it takes months to create, test, and produce a vaccine.

One possible vaccine, 2019-nCoV, is currently in Phase I trials in the United States. But even when proceeding at an “emergency speed,” it is unlikely that the vaccine will be available for prescription in the near future. Chances are, we won’t see a viable vaccine before the conclusion of the current outbreak. 

Proposed Treatments

Ascorbic Acid (aka Vitamin C) Infusions

Vitamin C plays a role in reducing inflammatory response and preventing common cold. In addition, a few studies reveal that vitamin C deficiency is related to an increased risk and severity of viral infections.

One study from 1978 showed increased resistance to infection by a coronavirus in chick embryos, but because this study is so old. Researchers hypothesize that vitamin C infusions may improve the prognosis of patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) associated with the Coronavirus. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of vitamin C for the management of SARI are underway.

Currently however, very little evidence exists to prove that vitamin C infusions could improve or prevent infection.

Lopinavir/Ritonavir 

This is a combination of antiviral agents used in the treatment of HIV. One recent clinical trial of the combination used with 18 patients suffering from Coronavirus provided underwhelming results. In fact, only one individual completed the planned 14-day treatment course as a result of adverse events associated with the treatment.

Oseltamivir & Other Neuraminidase Inhibitors

Neuraminidase inhibitors are antiviral medications used to treat and prevent influenza. However, in in vitro studies, Oseltamivir (more commonly known as Tamiflu) showed no reduction of symptoms of COVID-19.

Emerging Treatments with Promise

Remdesivir

Remdesivir is an intravenous antiviral drug with a history of activity against Ebola virus, MERS, and SARS. In-vitro studies showed the efficacy of Remdesivir against infected human liver cells. Currently, the drug is undergoing testing in various locations, including the U.S., by volunteers infected with COVID-19. Human clinical trials will provide more information. Most studies promise to conclude within the next 8-16 weeks.

Chloroquine & Hydroxychloroquine

Chloroquine is an inexpensive drug prescribed for the treatment of malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other autoimmune disorders. Researchers have noted several different mechanisms by which this drug may combat COVID-19:

  • Blocks virus infection by increasing endosomal pH required for virus/cell fusion in the host.
  • Interferes with cellular receptors of the virus.
  • Has an immune-modulating activity, thereby enhancing its antiviral effect.
  • Functions at both entry and post-entry stages of the infection.

Recently, at least 16 human trials show that Chloroquine is very effective against the COVID-19 virus, making it a very plausible emerging treatment. Researchers conclude, “chloroquine (is) highly effective in the control of 2019-nCoV infection in vitro and its safety track record suggests that it should be assessed in human patients suffering from the novel coronavirus disease”.

Stay up to date regarding the Coronavirus. Check out all articles we have on this subject in this post.

Elderberry and COVID-19: What you need to know

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I have been getting slammed with questions about taking immune-enhancing elderberry syrup and other natural products during the Coronavirus epidemic. So many people want to know if it’s safe to take elderberry when there is a risk of contracting COVID-19. Here I will present the available facts in an effort to address aaaaalllll the questions.

First Things First

Don’t expect a direct answer or recommendation from me. My stance is—and always has been—to provide science-based information to empower you to make your own decisions. I’ll present the known facts and allow you to form your own opinion.

Another thing to note is that this virus is novel. What that basically means is that it’s new. Because of this, COVID-19 is still in the early stages of research, so oftentimes there simply isn’t much information on every factor surrounding this virus. The answer, “We don’t know” truly applies to so many facets and leaves questions unanswered.

What’s the Concern?

The reason some people are concerned is because elderberry syrup activates the immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), aka cytokine storm, is a dangerous hyper-release of inflammatory mediators by the body. Some sources claim that there is an increased risk of cytokine storm with COVID-19. Theoretically, if this is true, elderberry could increase the risk of potentially fatal cytokine storm during Coronavirus.

The question is whether or not COVID-19 actually poses an unusually increased risk of CRS in healthy individuals.

Understanding Cytokines

Cytokines are small secreted proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells. They are our bodies’ immune system regulators and may be both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory. The body releases these proteins in response to infection. This results in the recruitment of immune system cells to the site of infection. It’s one of the ways the body fights off pathogens that cause illness. Learn more about Cytokines and CRS in this post, where I cover the topic more thoroughly.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that is secreted by T cells and macrophages to activate immune response during an infection. Sometimes, the body over-produces these pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to other problems, such as autoimmune disorders or CRS.

Most of the time, healthy people have nothing to worry about. The hyper-production of cytokines is most common in people with increased risk, such as those undergoing targeted immune therapy or those with a chronic autoimmune disorder.

COVID-19 and Cytokine Storm

Because COVID-19 is novel, our immune systems do not recognize the virus nor do we have any antibodies for it. The virus targets lung tissue, so the immune system sends immune cells to the lungs to kill the virus. This influx of cytokines, including IL-6, in the lung tissue causes a natural inflammatory response, which explains why breathing difficulty is common with the Coronavirus.

Because the immune cells do not recognize the virus, in some people, they attack indiscriminately and recruit more immune cells to the effort. This can be the beginning of a cytokine storm, in which the body will continue to dump more and more cytokines into the lungs, thereby increasing inflammation. During CRS, the immune system may not be able to kill the virus, but it may seriously damage the function of the lungs. In these patients, we see severe respiratory problems, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

How Big is the Risk?

We have to keep in mind that the above refers to a worst case scenario. The vast majority of people who contract the virus will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover completely. Those at increased risk for a severe reaction include those who are immunocompromised, have a concomitant illness, the elderly, and people with other respiratory problems.

What We Know About Elderberry

Studies show that Sambucol Elderberry Extract activates the immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production. This is not always bad. Remember, cytokines are our body’s natural defense mechanisms. Some people refer to elderberry as nature’s flu shot because it exhibits multiple modes of therapeutic action against influenza infection, both as a preventive and a treatment method.

Not only does elderberry stimulate the immune system, but other studies show it actually inhibits the early stages of a viral infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.

Some people claim elderberry increases the risk of cytokine storm. In theory, the possibility exists because elderberry does stimulate cytokine production. However, no documented cases of CRS caused or influenced by elderberry exist.

The Bottom Line

If you are concerned about COVID-19 and elderberry during this uncertain time, then don’t take it. Fortunately, other options for boosting natural immunity exist.

Learn more about how elderberry fights the flu and get a recipe to make your own Elderberry Syrup here.

Check out all this post for all the content we have to answer questions about Coronavirus.

Should I Get Tested?

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Not all symptoms are created equally, while it might seem like you have Coronavirus, you may simply be experiencing seasonal allergies or influenza. Learn the differences between Coronavirus, the flu, common cold, and seasonal allergies to help you decide if and when you should get tested.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies typically have symptoms like sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, or rash. More rarely, cough, rashes, fatigue, sore throat and headache may also present. Fever, diarrhea, and aches and pains are very uncommon. Shortness of breath is also rare except in uncommon life-threatening circumstances.

The Flu

Flu is much more likely to present with a fever, fatigue, dry cough, and body aches and pains, including headache. Diarrhea is rare, except in children. Runny nose and sore throat occur occasionally, but sneezing and shortness of breath are also very rare with the flu. Shortness of breath can happen, but only in advanced disease. 

Coronavirus

The hallmark symptoms of Coronaviruses include dry cough and fever. Shortness of breath is much more common than either flu or allergies. Diarrhea occurs in about 10% of cases, and fatigue and sore throat may also occur. Aches and pains are less common than the flu, but can happen. Sneezing and runny nose are uncommon symptoms. Getting a Coronavirus test is the only way to confirm whether or not you have it.

Overview of Symptoms

Everyone is Different

Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to symptoms. Everyone’s body reacts slightly differently, and this is just an overview of the most common symptoms. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others may have more serious reactions. Listen to your body. If you feel something is off, call your doctor and explain your concerns.

This article is by no means intended to help diagnose allergies, flu, cold, or Coronavirus. It is simply a way to help you understand the differences so you can make informed decisions about when to get tested.

When to See a Doctor

If you develop any of the main symptoms of Coronavirus and/or have been in close contact with an infected person or recently traveled to an area with widespread of COVID-19, you should get tested. But don’t rush off to the doctor yet. . .the CDC recommends calling your doctor first.

Calling ahead before going to a clinic or emergency room prevents unnecessary exposure to yourself and others in the waiting room. Once you inform them about your symptoms and recent travels, they will advise you where to go for testing and prepare for your arrival.

What to Expect

If you do decide that symptoms warrant Coronavirus testing, here’s a bit of what you can expect. A Coronavirus test involves a nose/throat culture that will be sent to a lab for testing. Once the lab receives your culture, it takes about 24 hours for results to come in. During this waiting period, it is important for you to stay in isolation to prevent possible spread of the virus to other people.

If you have or suspect you have COVID-19, do your part to protect others from infection. Self-quarantine as much as possible, and wear a mask around others, including family members. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching common surfaces in your home.

During this time of uncertainty, many people have lots of questions. Check out this post to review some common questions about Coronavirus as well as links to all the articles we have on this topic.