A look at some of the science behind my Cold & Flu Blend

Silver Creek Aromatherapy's Cold & Flu blend has been a client favorite for years because of its safe and gentle effectiveness.  This particular blend harnesses the antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial power of eucalyptus (Eucalptus radiata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct linalol), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).   Each essential oil was specifically selected for its action within the human body to both fight the effects of viral infection and prevent typical subsequent bacterial complications.

The eucalyptus species, radiata, is chosen for its more gentle approach when compared to the more common Eucalyptus globulus; making it a better option for children, the elderly, or anyone in a frail condition.  It still packs a powerful punch against many common viruses and bacteria and brings the added benefits of regulating immune functions and fighting inflammation.  

Thyme is also a well-researched antimicrobial effective against a broad spectrum bacteria.  The specific thyme for this blend is carefully and thoughtfully selected, as the linalol chemotype has a greater therapeutic margin and is less likely to cause any irritation than other, more common, chemotypes within the same genus and species.  

The inclusion of Australian tea tree essential oil in this blend is not only for its well-known effectiveness as an antiviral and antimicrobial agent, but also because its effect with influenza has been studied very specifically.  It also shares some notoriety with eucalyptus as having an affinity for supporting the respiratory system.  Both essential oils have many of the same terpenoid molecules as constituents.

The addition of lavender certainly adds to the antimicrobial action, but also comforts as only lavender can.  Furthermore, it lends a synergistic effect as it combines with the thyme to more than double either of their individual antimicrobial impacts.  The result is a drop in the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) from 1.3 to .4 percent against staph.

References:

De Rapper, S., Kamatou, G., Viljoen, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2013). The In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil in Combination with Other Aroma-Therapeutic Oils. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2013, 852049. http://doi.org/10.1155/2013/852049

Dhifi, W., Bellili, S., Jazi, S., Bahloul, N., & Mnif, W. (2016). Essential Oils’ Chemical Characterization and Investigation of Some Biological Activities: A Critical Review. Medicines, 3(4), 25. http://doi.org/10.3390/medicines3040025

Juergens UR, Engelen T, Racké K, Stöber M, Gillissen A, Vetter H. Inhibitory activity of 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) on cytokine production in cultured human lymphocytes and monocytes. Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2004;17(5):281–287

Kehrl W, Sonnemann U, Dethlefsen U. Therapy for acute nonpurulent rhinosinusitis with cineole: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Laryngoscope. 2004;114(4):738–742.

Li, X.; Duan, S.; Chu, C.; Xu, J.; Zeng, G.; Lam, A.K.-Y.; Zhou, J.; Yin, Y.; Fang, D.; Reynolds, M.J.; Gu, H.; Jiang, L. Melaleuca alternifolia Concentrate Inhibits in Vitro Entry of Influenza Virus into Host Cells. Molecules2013, 18, 9550-9566

Prabuseenivasan, S., Jayakumar, M., & Ignacimuthu, S. (2006). In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6, 39. http://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-6-39

Sadlon AE, Lamson DW. Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15(1):33–47