9 Best Essential Oils for Immune Support

Top 9 Essential Oils for the Immune System

Here are the best essential oils for immune support you may find helpful for boosting your immune system.

In this article, you will learn about the best immune boosting essential oils, plus immune support blends, and how to use essential oils for immunity.

Your immune system protects your body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other toxins.

Proteins, cells, and organs in your body work together to kill microbes and other material that can make you sick.

There are several ways to support your immune system.

Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, exercising, eating healthy food, and limiting your exposure to germs can all help support your immune system.  

Essential oils for immune support can work in one of a few ways to support your body’s natural defenses either directly or indirectly.

These oils can kill germs, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and promote stress reduction.

Related Article:

• 8 Essential Oils for Respiratory Support

9 Best Essential Oils for Immune Support

Many essential oils have antifungal, antibacterial, or antiviral properties, but they have different compounds that may work on different microbes.

You can use essential oils either in aromatherapy or topically for immunity support. The following essential oils can help boost your immune system. 

You can either use a single oil or a blend, and there are recipes at the bottom to help you use them.

#1. Lavender

Lavender oil is always recommended for beginners because it’s a gentle oil that’s well tolerated by most people. It also has many uses, including for immune support.

In aromatherapy, lavender can reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Since stress reduction and better sleep both support a healthy immune system, lavender is indirectly one of the best immune boosting essential oils. 

#2. Lemon

Lemon EO is often used in cleaning recipes or because it’s uplifting in aromatherapy. It naturally kills germs on surfaces, so try adding it a cleaner to kill germs on surfaces.

#3. Oregano

Oregano is a strong oil, and it’s often used in a blend and not alone. It can help kill germs on surfaces and in the air.  

It can be used in a cleaner, on surfaces, and in a topical massage blend to support your immune system.

#4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus EO is often used for colds, flu, and respiratory troubles. It can help promote clarity, which can help you think easier when you’re not feeling well.

Eucalyptus is a good natural decongestant and expectorant. You can dilute it and rub it on your chest and breathe in its vapors or use it in a diffuser.  

Eucalyptus is naturally antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. It is said to reduce some types of germs in the air when diffused.  

In a study, eucalyptus essential oil triggered an immune response. Further information is needed, but the study does look promising.

#5. Frankincense

Frankincense is often used as an anti-inflammatory oil and it contains a type of boswellic acid. 

In a study, boswellic acid can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

#6. Clove

Clove bud EO if used in several blends for essential oils for immune support. It naturally kills fungi, viruses, and bacteria.

Clove oil can be used both topically when diluted or in aromatherapy.  

#7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is often used in cleaning products to kill germs. It’s an excellent natural antibacterial and antiviral ingredient. 

When diffused, it can kill germs in the air.

#8. Rosemary

Rosemary can help relieve nasal congestion and may reduce pain from headaches. 

It’s said to be an essential oil for immune support, and it helps soften mucus that can blog the nasal passages.

#9. Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme may not be a common essential oil, but it is a good essential oil for immune support. It has thymol, which is an antispasmodic that can reduce coughing. Thymol can also reduce bacteria and viruses.  

Essential Oil Blends for Immune Support

Immunity Support Blend 

• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drops eucalyptus 
• 2 drops rosemary
• 3 drops tea tree
• 1 drop oregano 

Congestion Blend 

• 2 drops lemon 
• 3 drops eucalyptus
• 2 drops tea tree oil 
• 2 drops peppermint 
• 1 drop clove bud 

How to Use Essential Oils for Immune Health

You can use these immunity boosting essential oils in a few different ways in aromatherapy or topically.  

It’s not recommended that you use any essential oil internally unless directed by your doctor or a trained aromatherapist.

Diffuser

Diffusing one or more of these essential oils can kill germs in the air, which can reduce your chances of getting sick. You can use three to five drops per 100 ml in your diffuser.

Always be careful to use oils that are safe around kids, pets, and pregnant women if they are in your home.

Personal Inhaler

If you have congestion and want to use oils to relieve your symptoms, you can use a personal inhaler. 

This is an excellent option if you want to use an oil that’s not kid safe or safe around pets.

Place 10 to 15 drops of essential oils or a blend onto the cotton wick. Inhale as needed for support. You can use one several times a day.

Room Spray

To kill germs in the air and get the aromatherapy benefits of the oils, make a room spray. 

Ingredients

• 6 ounces distilled water
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• 30 drops essential oils

Directions

Place 2 ounces of witch hazel in an 8-ounce spray bottle. Add essential oils and shake to combine. Fill with distilled water.  

The water and oils will separate, so shake well before each use. 

Roller Bottle

Use a roller bottle to apply essential oils to your chest, wrist, or bottoms of your feet. (You may want to read this article on where to apply essential oils)

You can use one or more of the above oils.

For a 5% dilution for short term use for adults, use up to 10 drops of essential oils for a 10 ml roller bottle.

For children, use a 2% dilution with 4 drops of essential oils (that are safe for children, such as lavender), for a 10 ml roller bottle.

Final Thoughts on Using the Best Essential Oils for Immunity

These essential oils for immune support are meant to support your immune system and are not a substitute for medical attention. Always consult a doctor if you need medical advice. 

Do not use essential oils topically without diluting them in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or almond oil. See my section on How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use. (Link below) 

Make sure the oils that you use are safe for those around you. Some oils can not be used on or around children, dogs, cats, pregnant women, or the elderly. 

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

• 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
• How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
• Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
• Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Have you ever used essential oils for immune support? Leave your comment below.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.