Today's leading professional aromatherapists also suggest the most important use of essential oils for humanity will be in the treatment and prevention of such infectious illnesses. Antiviral Actions of Essential Oils Over the last decade, laboratory researchers around the world have found many essential oils are capable of directly eradicating viruses. As the news of influenza is seen everywhere we turn, more and more people are seeking every available means to support their immune system and potentially prevent the infection by any number of serious viral contagions -- most notably these days is "Swine Flu", though there may be more in our future.

Historically, essential oils have been used during major plagues as a means to prevent infection. Are essential oils a viable option as an alternative therapy for home use. Further, they may even prevent viruses from moving between cells within the body and limiting the spread of infection. This is not an over-optimistic interpretation of the data by an essential oil proponent, but the actual conclusions of controlled research studies.. Pictures can be found in natural medicine textbooks of medical practitioners wearing facemasks stuffed with cinna cloves, sage and other botanicals to ward of illness.

Here's a look at the scientific research, as well as formulas and practices to make use of aromatic medicines.