Embracing Age-Old Plant Wisdom

Our ancestors understood the healing power of plants. In the rustle of leaves, the scent of herbs, and the quiet hum of the earth beneath their feet, they found remedies for everything from aches to worries, from colds to troubled hearts. When we inhale the grounding scent of sandalwood or the invigorating breath of eucalyptus, we’re tapping into their therapeutic properties and opening the door to centuries of healing. 

The colder months, when our immune systems need extra support, are a perfect time to embrace this age-old wisdom. 

In last week’s post, we explored the immune system from an aromatherapist's perspective (see the post here!). Building on that foundation, I also released a special guide called Winter Immunity Booster: 5 Simple Aromatherapy Recipes for Cold & Flu Season. This guide takes a hands-on approach, featuring easy-to-make recipes that incorporate powerful essential oils for immune health. (Get the guide here.)

Today’s post spotlights the 5 essential oils that play a starring role in the guide. 

I won’t explore the science behind the oils today (that in-depth information is included in the guide), but I’ll share a bit about each oil’s history and traditional uses, along with practical ways you can incorporate these oils into your wellness routine right away.

1. Oregano Oil

Origanum vulgare

Oregano is one of the most potent essential oils for immune support, thanks to its high carvacrol content. It’s a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off seasonal threats and maintain overall wellness.

Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," often prescribed oregano as an antiseptic, and for respiratory issues. It was a popular ingredient in poultices for wounds and to ward off infections.

Oregano oil has a strong spicy-herbaceous aroma. Author Salvatore Battaglia writes, “It is often used in soap perfumes where a ‘medicinal’ aroma is required.” 

Practical Uses: Diffuse oregano oil to purify your indoor air and support your immune response.

Safety Notes: Oregano is an exceptionally potent oil capable of irritating the skin and mucous membranes. We recommend a maximum drop count of 5–6 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier. It’s also too strong for children under five years old and sensitive individuals. Avoid using oregano oil in a bath. (Follow these guidelines for using essential oils safely in a bath.)

2. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus is well-loved for its ability to clear the airways and support respiratory health. The native Aboriginal peoples of Australia first used eucalyptus, relying on the leaves to help heal infections and fevers. Its remarkable drying action makes it an important oil for the respiratory tract, especially when we’re congested. Even the tree itself has a drying effect on its environment. Author Gabriel Mojay writes:

“[Eucalyptus] was planted in some of the most marshy and malarial regions of Algiers, due to the powerful drying action of the roots on the soil. While the strongly anti-infectious oil was inhaled to reduce malarial fever, the tree transformed some of the most marshy areas into the driest.”

Practical Uses: Do a decongesting eucalyptus steam! Add a single drop of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot, steamy water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in deeply for a soothing steam inhalation. (Be sure to close your eyes!) Find more tips on doing a eucalyptus steam in this post.

Safety Notes: Eucalyptus is too strong for children under five, especially near their faces and noses. This is especially relevant in respiratory blends, when we may inhale essential oils directly into the nose. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a safer choice for children. I also don’t recommend doing essential oil steams for children, preferring to diffuse the oils.

3. Sweet Orange Oil

Citrus sinensis

Sweet orange oil is a bright, uplifting oil that helps cleanse the air, boosts your mood, and supports immune health. 

In European folk remedies, dried orange peels were often simmered to create aromatic infusions for cleansing the air and warding off illness. And during the Renaissance, oranges were prized for their immune-supporting properties, frequently included in remedies for “bad air” or malaise. 

This tradition of using citrus scents for emotional and physical well-being continues today. Author Jennifer Peace Rhind beautifully captures this connection, writing:

“Without exception, citrus scents are regarded as ‘uplifting’ and ‘refreshing,’ and can be useful for those suffering from stress and depression. Depression is associated with . . . dysregulation of the psychoneuroimmunological balance. There is some research that supports the view that citrus oils can be used therapeutically in cases of mild depression.” 

Practical Uses: Make a sweet orange roll-on blend to promote joy while boosting your immune response. Try this recipe from our blog!

4. Sandalwood

Santalum album

Sandalwood has grounding, anxiety-soothing, and immune-supportive properties, making it ideal for times when stress might weaken your body’s defenses. Revered for thousands of years, sandalwood has deep roots in spiritual and medicinal traditions. Salvatore Battaglia notes that in Ayurveda, it has long been trusted for issues including the common cold, bronchitis, fever, and lymph support. 

Sandalwood’s enduring appeal lies not only in its therapeutic qualities but also in its rich, soft, woody aroma. Battaglia writes:

“Without a doubt, sandalwood is considered one of the most precious perfumery materials from antiquity to modern times, and the popularity of sandalwood shows no signs of waning.” 

Practical Uses: Use sandalwood as part of a relaxing meditation or bedtime routine to support overall immunity and calm the nervous system. Here are a few calming recipes to get you started. (Sandalwood is a great swap for patchouli in these blends!)

5. Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea

With its crisp, forest-like aroma, balsam fir helps purify the air and support healthy breathing. 

Native American tribes, particularly in the northeastern regions of North America, valued balsam fir for a variety of medicinal uses. The sticky resin was used for wounds, burns, and infections due to its antimicrobial and healing properties. It was applied to sore muscles and joints to ease pain. Fir needles were also brewed into teas or infused in water to soothe colds and coughs, acting as a natural immune booster. Jennifer Peace Rhind writes:

“Folk wisdom indicated that these conifers and their oils conferred strength and resilience, clarity and purpose, and happiness; and that they acted specifically on the lungs, joints and muscles, often being used to alleviate respiratory problems, rheumatism and arthritis.”

Practical Uses: Add balsam fir to a DIY muscle rub to ease sore, achy muscles when you have a cold or the flu. This recipe feels so soothing!

Ready to Fortify Your Immune System with Essential Oils?

Download the complimentary guide, “Winter Immunity Booster: 5 Simple Aromatherapy Recipes for Cold & Flu Season” today!

This easy-to-follow guide is packed with:

• Insights into how the immune system works—and why winter is a critical time for support.

• Science-based information on how these 5 powerhouse oils support immune health and respiratory care.

• 5 expertly crafted aromatherapy recipes for prevention, acute care, and recovery.

• A bonus list of 20 additional immune-supportive essential oils to customize your blends.

Don’t let the cold and flu season catch you off guard—empower your body’s defenses naturally!

Get Your Guide!

Winter Immunity Booster:

5 Simple Aromatherapy Recipes for Cold & Flu Season

Get Your Guide!

My Takeaway

Essential oils carry with them the echoes of ancestral wisdom, inviting us to slow down, breathe, and trust in the healing rhythms of the earth. They remind us to pause and care for ourselves. These aromatic gems help us move through winter with grace and gratitude, recognizing it as a season to honor the quiet strength within us.