Aromatherapy in the Coronavirus Pandemic

William E. Kurtin, Ph. D., Biochemistry

A significant amount of laboratory research has indicated that aromatherapy using plant essential oils (EOs) might be useful in combating viral infections.

These studies have examined the effects of complete oils as well as individual components on the biochemical processes involved in replication of the virus, and also on the physico-chemical processes involved in the transmission and entry of virus particles into cells and tissues. This prior research involving laboratory animals and cell cultures has shown positive effects, but there have been no controlled clinical studies in humans to evaluate these possible effects for medical purposes.

Nonetheless, aromatherapy with EOs provides a safe alternative treatment that may have useful effects. In particular, the chemical structure and properties of EO components are such that they are very suitable for disrupting the structure of viruses and thus preventing them from entering our system.

The keys to understanding how this might work are the structure of the virus particles and the chemical properties of the EO components. The coronavirus COVID-19 is similar in structure to common cold and flu viruses.

 

There is an RNA molecule that has a protein coat (N), and this is encapsulated in a shell with protein spikes (S) embedded in an envelope (E), or membrane, of lipid (oily) molecules. The integrity of the virus particle, and the arrangement of the surface proteins, is vital to the ability of the virus to fuse with a human cell and begin to replicate.

The major components of EOs are molecules called terpenes. These molecules contain only carbon and hydrogen, and are non-polar (oily). Such non-polar molecules have the ability to disrupt membrane structures. They tend to seek out an oily environment. Laboratory research has in fact shown that EOs and/or their individual components, can affect the biological structure and function of membranes in bacteria.

So, in a virus particle, the molecules would likely insert themselves in the membrane (E) and cause a change in the structure of nearby embedded proteins (S), which then alters the function of the whole particle. This is the reason that washing your hands works. The oily soap molecules are disrupting the viral membrane.

Therefore, in this respect EOs should be useful in two ways to help prevent infection:

• inactivating virus particles in the air, and
• inactivating particles on surfaces.
  

For the air-borne particles, a nebulizer can be used to vaporize the EO. Such devices are widely available for use in aromatherapy. The nebulizer will have to be used in a single room, and placed reasonably close to the user to be of benefit.

For surfaces, essential oil sprays are easily prepared using directions that are widely available on the internet. Some commercially available sanitizing sprays actually contain one or more EO components. Surfaces like countertops can be wiped down using sprays, reducing the risk that you will pick up an active virus particle from the surface.

What plant essential oils are best for these applications? Research has shown that the following oils have positive effects:

• tea tree
• bergamot
• geranium
• eucalyptus
• lemongrass
• patchouli

But practically any essential oil will have some of the desired terpenes, so just about any you have on your shelf might be useful.

Follow this link to Lyn's hints for using essential oils to help keep your home healthy.