There is nothing in the scientific literature supporting the use of essential oils to effectively boost the immune system. I suspect that for some people, essential oils boost ones belief that they are boosting their immune system. If essential oils actually offered protection against viruses, they’d cost a heck of a lot more and would be in widespread use by now. (After all, they’ve been around far longer than vaccines.) But whatever you think works, I guess… My major issue is that people who do not get immunizations (unless there is a clear medical contraindication to getting vaccinated) selfishly put the rest of us at risk by significantly diluting the effect of herd immunity. Not a responsible thing to do to your fellow human beings.
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Unfortunately we have entered an age where conspiracy theories abound. Vaccination is one example. Despite the thorough discrediting of Andrew Wakefield many parents believe in a vaccination conspiracy. Some pediatricians are now refusing to see unvaccinated patients. And although all 50 states and DC require some level of vaccination, most accept some level of exemption. In my view, there should be no religious or philosophical exemption for endangering schools and my children. If parents won’t accept the science behind vaccination and their responsibility in society then they can home school their kids and accept isolation.
And actually there are some uses for certain essential oils such as the topical use of tea tree oil as an antibacterial/antifungal agent. Unfortunately the broad use of essential oils for immune system therapy or curing cancer doesn’t appear to have any scientific basis. In the US, there are complementary and alternative medicine disciplines which are not allopathic (evidence based). Unfortunately homeopathy, naturopathy and even chiropracy often depend on unverified and sometimes useless or dangerous treatments.
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Some days ago this subject was discussed on a Dutch talk show. They had invited one not-so-eloquent pediatrician versus three hysterical anti-vax parents. Of course that didn’t go well. The next day the talk show host had to apologize for giving the impression that refusing to vaccinate children is a responsible choice.
Apparently this anti-vaxxer movement is gaining popularity among highly educated people. It’s stunning that these people can find conspiracy websites, but aren’t able to look up some basic principles of immunology and pharmacology.
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