Antiviral Oils, Butters, Waxes & Gels
Antiviral Carrier Oils
Virgin coconut oil is antiviral and helps protect the skin from blemishes, signs of aging, and overexposure to sunlight. Coconut oil also keeps the skin's connective tissues strong and supple. It removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, smoothing the skin. It penetrates deeper layers of the skin and strengthens the underlying tissues, helping heal and repair age-damaged skin. Choose a high-quality, organic coconut oil that is free of chemicals, including bleached or hydrogenated oils, which can irritate your skin. Fatty acids from coconut's saturated fat are called lauric acid. Lauric acid converts into monolaurin in your body. It is, otherwise, found only in human breast milk. Monolaurin supports your healthy immune system. Other studies suggest that monolaurin can block signals between problem-posing cells, disrupting their function. Monolaurin also helps to prevent herpes cold sores and genital outbreaks.
Jojoba oil is an antiviral liquid wax ester derived from the cold-pressed seeds of desert shrubs, which speeds healing and minimizes scarring. It is similar to the sebum your skin produces to retain moisture and keep skin smooth and elastic. Around the age of 20, your skin's sebum production begins to decrease. Jojoba mixes with your natural sebum and helps to maintain skin moisture and elasticity. Jojoba oil forms a thin, non-greasy lipid layer that retains water in your skin without clogging pores, allowing your skin to function optimally. Jojoba contains vitamin E, B-complex, silicon, chromium, copper, zinc, and iodine.
Palm kernel oil contains many potent antioxidants, including beta-carotene and tocotrienols (a powerful form of vitamin E), which defend against free radicals generated by your environment. Additionally, palm oil contains phytonutrients, including phytosterols, squalene, CoQ10, and a mixture of carotenoids.
Almond oil and extra virgin olive oil are antiviral and lovely to have on hand in the bathroom. Almond oil is very light and works wonderfully as a moisturizer and makeup remover for the face. Olive oil is great for the bath and as a skin moisturizer. It also works well as an instant shine booster for dull or frizzy hair. Rub a little between your palms, then smooth your hands through your hair.
Saint John's Wort, Tamanu, and Emu are other excellent antiviral oils.
Antiviral Butters & Waxes & Gels
Mango butter, extracted from the seed kernels of the mango fruit, contains compounds that act as antiviral agents and resemble cocoa butter. It is a common ingredient in soaps and other skincare products, replacing petroleum-based emollients. Mango butter protects against the sun's UV rays. It softens, soothes, moisturizes, and protects your skin. In addition, it helps maintain flexibility and control any age-related damage.
Shea butter is an all-natural vitamin A cream from the tropics of Africa. Unrefined and organic shea butter contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, and a unique blend of fatty acids. Additionally, it allows your skin to absorb moisture from the air. The name of its tree of origin is the Tree of Life.
Beeswax is often used to thicken recipes and contains antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used, for example, to create a firm ointment or solid perfume.
Aloe vera gel is antiviral and soothes minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and skin irritation. It contains more than seventy-five nutrients and helps to produce collagen and elastin for a youthful appearance. Minerals found in aloe vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. In addition, aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as folic acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of your body. Eight are essential nutrients that your body can't reproduce but are found in the aloe plant.
Creating an Antiviral Essential Oil Recipe
Essential oils are never to be used neat (straight, undiluted). Aloe vera gel helps relieve itching, and vitamin E helps ease pain. So, consider using them together in antiviral essential oil recipes. For example, 30 drops of lemon balm essential oil can be added to 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil, two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and one teaspoon of vitamin E oil. If you have no vitamin E oil on hand, you can open vitamin E capsules and squeeze the contents into your base, equivalent to 1 teaspoon. This recipe gives you a 5% dilution, the strongest you can make and use safely.
Note: Ensure your aloe vera gel comes directly from the plant leaf or states 100% pure (without alcohol or preservatives) on the product label, as it may sting (ouch!).
Additionally, refer to the THW Remedy Oil and THW Remedy Balm recipes.
