The coronavirus, which began to rage in the world in early 2020, poignantly exposed many problems. Of these, human health turned out to be the most pressing topic.
From protection from infections (influenza, tuberculosis, coronavirus, etc.), the very first is to wear a protective mask on the face. Many criticize that it is not effective enough: it does not cover the eyes from infection; air flows can pass during breathing into the nasopharynx through the side slits; that the mask should be changed every two hours, and then disinfected, washed, ironed with a hot iron, etc.
But, nevertheless, looking at the masses of people in different countries with masks on TV, it is clear that this is (and will remain for a long time) the most widespread type of protection. That urgently requires an increase in its efficiency.
Purpose of the work: increasing the effectiveness of a protective mask in the context of the coronavirus epidemic.
In the Middle Ages, during epidemics, people also wore masks and hung cloves of garlic under their noses. Which, with its odorous secretions (phytoncides), ensured the neutralization of viruses and bacteria.
Phytoncides (in Greek "fiton" - a plant, and in Latin "tsido" - I kill) are herbal antibiotics, volatile biologically active substances formed and secreted by plants. Their main function is to suppress the growth and development of microorganisms, and this protective reaction is characteristic of the entire plant world [4]. The most active among them is the juniper, which releases phytoncides 5–6 times more than other conifers [5].
Pine phytoncides are very active, capable of destroying tuberculosis pathogens. They try to locate tuberculosis hospitals and polyclinics in young pine forests, since they are considered to be the most effective in terms of air disinfection.
Phytoncides were discovered in 1928 by the Soviet embryologist B. P. Tokin. Although the medicinal properties of various plants and their odorous secretions have been used since time immemorial in folk medicine and aromatherapy.
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"Aromatherapy" - treatment with scents. This term was introduced at the beginning of the 18th century by Dr. A. Kanzel. Scientific confirmation of the effectiveness of using essential oils for medicinal purposes was made by R. Hattefos in 1937. And the classic of aromatherapy Jean Valnet suggested that some molecules of essential oils are capable of acting like hormones, penetrating the body systems and regulating their activity. Another possible mechanism is reflex or reflex-associative. In this case, on the basis of conditioned reflexes established in the cerebral cortex, odors can cause certain physiological reactions, as well as associations [1].
The pharmacies offer a wide selection of inexpensive bottles with various liquid concentrates of phytoncides of essential oil plants. Oil of juniper, eucalyptus, basil, fennel, mint, cumin, yarrow actively inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause purulent infections, typhoid, dysentery [2].
Particular attention should be paid to diseases, united by the name "acute respiratory viral infections" (ARVI). Which rank first in the world among all infectious diseases and account for 95% of all infections. This is where aromatherapy and the use of phytoncides to protect against these diseases can be very effective.
Essential oils of lemon balm have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, provide bacteriostatic and antiviral effects. Eucalyptus leaves contain cineole - a natural antiseptic agent that has a powerful antiviral effect.
There are reports of scientists that the essential oils of lemon balm, wormwood, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemongrass, mint, santolina, verbena, reduce the toxicogenicity of viruses, inhibit the replication of viral RNA, prevent the transmission of the virus from cell to cell, acts on viruses (HIV and simple herpes) that have already entered the cell and prevents the process of glycolysis of polypeptides by viruses [3].
The available experimental data serve as the basis for the use of essential oils for the prevention and treatment of viral infections in humans. So, to reduce the risk of contracting SARS, a disease caused by coronavirus, characterized by high contagiousness, mortality due to immunosuppression (lymphocytopenia and a decrease in the level of CD4 lymphocytes), it is recommended to inhale essential oil vapors 30 minutes before visiting public places and every 30 minutes, while in a public place use a pocket inhaler with a mixture of eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils [3].
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF A PROTECTIVE MASK
To increase the effectiveness of a protective mask against a viral infection, it is suggested to drop 4-6 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus, juniper, pine or another plant on the inner surface, the phytoncides of which actively destroy viruses.
Figure: 1. A set of three protective masks against coronavirus.
Literature
Aromatherapy - treatment with odors [Electronic resource]. - Access mode: https://yogastuff.ru/26_aromaterapija---lechenie-z …
Sjadro V. V. Phytoncides - unique "Aibolites" of nature [Electronic resource]. - Access mode:
A. A. Tikhomirov Essential oils as effective means of ARVI prevention [Electronic resource]. - Access mode:
Phytoncides are a powerful weapon of plants [Electronic resource]. - Access mode:
Phytoncides instead of expensive drugs - a forgotten recipe for health [Electronic resource]. - Access mode: woman.forumdaily.com/fitoncidy-vmesto-doro…
Author: Konstantin Tomilin