The Best Essential Oils To Relieve Asthma
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Aromatherapy
Asthma is a chronic or acute inflammation of tissue that causes the lungs and airways to swell. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and shortness of breath.
There are many natural treatments available to relieve asthma and in this article I am going to specifically describe how essential oils can help to relieve asthma.
Nexon Botanics Breathe Ease Essential Oil Blend
One thing that makes this different from the products mentioned above is that it is not made of a single ingredient. Rather, it is a synergy blend of several oils that are believed to be effective in improving your respiratory function.
This blend uses niaouli, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils. They can help deal with congestion when you have asthma. It is also one of the best essential oils for colds and bronchitis.
Buy Essential Oils For Breathing Problems
Kshrey deals in different kinds of natural products such as – attars, essential oils, absolute oils, carrier oils, fragrance oils etc. We strive to keep the ancient philosophy alive, where nature’s gifts such as plants and its parts were being utilized for various health concerns. Today, We are globally acclaimed for our highest quality of pure and natural essential oils made by traditional extraction techniques. We produce a number of essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, ginger, thyme, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and many more by procuring raw material grown in its natural habitat. Above mentioned, natural oils are considered as the best essential oils for Asthma.
Don’t Miss: What Is Asthma Characterized By
Essential Oils Do Not Replace Traditional Medicine
Essential oils may have some potential in asthma treatment in certain people. But they should never be used to replace asthma medication, especially in more severe asthma.Â;The best ways to manage asthma are:6
- Avoid your asthma triggers the best you can.
- Take asthma medicines, such as inhaled steroids to prevent symptoms.
- Be ready to treat asthma episodes if they occur with a rescue, or quick-relief, inhaler.
I know some people believe that doctors who recommend prescription medications over “natural” alternatives are ruled by “Big Pharma” and the government. And it’s true that in the U.S., pharmaceutical companies do exert tremendous influence on health care, regulations, and even the government. But it’s also true that asthma experts worldwide have concluded that the approach listed in the bullets above is the best, most effective, way to achieve asthma control and prevent disability and death.
I will tell you, though, that at the behest of a friend, I tried a mixture of lemon, lavender, and peppermint oils to treat my allergic asthma a few years ago. I loved the aromas, and I did not have any allergic reaction, even though I am quite sensitive to perfumes. But the oils also did not help my asthma at all. I know you will hear different results from other people, but that was my experience. I truly wish the essential oils had helped me.
Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil
Taking peppermint essential oil will help in relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract. This makes it possible to get rid of the breathing obstructions in your airways.
Peppermint is also known as a natural antihistamine and a decongestant. It inhibits the production of histamines that can clog your breathing pathways. This also makes it a great essential oil to use during allergy seasons.
In one study from the European Journal of Medical Research, the findings suggest that L-menthol, the active compound in peppermint, is what makes it great for asthma . It has anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for bronchial asthma.
Don’t Miss: What Does Asthma Do To The Body
Recipe #5 Asthma Attack Chest Rub
Ingredients:
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop of marjoram essential oil
- 4 drops of geranium essential oil
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 ounce of vegetable oil
Preparation and Application: In a clean, ceramic bowl, add the essential oils to the vegetable oil, and stir to mix. Rub the blend on your chest as necessary.
Why Essential Oils Are Good For Asthma
While the degree to which asthma affects you might differ, there is no actual cure for the condition. Furthermore, our exposure to polluted air in the cities and sustained inhalation of suspended particulate matter in the dirty air increases our chances of contracting the diseases and worsens an individual affected with a mild case.
Asthma takes time to cure and any natural cure along with medicines help in faster recovery. Essential oils help to calm you down by providing required immune support, menthol properties and regulate breathing rate.
Essential oils have a variety of natural sources which help cure the disease faster. Extracted from these natural plants, they are volatile hydrophobic compounds with a distinctive aroma.
They have a host of health benefits and can be of extreme use to patients wishing to reduce their asthma cough. Every essential has its own properties which help to reduce a cough and asthma treatment.
Recommended Reading: What Happens To The Alveoli During An Asthma Attack
What Are The Dangers Of Essential Oils
Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds , which are known to release terpenes, toluene, benzene and other VOCs into the air. Inhalation of VOCs has been associated with increased asthma symptoms, such as nocturnal breathlessness and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, among patients both with and without asthma.
Other everyday products that contain VOCs include:
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning supplies
- Paints7
Additionally, unlike prescription asthma medicines, essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration . The FDA classifies essential oils based on their intended use and has issued letters to companies selling essential oils warning them about making false claims. Essential oils are usually classified as cosmetic.8
Recipe #3 Massage & Rub Blend
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil
- 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops of cypress essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Preparation and Application: Pour the vegetable oil into a clean, ceramic bowl. Add the natural oils and stir to combine. Use the blend to massage your back.
You May Like: How Do You Test For Asthma In Adults
Essential Oils: A Poor Choice For Asthma
Alrightwe need to talk. Those of you who know me personally or follow my blog are aware that I dont shy away from controversial topics, and that I dont have a problem speaking my mind. I try to do it in a respectful, informative, and somewhat humorous way. But I saw something this morning that needs to be addressed, and its not funny at all.
As I was eating breakfast this morning, I saw a link about essential oils posted on a fellow pediatrician/bloggers , where he made some important observations about the authors claims regarding medical uses of essential oils. I agree with him completely, but I think the point needs to be driven home a little harder. The article he linked to is called Essential Oils Alternative for Pediatricians Top 10 Prescribed Drugs. Its a bit unclear, but the article appears to have been written by one of two people:
- Xavier Lannes, the CEO of The Essential Tools, LLC . Based on his , Mr. Lannes has a strong interest in skateboarding, some business experience, and no medical training whatsoever. But Im sure hes just as knowledgeable about childrens health as your pediatrician.
- Or , a Gold Member at Young Living Essential Oils, with a BS in Biological Sciences and a couple MA degrees in unrelated fields. She also blogs at essentialsurvival.org, where her profile states that she is also a reflexologist/holistic healer. Again, no medical training. Did I mention that she sells essential oils?
Floral Emissions Before And After A Storm
The supplementary information shows emissions from GrevilleaRobyn Gordon captured before and after a storm. Included GCMS chromatograms demonstrate substantially increased linalool, hexenal, and hexanoic acid emissions before the storm, compared to after the storm, and relative quantities are listed.
Don’t Miss: Is Tea Good For Asthma
Tips And Lifestyle Change For Controlling Asthma
The pollutants indoor and outdoor are responsible for triggering asthma attacks. You may not do much about the environmental pollution outside. But you can certainly control the pollutants and irritants at your home. Here are some of the tips to help you lessen the frequency of asthma attacks in your life.
- Make your home a no smoking area.
- Its advisable to discard all the chemical-based cleaning products at your home. There are simple and natural ingredients like baking soda and certainly essential to help you clean your home.
- Do not use aerosols at home if you are an asthmatic. Its also advisable to avoid petroleum-based beauty products.
- Using a water filter can save you from chlorine in tap water.
- Vacuum clean your carpets and furniture on a regular basis to avoid dust mites.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, and fix water leaks to reduce mold.
- Use bed sheets and pillowcases that are made of non-allergic materials.
- Keep your furry pets out of the room. Its better to brush your pets regularly to remove and manage the fur.
- Cockroaches are allergic triggers. Keep good hygiene in and around your home so that theres no epidemic of cockroaches.
Rosemary Oil For Asthma
Rosemary oil is one of the traditional remedies for asthma which is extracted from the rosemary bush.
Why Does It Work?
Recent studies have revealed that rosemary oils can soothe and relax the inner walls of the trachea. In short, it makes breathing more comfortable for someone who is having an asthma attack.
How To Use?
You could use rosemary essential oil in combination with a lighter, carrier oil to maximize the effects it has on your health. Heating the mixture and inhaling the steam can be extremely helpful for an asthma patient.
Read Also: How To Control Asthma Without Inhaler
Essential Oils To Try
- Lavender Lavender is by far the most widely used essential oil and one of the most highly studied. It is known for its relaxing, sedative properties, and when it comes to asthma lavender oil can help to fight against airway inflammation and reduce the problems with breathing that it brings.
- Peppermint Peppermints famous for its ability to act as a decongestant and a natural antihistamine. Both of those effects can help to reduce asthma symptoms, and since peppermint naturally inhibits the creation of the histamines that close off airways it can help to reduce asthma attacks. Its especially effective during allergy season, when allergens trigger attacks.;
- Tea Tree Tea tree oil works as an expectorant, helping the body break up mucous in the airway and improve breathing. In those with asthma, this can be instrumental in reducing the overall symptoms associated with the condition.;
- Eucalyptus Another oil with a strong, instantly recognizable aroma is eucalyptus. This compound has been found to help break up phlegm and mucous that can clog the airways, helping to improving breathing in the process.;
- Clove Clove oil isnt always as commonly used as some of the others on this list, but its still very useful. Clove oil can help reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasms, and help alleviate breathing significantly. In short, its a must-have for those looking to relieve their asthma symptoms naturally.
Types Causes Symptoms & Triggers Of Asthma
There are three popular forms of asthma with similar pathological appearance, including allergic, non-allergic, and occupational. The onset of allergic asthma is in childhood and may continue into adulthood, but cutback in adolescence is common. The commencement of non-allergic is in adulthood, and it is usually associated with perennial non-allergic rhinitis.
The primary causes of asthma are not known. According to research, much has been learned about the root triggers of the condition. It is known that asthma results from a combination of genetic susceptibility, and exposure to environmental agents. People inherit a tendency to develop asthma from one or both parents. Nevertheless, you may be born with the genes, and never go on to develop the disease. Environmental mechanisms appear to be important in establishing whether one becomes asthmatic or not.
However, the following factors may increase the risks of developing asthma:
- Maternal smoking
- Exposure to high concentration of allergens
Also Check: Is There A Cure For Asthma
Essential Oil Steam Therapy
A lavender oil steam therapy can break up the excess phlegm in the airways and reduce the inflammations.
You have to add 4 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil in a steamy hot water bowl. Now gently stir the water. After that, cover your head with a towel and bend over the water bowl.
Inhale the steam with mouth and nose for 10- 15 minutes. The process will clear off the nasal passageways and help you breathe well.
Do Essential Oils Help With Asthma Symptoms
- Posted on: Jun 18 2018
- AENT Associates
Essential oils arent anything new. Ancient Egyptians used aromatic plants for medicinal purposes.1 For the past few decades, theyve been used to scent products and flavor foods. More recently, they have become a large part of the countrys appetite for wellness and holistic healthy living practices.2
Celebrities from all walks of life have praised essential oils and claimed that they have helped them overcome different ailments. You may be wondering if these oils could help ease your asthma symptoms, too.
Don’t Miss: What Helps Breathing With Asthma
Plant Therapy Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot is one of the best anti-inflammatory essential oils, making it deserve a spot on our list. It helps in the reduction of bronchi inflammation, eliminating obstructions that might make it difficult for you to breathe. Because of this action, it also helps in the reduction of mucus build-up.
One of the best ways to use this bergamot essential oil is to add a few drops in boiling water and use it for steam inhalation. The bright scent of bergamot can provide immediate relief to clear your breathing pathways.
How To Use Essential Oils For Allergies
Food Allergies; Take 12 drops of lemon or peppermint oil internally to relieve the symptoms of a food allergy. This will help to detoxify the body and eliminate the allergens through sweat or urination.
Skin Rash & Hives; Use tea tree or basil oil topically to treat skin rashes and hives. Add 23 drops to a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Layering oils over the liver area is another way to treat skin irritations because it helps the liver to flush out toxins that burden the skin. Dilute 34 drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and rub it into the liver area.
Seasonal Allergies; Disinfect your home with lemon and tea tree oil; this will eliminate triggers and cleanse the air and your furniture. Add 40 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil to a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with pure water and a little bit of white vinegar and spray the mixture on any area in your home.
To reduce respiratory issues associated with seasonal allergies, try my Homemade Vapor Rub; it delivers a soothing feeling that will open up the airways and make it easier to breathe.
Allergy Blend; Combine 23 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into the temples, behind the ears and into the bottoms of the feet.
Also Check: Can You Die In Your Sleep From Asthma
Healing Solutions Organic Lavender Essential Oil
In a 2014 study, researchers have explored the effectiveness of lavender essential oil in animals. The results showed that it can be effective in the reduction of inflammation as a result of asthma and allergies . The same effect is expected in humans.
Aside from being an anti-inflammatory, lavender is also known for helping in relaxation. With this, when you have asthma, using lavender essential oil can make the symptoms more bearable. It has sedative properties to ease the burden of asthma.
Top 10 Essential Oils For Asthma Relief
We have seen that essential oil decreases swelling, pain, infections, and other causes that worsen asthma. However, few essential oils are more helpful for treating asthma than others due to their medicinal properties. Here are the Top 10 Essential Oils that can be used for reducing asthma symptoms.
You May Like: How To Help Someone With Asthma
Essential Oil Recipes For Breathing Difficulties
Using a blend of essential oils for a facial steaming is a great way to deal with a range of problems, including colds, ear infections, eye infections, and of course breathing difficulties. It uses team infused with essential oils to dislodge mucus from the sinuses and respiratory system to open up the airways and promote clear and deep breathing.
You need;
- A pot with 3 4 cups of water
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
- A heat source
No doubt youll feel better after the fifteen minutes are up and youll be breathing much better too. Aim to do this around four times a day for total relief.
Vics Vapor Rub is a fantastic cold remedy that also helps with congestion and clogged sinuses, all of which cause breathing problems. You can make your own vapor rub at home using a roll-on bottle ready for when you need it. Not only will you save some cash, but youll also avoid the potentially harmful compounds found in Vics vapor rub, including petroleum jelly.
You need:
- A squirt bottle filled with water
What to do:
What you need: