Essential Oils For Asthma Relief
Modern medicine has helped extend our lifespans, changed the way that we treat disease, and much more. However, there is still something to be said for natural healing, and essential oils do have very real benefits that can be harnessed with the right steps.
Asthma is one example of this. While there’s no outright cure for this breathing condition, there are numerous steps that can be taken to help reduce the symptoms – things like tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and more. These problems occur because asthma causes an inflammation of the airways which restricts breathing.
Essential oils can help to open up those airways, reduce the inflammation that causes asthma attacks, and more. And best of all, there are multiple essential oils that are effective. Here are some of the best choices out there.
Essential Oils For Asthma 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 – Peppermint’s 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. It’s 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.
- Chamomile – Chamomile tea is a staple in millions of kitchens, but using the essential oil is something that asthmatics can try out as well. This oil has been found to act as an antispasmodic. In other words, it helps to relieve the muscle contractions that occur within the body. In doing so, it can help to restrict those airways that are swollen and in the process help to improve breathing.
- Clove – Clove oil isn’t always as commonly used as some of the others on this list, but it’s still very useful. Clove oil can help reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasms, and help alleviate breathing significantly. In short, it’s a must-have for those looking to relieve their asthma symptoms naturally.
Eucalyptus Oil Asthma: Weighing the Benefits Against the Risks for Asthma Relief
In the realm of natural remedies, essential oils for asthma hold a promising spot for their potential benefits in easing symptoms. Among them, eucalyptus essential oil, renowned for its strong aroma, has been studied for its capacity to clear phlegm and mucus, potentially improving breathing for those with asthma.
A notable study found that 1.8-cineol, a major component of eucalyptus oil, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in bronchial asthma, offering a significant reduction in the need for steroids in severe cases (Juergens et al., 2003). However, the effectiveness and safety of eucalyptus oil in asthma care are not universally agreed upon, with some studies pointing to mixed results.
For instance, certain individuals might experience exacerbation of symptoms, and concerns have been raised regarding its potential to induce seizures in specific contexts (Mathew et al., 2017). Given these considerations, it may be prudent for individuals with asthma to explore other essential oils known for their therapeutic benefits.
Lavender, peppermint, tea tree, chamomile, and clove oil are excellent alternatives. These oils have been recognized for their abilities to fight inflammation, act as decongestants, and alleviate muscle spasms associated with asthma, without the conflicting evidence surrounding eucalyptus oil.
Employing a holistic approach to managing asthma symptoms with essential oils requires mindful selection and usage, aiming for the safest and most effective relief possible.
How to Use Essential Oils For Asthma
These are just a few good examples of the essential oil options available for those who suffer from asthma. Each one may impact you differently, and none will have an instant effect. Instead, you’ll want to give each remedy time to work and then try to find the oils that have the biggest impact on your asthma symptoms. It can take a bit of trial and error but in the long run will be well worth it.
Of course, knowing the different kinds of essential oils available is only the first step. You’ll also need to effectively use the oils in order to get the best results. There are several different ways to go about using the oils above, including:
- Use a Nebulizing Oil Diffuser to diffuse oils throughout the air of a room. This works great with clove, lavender, and Chamomile in particular.
- Add several drops of the appropriate oils to a carrier oil like olive, almond, or coconut. This is useful for creating blends of multiple oils, and once created can be rubbed onto the chest to help keep one’s airways healthy and clear.
- Put a few drops of the oil in a pot with some boiling hot water and breathe in the steam deeply. This one’s especially effective for lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
- Without diluting, add several drops of one of these oil(s) to a damp, warm towel and then breathe through the towel until it cools down. This can be repeated until your asthma attacks pass.
Essential Oils and Asthma
Finally, be sure to remember that severe asthma problems should always be attended by a doctor. Speaking to a medical professional about your symptoms is a must to ensure your health. But talk to them about using essential oils and you may find that these natural remedies do have a place in the medical community – one that often isn’t even considered at first.
