4 Soothing Essential Oils for Asthma Relief

Asthma is a disease in which your airways to the lungs become inflamed. The condition makes your airways swell and produce excess mucus which further blocks the airways.

The swelling and blockage make it difficult for the air to pass. Every time you breathe, the air first enters your nose, passes through your throat, then the airways, and finally into your lungs.

Therefore, asthma causes difficulty in breathing and often to perform daily tasks. To control the condition, those affected with asthma take the help of medicines and inhalers.

Talking about controlling the condition, apart from medicines, lifestyle changes and home remedies may also help.

One of the possible home remedies is essential oil treatment that can help to improve and ease the symptoms of asthma.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted by steaming or pressing plants.

For centuries, these oils have been used to treat medical conditions.

Of late, essential oils have also been recognized as an alternate treatment for a number of health conditions. It is always advised to use essential oils by diluting them in a carrier oil. The essential oil can be used in a number of ways like applying it on the skin, inhaling the fragrance, etc.

There are a number of essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in the treatment of asthma. While using essential oils for asthma symptoms relief, it must be noted that it should never be the only treatment you plan for. It can be followed in addition to your regular treatment and medicines.

Apart from using essential oils for asthma and other health conditions, they can also be added to perfumes and candles. There are also edible essential oils that are used in foods and drinks.

Here we list a few essential oils for asthma

Peppermint essential oils for asthma

Peppermint oil is extracted from peppermint leaves and is used for various purposes. This type of oil has antihistaminic and decongestant properties that help to breathe easily.

Apart from the treatment for asthma, peppermint oil is used in the treatment of nausea, headache, common cold, muscle pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Lavender essential oil for asthma

Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for numerous purposes. This oil is the most commonly used essential oil in aromatherapy.

You will be surprised to know that the oil has multipurpose properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antidepressant properties.

By blending the essential oil with a carrier oil, you can add it to your bathing water. Or you can even pour a few drops of the oil on a clean cloth and inhale the fragrance.

Owing to its properties, the oil is helpful to treat insomnia, menstrual cramps, depression, allergies, and nausea. The anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the inflammation of the airways caused by asthma and other allergies.

Avoid the usage of lavender if you have cancer. The essential oil has sedative properties, hence it is advised to avoid traveling after the usage of lavender oil in any form.

If you are allergic to lavender, avoid the usage of oil, it may cause side effects. Potential side effects of lavender oil include nausea, headache, and vomiting. It must be noted that lavender oil is for topical use, never consume the oil.

Eucalyptus essential oil for asthma

One of the widely used essential oils for asthma is eucalyptus oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve symptoms of not just asthma but also common cold and bronchitis. Inhaling steam that comprises eucalyptus oil is said to relieve respiratory conditions including asthma and sinusitis.

The oil helps to reduce and loosen the mucus, thus removing the blockage. However, it is advised to avoid using this oil for babies and young children. Make sure to test if you are allergic to eucalyptus oil.

For those with sensitive skin or those allergic to eucalyptus, the essential oil may worsen the symptom. Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include relieving cough, getting rid of mucus, treating and preventing infection, controlling blood sugar levels, and relieving joint pain.

Tea tree essential oil for asthma

Tea tree is made by crushing the tea tree leaves. This type of essential oil has been used for centuries as traditional medicine. This oil when inhaled helps in the treatment of cold and cough. The essential oil helps to cough up sputum that helps in breathing easily.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, tea tree oil helps to reduce skin inflammation that happens due to histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body due to allergic reactions.

Allergies are a major trigger factor that worsens asthma, hence tea tree works to relieve the condition by reducing inflammation and controlling allergies.

Tea tree oil also works as a hand sanitizer, insect repellent, deodorant, and antiseptic. The oil is also helpful to treat nail fungus, fight acne, treat skin inflammation, and control dandruff.

How to use essential oils to treat asthma?

Here are three ways you can use essential oils to treat asthma:

Inhale essential oils

While buying essential oils, read the label carefully, if it meets the purity standards. Once you buy any essential oil, store it properly at a spot away from direct sunlight.

Talk to your health care expert

Consult your doctor if you are using essential oils to treat asthma. It is always advised to talk to your doctor before trying any alternate treatments for not just asthma symptoms, but any health conditions.

If you are someone who is allergic to certain fragrances or essential oils in general, trying this alternate treatment can worsen your condition.

Have you tried using essential oils for asthma relief? Share your experience with us in the comments!