Oils That Are Good For Asthma
Have you ever tried using essential oil for asthma? Asthma is a condition that disrupts the normal function of the airways that reach the lungs. People struggling with asthma look for natural alternatives to manage these complaints and feel good. Here, vegetable oils can be considered among these alternatives. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is more common in young men than young girls, but more common in adult women than in adult men. When used properly, essential oils can be a really effective part of a natural treatment plan for asthma.
Given its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and anti-congestive properties, peppermint oil has been used in traditional treatments for centuries to relieve breathing difficulties. And today, recent research shows that peppermint oil is not the only essential oil that can also help manage asthma complaints. This article contains information about the best vegetable oils that asthma patients can use to reduce their complaints.
Essential Oils That Reduce Asthma Complaints
Asthma and allergies are specifically triggered by exposure to the same substances that trigger allergy symptoms. Therefore, there is no big difference between essential oils used for allergies and essential oils used for asthma. Here are oils that can be used for asthma:
Eucalyptus Oil
Asthmatic bronchitis is when asthma and bronchitis occur at the same time. Eucalyptus oil is an excellent choice if essential oils are to be used for asthmatic bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil is known to help open the airways and improve bronchial restriction. Eucalyptus contains the active ingredient citronellal that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Wheezing, swelling, mucus, and tightening of the muscles can be a sign of asthma where the airways can narrow. Eucalyptus oil is definitely worth trying to relieve these complaints. A scientific review published in 2014 highlights a beneficial ingredient of eucalyptus oil, known as eucalyptol, known for its ability to reduce respiratory spasms and thin mucus, making it less thick, sticky and problematic.
Eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineole, has shown to have therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Overall, the review concludes that, based on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties demonstrated in recent clinical trials with eucalyptol, there is evidence of its use as long-term therapy to improve asthma control. Studies have also shown that inhaling eucalyptus oil produces a cold sensation in the nose, which helps improve air flow.
Mint oil
Peppermint oil is definitely another essential oil choice for breathing difficulties. With its purifying and invigorating scent, peppermint oil is often used to cleanse the lungs and open the bronchial passages. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research suggests that peppermint oil and its active ingredient L-menthol have impressive anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit chronic inflammatory disorders such as bronchial asthma. Another animal study published in 2010 shows peppermint oil’s ability to act as a relaxing antispasmodic, a quality that can specifically help with common asthma symptoms such as wheezing and cough. Also, peppermint oil is recognized as one of the best essential oils for cough.
Oil of Oregano
Oregano has powerful antiseptic properties that can cleanse the lungs for healthier respiratory function. If you are struggling with an additional layer of breathing difficulties due to bronchitis with asthma, oregano oil can really work. It is one of my favorite essential oils for bronchitis because it is known to be very successful in killing all types of bacteria, including those that can invade the respiratory system. Oregano oil has even been shown to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ginger Oil
Ginger has been used to treat respiratory illnesses for centuries. Ginger essential oil is used as a natural remedy for asthma, colds, cough, and bronchitis. Studies have shown that ginger extract inhibits airway contraction, which can make breathing easier. Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation are two common features of asthma. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology found that ginger and its active ingredients cause significant and rapid relaxation in isolated human airway smooth muscle. The researchers concluded that the active ingredients of ginger oil, including gingerol, may only provide a therapeutic option for people with respiratory diseases such as asthma or in combination with other accepted forms of treatment.
Lavender oil
Asthma is known to worsen when a person experiences stress or anxiety. Using a soothing essential oil like lavender along with deep breathing can provide some relief. Lavender oil is well known for its relaxing, carminative and soothing effects, so it can also be beneficial in alleviating asthma complaints. Bronchial asthma involves airway remodeling and bronchial allergic inflammation. An animal study published in 2014 shows how inhaling lavender essential oil can prevent allergic inflammation and reduce mucous production. Overall, the researchers conclude that lavender oil may be useful as an alternative remedy for bronchial asthma.
How to Use Vegetable Oils for Asthma?
The use of vegetable oils can be done in several ways, and these ways are as follows:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils obtained from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) to improve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When it comes to using eucalyptus oil for asthma, spreading it in the air is a great option. All the oils I just mentioned can be used in a diffuser so air enriched with essential oil can be inhaled. It is recommended to consult a professional before use, and many experts agree that oil diffusers can be used with caution. First of all, you should start with a few drops of oil, look at the effect, and then make your own special mixture with other oils. Other ways to use essential oils for asthma through aromatherapy include:
• Inhaling oils directly from a cloth or bottle through the nostrils.
• Getting into a bath with oil dripping
• Apply oils directly to the skin.
• Receiving massage therapy involving the use of essential oils.
Current Applications
It can also use essential oils for asthma to apply topically to the skin. Peppermint oil and lavender oil can be applied topically to the chest, back of the neck, temples and soles of the feet. For people with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil before applying topically. It can also dilute and apply other essential oils topically. One of my favorite topical asthma remedies is to use two drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme and ginger oil by mixing them with a teaspoon of coconut oil and rubbing it on the chest. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths should then be taken.
Possible Side Effects of Using Oil in Asthma Complaints
People react differently to specific essential oils for asthma and essential oils in general. If a person is being treated for asthma (or any other ongoing health problem) or is taking any medication, they should consult their doctor before using the oils. It is possible to be allergic to an essential oil that can trigger an asthma attack. Any essential oil known to be allergic should not be used. Strong smells can cause an asthma attack, so essential oils should be used in very small amounts and diluted appropriately. Just a drop or two is enough to experience its benefits. Also, rubbing essential oils on the soles of your feet can be a good way to test the possible benefits of the scent.
If, after trying an essential oil, worsening asthma symptoms are noticed, use should be discontinued immediately. If an asthma attack is suspected due to the use of essential oil, immediate medical attention should be sought. Asthma attacks can be fatal, so it’s always best to be cautious. Symptoms of a severe asthma attack include pale skin, sweating, blue lips, a very rapid heartbeat, and trouble breathing.
Before using any essential oil with an asthmatic child, the child doctor should always be consulted. Some essential oils such as peppermint should not be used in any way with children under the age of six. If the person suspects that they have asthma, they should first consult a specialist. Common symptoms of asthma include cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chest pain or pressure.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects both children and adults. Common symptoms of asthma include cough, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chest pain or pressure. There are many great natural remedies that can increase asthma symptoms and essential oils for asthma, including diet and exercise. Before using essential oils for asthma, your doctor should be consulted. Which essential oils are good for respiratory problems such as asthma should first be tried in a small amount and then continued. Only essential oils that are 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade and certified USDA organic should be used for asthma. This is key to ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of oils.