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It is a respiratory disorder that causes your bronchial passages to become swollen and narrow, sometimes clogged with mucous. This results in shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
A typical episode of asthma gets triggered on account of allergens, toxins, pollution, stress or even exercise. Clinical aromatherapy experts favor essential oils for asthma relief. These oils have naturally occurring compounds that help alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
Best Essential Oils For Asthma Relief
1. Bergamot And Roman Chamomile Essential Oils
Essential oils of Bergamot and Roman Chamomile are antispasmodics. These oils provide relief from muscle contractions that cause the narrowing of bronchial passages in asthma patients. Their sedative nature helps relax the entire body and reduce tension that accompanies an asthma attack. Bergamot and Roman Chamomile essential oils blend well when mixed together. Use a mix of a few drops of these two essential oils as a chest and back rub in between mild to severe episodes of asthma.
2. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is an effective expectorant, expelling mucous that causes wheezing and coughing. Tea tree oil is known to help people with asthma in easing respiratory problems like cough and bronchitis. To use tea tree oil for treating asthma, dip a clean face cloth in warm water and wring it to remove excess water. Pour a few drops of this oil on the warm, damp face cloth. Breathe through it till the cloth becomes cool. Repeat the process a few more times till you feel better.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
The intense scent of eucalyptus oil opens up the congested airways of your lungs. This can be attributed to Eucalyptol, a chemical that breaks up mucous and phlegm allowing an asthmatic patient to breathe easily. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to warm water, in a hot water pot or a steam inhaler. Gently lean over and breathe the steam. This will expand constricted airways, relaxing lung spasms.
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4. Frankincense Oil
This essential oil is an expectorant with anti-inflammatory properties. It eliminates congestion from the nasal passages and lungs, that occurs on account of asthma. Frankincense oil is an excellent nervine that combats stress, anxiety and confusion. Use a reed diffuser to waft the scent of Frankincense oil into the air. You can also massage the oil as a chest rub to relieve congestion.
5. Peppermint Oil
Menthol found in peppermint oil is an effective decongestant. This oil is found to be effective in relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract. Its antispasmodic effect alleviates breathing difficulties evident in asthmatic patients. The vapors of peppermint oil clear a stuffy nose within minutes. It also eases wheezing and cough. Put a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton pad. Inhale the vapors for 10 minutes.
6. Oregano Oil
This essential oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Asthmatics get instant relief from breathing difficulties after inhalation of oregano essential oil. It also keeps infections of the respiratory tract, at bay. To breathe vapors of this oil, make a mist spray in an atomizer bottle, mixing 25 drops of oregano oil to 5oz of water. You can also add a few drops of this oil to some water in an essential oil diffuser.
7. Lavender Oil
This oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Lavender essential oil opens up airways during mild attacks of asthma. It also prevents convulsions that may occur in severely asthmatic patients. Mix a few drops of Lavender oil with peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Use as a chest rub or inhale the vapors to alleviate breathing problems. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your hot water bath. Inhaling the vapors will help you relax and unwind.
8. Clove Oil
This oil is an effective antidote for asthma. It has analgesic, anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic properties that expand constricted respiratory passages and improve breathing in asthma patients. To use clove essential oil, diffuse it in vaporizer or oil diffuser for 20 minutes. You can also use clove oil as a chest rub. However, do not apply clove oil directly to your skin. Dilute it with almond oil or water to avoid skin irritation.
9. Thyme Oil
This essential oil is a highly beneficial expectorant with antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is known to boost immunity and fortify the respiratory system, fighting cold, cough and all the symptoms associated with asthma. Use thyme essential oil blended with bergamot oil as a massage oil on the chest. You can also thyme essential oil in steam or vapor therapy to ease breathing and reduce wheezing.
