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06 / 04 / 2024

 

Essential oils: The basics

Steaming or pressing plants releases aroma-rich oils. These oils contain the odor and flavor of the plants. They are often referred to as the plant’s essence.

Essences can be added to a variety of products like perfumes, candles, and aromatherapy scents. They’re also sometimes added to foods and drinks.

For centuries, essences or essential oils have also been used as alternative treatments for a variety of medical conditions. In recent years, essential oils have gained popularity as nontraditional treatments. These oils are also gaining attention from the health community.

Essential oils give off an essence. Using them is called aromatherapy. Essentials oils should be diluted in a carrier oil if applied to the skin. Essential oils should not be swallowed.

Extracting essences from plants by natural means produces pure, high-quality oils. These oils can be used in a variety of ways. Many people use essential oils strictly as an aromatherapy product.

These oils can also be applied to the skin or diffused in a steamer. Gently inhaling the scents can provide benefits that include relaxation and headache relief.

“Asthma is a condition that often gets worse in anxious moments,” said Erin Stair, MD, MPH, a New York-based doctor. Breathing exercises combined with some aromatherapy may also offer relief in many instances.

Some essential oils have an anti-inflammatory action and may be beneficial for treating asthma in some people.

Most quality, peer-reviewed studies exclusively examined and analyzed the potential of essential oils as aromatherapy options. Essential oils should never be the main treatment for asthma. For some people, aromatherapy may trigger symptoms.

However, several oils have shown potential as alternative treatments for asthma symptoms:
Clove

You likely know clove from the culinary world. This flower also produces an essential oil that may help relieve symptoms of asthma. Clove essential oil may help reduce symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Rosemary

Rosemary extract relaxes the smooth muscles of the trachea, according to an early study. This results in more relaxed breathing.

A 2018 study showed rosemary can reduce asthma symptoms in people who didn’t see improvement from traditional treatments. Participants in this study saw a decrease in asthma symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, and wheezing.
Thyme

Thyme may reduce inflammation and support the health of lung cells, according to a 2021 animal study. In this study, animals that consumed thyme oil had fewer asthma symptoms. But more research is needed to find out if thyme has the same anti-asthma effects in people.

Thyme extracts have been used to treatTrusted Source other lung conditions such as cough and bronchitis.
How to use essential oils for symptoms of asthma

The best time to use an essential oil treatment for asthma is between attacks, not while you’re having one or experiencing an increase in symptoms.

“It all depends on the person, on the ailment, on how you use it,” says Birgitta Lauren, a Los Angeles-based aromatherapist. However, “a reduction in symptoms can take from 10 minutes to weeks… try each [oil] separately.”

Here are some instructions to help you get started:

    Mix 2 to 3 drops of an essential oil in an ounce of a carrier oil. Carrier oils are neutral oils that dilute the essential oil, helping a little bit go a long way. Carrier oils also help spread the fragrance around so you’re not as likely to be overwhelmed by the scent.
    Spread the oil combination on your chest and inhale the scent for 15 to 20 minutes.
    Wipe clean.
    Repeat daily as needed.

Steam bath

You can also consider using steam to inhale an essential oil.

    Fill a bucket or bowl with steaming water.
    Add 2 to 3 drops of the essential oil to the water and gently stir.
    Place your face directly over the water, being careful not to touch the hot water. Drape a towel over your head so it covers both your head and the sides of the bowl.
    Inhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.
    Take a break for a few minutes and then repeat 2 to 3 more times.

Air dispersed oils

An essential oil diffuser or a humidifier can disperse the concentrated oil into the air. Note that it’s important to clean diffusers and humidifiers regularly to avoid mold growth.
Epsom salt bath

If you have a large bathtub, you can also add a few drops of the diluted oil to Epsom salt and then pour the salt into a warm bath. Breathe deeply to enjoy the aromatic benefits of the essential oils in your bath.
Risks and warnings

Different people have different reactions to essential oils, so it’s important to be cautious as you integrate essential oils into your routine. Although they’re widely considered safe, you should speak with your doctor to make sure you don’t have an allergy.

Essential oil diffusers may release volatile organic compounds, which can worsen asthma symptoms.