Many aromatherapy books warn against using essential oils to treat asthma. Some asthma sufferers are sensitive to fragrance and find that it triggers attacks. While you don't want to make the situation any worse, aromatherapy, using essential oils, can offer promising results when used with care. Because asthma sufferers can be extremely sensitive to scent, do a sniff test first. Test the essential oils or blend of oils you want to try by simply sniffing it to make sure there is no adverse reaction.
Air Therapy Using Essential Oils for Asthma
The safest time for aromatherapy treatments is in-between attacks. Using essential oils with decongestant, anti-spasmodic, and antihistamine properties in an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser can help reduce the
occurrence of asthma attacks. Ultrasonic diffusers help in two ways. They remove, dust, allergens, bacteria, and other impurities from the air that can trigger asthma attacks. They also disperse essential oils without the use of heat, putting them into the air in a format that you can breathe in and get their full benefits. Essential oils that are useful for dealing with asthma include: blue chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, niaouli, cypress, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, rose, geranium, clary sage, sandalwood, and ginger. Essential oil blends like Respiration (eucalyptus & rosemary) and Headache Relief (peppermint & lavender) are also good options. Please note that eucalyptus should not be used during an attack.
Lavender can be used in an ultrasonic diffuser even during an attack. The mist helps open airways, while the lavender helps relax lung spasms. This may halt the attack right in its tracks or reduce its severity. Plus, lavender relaxes the mind, helping to reduce panic when you feel when you can't catch your breath.
Topical Essential Oil Treatments to Help Prevent Asthma Attacks
*NOTE: This guide is based on published traditional uses of Essential Oils and is for reference purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prescribe or diagnose. The information contained herein is in no way considered a substitute for consultation with a duly licensed health care professional.
