The 13 Best Essential Oils for Asthma 2020 (Plus Recipes)

More than 235 million people in the world have asthma, the World Health Organization reports (1). It is one of the most chronic diseases, especially among children.

Asthma is not curable, but it is a manageable illness. With the right treatment, people with asthma can live a rewarding life. Without proper interventions, on the other hand, asthma is fatal. Most of these deaths could have been avoided if the patients received proper care and treatment.

While there is no known cure, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and make life easier for those who have asthma. Among others, one of the most promising is the use of the best essential oils for asthma.

Clueless about the best essential oil to use? Read on I will let you know some of the most effective.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

You must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of asthma to know when there is already a need for proper intervention.

Breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing are the most common symptoms of asthma. The severity will vary from one individual to another. These symptoms will worsen when a person engages in physical activity or at night. When it gets worse, this is when a person is technically having an asthma attack.

During an asthma attack, you may end up unable to sleep, eat, or speak.

How Do You Treat Asthma?

As noted above, asthma has no known cure. However, this does not mean that you just have to live with it and let the symptoms affect your quality of life. Numerous interventions are possible.

Medications are among the most effective for asthma management. Using preventive and long-term medications can help in the reduction of inflammation in the airways. Some of the best medicines for asthma treatment include inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled long-acting beta-agonists, leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, and intravenous corticosteroids. Allergy medications can also be used.

Nebulizers are also effective. It is a machine with a tube that takes liquid medicine and converts it into a mist that you will inhale.

Will Essential Oils Help?

Some studies, although more are needed, investigated the effectiveness of essential oils in asthma. The results were favorable, showing how essential oils have anti-inflammatory benefits, making it effective in asthma treatment (2).

Essential oils can also have indirect effects on the treatment of asthma, or for making the quality of life better for those who suffer from asthma. For instance, the best essential oils for relaxation will help to make you more relaxed when you have asthma. If you are having a hard time sleeping when you have an asthma attack, on the other hand, it might be worth trying the best essential oils for sleeping.

However, take note that essential oils will not treat asthma. The best thing that it can do is to ease the symptoms.

How do You Use Essential Oils for Asthma?

Using essential oils for asthma is recommended in between attacks and not during the time that you are suffering from an attack.

One of the best things that you can do is to use nebulizing essential oil diffusers. It will have a therapeutic effect and helps improve air quality.

It can also be used as a rub, especially for the chest. When combined with the right carrier oil, essential oils can ease your airways and improve breathing.

Steam inhalation is another great way to take advantage of essential oils to relieve asthma symptoms. Add a few drops in boiling water and breathe the steam.

You can also consider adding a few drops of essential oil in the bathtub.

What are the Best Essential Oils for Asthma?

Ready to change the way you live with asthma? Here are some of the best essential oils that should be on your radar and how they can help.

Healing Solutions Organic Lavender Essential Oil

In a 2014 study, researchers have explored the effectiveness of lavender essential oil in animals. The results showed that it can be effective in the reduction of inflammation as a result of asthma and allergies (3). The same effect is expected in humans.

Aside from being an anti-inflammatory, lavender is also known for helping in relaxation. With this, when you have asthma, using lavender essential oil can make the symptoms more bearable. It has sedative properties to ease the burden of asthma.

Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil

Taking peppermint essential oil will help in relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract. This makes it possible to get rid of the breathing obstructions in your airways.

Peppermint is also known as a natural antihistamine and a decongestant. It inhibits the production of histamines that can clog your breathing pathways. This also makes it a great essential oil to use during allergy seasons.

In one study from the European Journal of Medical Research, the findings suggest that L-menthol, the active compound in peppermint, is what makes it great for asthma (4). It has anti-inflammatory benefits, especially for bronchial asthma.

Ola Prima Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Like peppermint, this eucalyptus essential oil also has menthol properties, making it a great alternative to relieve common asthma symptoms.

When you inhale this peppermint essential oil, the immediate effect is that it will open up your airways. In turn, this will improve bronchial restriction.

Eucalyptol is another compound that you will find in eucalyptus. This is the one responsible for the thinning out of mucus and the reduction of spasms in your respiratory tract.

Gya Labs Thyme Essential Oil

The antiseptic properties of this thyme essential oil will help in cleansing your lungs. This will improve your respiratory function, which is crucial for people who have asthma. It can kill several types of bacteria that can impair your respiratory tract.

Thyme is also known for providing a natural immune system boost. This will improve the defense of your body, and hopefully, will lessen the frequency of asthma attacks.

Nature’s Oil Organic Ginger Essential Oil

For centuries, ginger has been widely used for the treatment of respiratory problems, including asthma. Ginger extracts have been proven to ease airway contraction, making it easier for you to breathe.

Gingerol, a therapeutic compound found in ginger, is one of the reasons for its effectiveness. It relaxes airway muscles.

Artizen Clove Essential Oil

Like most of the products that are included in our recommendations, this clove essential oil is also known for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. This eases bronchi inflammation while also clearing mucus.

Clove essential oil is also known for relieving the most common symptoms of asthma, which include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain.

SVA Organics Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is a potent anti-bacterial. With this, it will be effective in killing common bacteria that can cause asthma and other respiratory problems.

Another good thing about oregano is the presence of immune-stimulating compounds. This will boost your immune system to make you less susceptible to asthma and other health problems.

The most common way to use this oregano essential oil is in a diffuser. If you have sensitive skin, avoid topical application as this is a strong oil.

Radha Beauty Rosemary Essential Oil

Several studies in the past have proven that rosemary essential oil can help to smoothen the trachea muscles, which results in more relaxed breathing.

In one study in 2018, people who have asthma have shown significant improvements when given rosemary extracts after not responding well to traditional treatments (5). The participants have shown a reduction in the most common symptoms of asthma, including wheezing and sputum production.

Plant Therapy Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot is one of the best anti-inflammatory essential oils, making it deserve a spot on our list. It helps in the reduction of bronchi inflammation, eliminating obstructions that might make it difficult for you to breathe. Because of this action, it also helps in the reduction of mucus build-up.

One of the best ways to use this bergamot essential oil is to add a few drops in boiling water and use it for steam inhalation. The bright scent of bergamot can provide immediate relief to clear your breathing pathways.

Maple Holistics 100% Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil acts as an expectorant. This can help reduce coughing and wheezing by expelling the mucus. It also helps in easing bronchitis.

To make the most out of this essential oil, use a facecloth and dip it in warm water. Wring the cloth to get rid of excess water. Add a few drops of this essential oil. Put the towel on your face and breathe until the towel is cool.

Cliganic Frankincense Essential Oil

In traditional medicine, frankincense has widespread use for the treatment of inflammation. When used properly, it will be effective in strengthening your lung function.

It is also believed that using frankincense essential oil can compound the effectiveness of conventional leukotriene modifier medications, which are often given to people who have asthma.

Eden’s Garden Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman chamomile is another addition to the long list of essential oils that can deliver anti-inflammatory benefits. It can help in the relaxation of the bronchi. This is what links your windpipe to the lungs, which make sit instrumental in making it easier for you to breathe. This can also provide effective relief from coughing.

Like our other recommendations in this short buying guide, this is 100% pure. There are no chemicals and fillers, so you can be confident about its safety and effectiveness.

Nexon Botanics Breathe Ease Essential Oil Blend

One thing that makes this different from the products mentioned above is that it is not made of a single ingredient. Rather, it is a synergy blend of several oils that are believed to be effective in improving your respiratory function.

This blend uses niaouli, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils. They can help deal with congestion when you have asthma. It is also one of the best essential oils for colds and bronchitis.

What are the Best Essential Oil Recipes for Asthma?

For effective asthma management, do not rely on a single essential oil. Use several oils and follow the recipes that are briefly discussed below.

Essential Oil Rub for Asthma Relief

Whenever you are experiencing symptoms of asthma, this recipe will make a great rub for the chest. This can help your airways to open, and as a result, you will find it easier to breathe.

• 6 drops of lavender essential oil
• 4 drops of geranium essential oil
• 1 drop of marjoram essential oil
• 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
• 1 ounce of vegetable oil

Combine all of the oils in the list. When you are having asthma symptoms, all that you need is to rub the oil on your throat or chest. Do this after a warm shower or before you go to bed.

Essential Oil Blend for Inhaler

You can also make an inhaler using essential oils. When inhaled, the combination of these essential oils can ease breathing restrictions.

• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops of your choice of carrier oil
• Glass bottle

Simply mix all the essentials in a glass bottle. When you are experiencing shortness of breath as a symptom of asthma, inhale directly from the bottle. Do not place the bottle too close on your nose as you inhale.

Conclusion

Asthma is one of the leading chronic diseases globally. It affects the quality of life of millions of people.

While there is no known cure for asthma, several interventions are promising to alleviate the symptoms.

The best essential oils for asthma, including those mentioned above, are some of the most promising.

If you have been living with asthma, now is the time to ease the burden! Use the right essential oil and enjoy an effective intervention.

Sources: 

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/asthma, Accessed Jun 10, 2020
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/essential-oils-for-asthma, Accessed Jun 10, 2020
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24909715, Accessed Jun 10, 2020
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9889172, Accessed Jun 10, 2020
5. http://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_10440.html, Accessed Jun 10, 2020