10 Essential Oils For COPD And Improving Lung Function

Lungs are organs that consist of spongy, elastic tissue equipped with structures that infuse the blood with the much-needed oxygen while clearing it of carbon dioxide.

Lung diseases are some of the most frequent medical conditions worldwide and account for about 1 million deaths in the United States per year.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a type of chronic inflammatory lung disease which leads to obstructed airflow from the lungs.

Here is a list of 10 essential oils for COPD and improving lung function:

#1 Peppermint

This oil is steam distilled from the stems and leaves of the peppermint plant. It contains vitamin C and vitamin A, minerals, and essential fatty acids, however, the main component is menthol, which provides the renowned cooling sensation and minty scent.

Using peppermint oil can help the body to eliminate the signs and symptoms of upper respiratory congestion which usually occur as a result of asthma, allergies, bronchitis, flu, and the common cold.

#2 Lavender

It is produced from lavender (scientific name – Lavandula angustifolia), an easy-to-grow, evergreen shrub which produces clumps of beautiful, scented flowers. Lavender is usually grown in the Mediterranean and northern Africa mountains, typically for extraction of its therapeutic essential oils.

This oil is commonly used to eradicate lung infections. This type of infection can happen due to a variety of reasons, like – viral infection, polluted air, smoking tobacco, or allergy.

This oil is a great oil to use for children’s minor scrapes and cuts due to its anti-bacterial properties and is considered safe enough to use with children.

#3 Cinnamon

The source of this essential oil is the sweet spice with the botanical name of Cinnamomum verum (also zeylanicum). It is used in aromatherapy blends to get rid of airborne bacteria, hence, it prevents a variety of respiratory tract infections.

Moreover, if you are suffering from congestion and a sore throat or have a cold, cinnamon oil will take care of that in short order. It also has positive effects on insulin release, which actually means it can help keep lower blood glucose levels as well as prevents moodiness, fatigue, and overeating.

#4 Eucalyptus

According to research, eucalyptus essential oil can reduce inflammation in diseases, such as bronchitis and sinusitis, since it has a plant chemical called 1,8-cineole.

Additionally, this oil stimulates red blood cell functioning, therefore, it increases the oxygen supply to every cell in the human body, which explains part of why it is beneficial in any diseased state. Lastly, this essential oil has a long tradition of being used to boost mental activity.

#5 Thyme

This essential oil is obtained from common thyme (botanical name – Thymus vulgaris). It contains 20 to 54 percent thymohyme oil and is approved by Germany’s Commission E in the treatment of whooping cough (a bacterial infection that gets into the throat and nose), bronchitis, and upper respiratory inflammation.

Thyme essential oil is also an effective antiseptic and helps to break down mucus. This makes it a fantastic treatment for catarrhal (a build-up of mucus in airways) conditions, particularly chronic bronchitis.

#6 Rosemary

It is one of the most famous essential oils widely used in aromatherapy and is produced from the plant with the scientific name of Rosmarinus officinalis L. – a small perennial shrub of the mint family.

Inhaling rosemary essential oil for about 5 minutes reduced the levels of cortisol, hence, it reduces the dangers associated with chronic stress, according to a 2007 study. Moreover, it can treat respiratory allergies, reduce throat congestion, sore throat, flu, and colds.

#7 Chamomile

This essential oil is effective for digestive issues, skin problems, anxiety, PMS, poor circulation, depression, allergies, and insomnia. More importantly, chamomile essential oil can help part of the lungs called the bronchus to relax, therefore, it is recommended for people with respiratory problems.

Its potent properties are most likely due to its chemical components that include -flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, polyacetylenes, and coumarins.

To use it, you can pour a few drops of chamomile essential oil and rub it on your back and chest. The mixture relieves severe and mild asthma attacks as well as other respiratory problems.

Allergic reactions to this oil are rare. Nevertheless, if you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, like – chrysanthemum and ragweed, look out for potential reactions, especially skin rashes.

#8 Ginger

It is produced from the flowering ginger plant that is part of the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger essential oil is an incredibly warming, stimulating, and invigorating oil with a tonic action on the stomach, heart, kidneys, spleen, and lungs.

Due to its warming properties, it is excellent for treating and preventing respiratory disorders caused by cold temperatures. Additionally, it may be useful against malaria, a life-threatening mosquito-borne infectious disease.

#9 Lemon

Lemon essential oil is obtained from the small, evergreen lemon bush that is a part of the Rutaceae plant family, which also includes citrus species, like – lime, grapefruit, sweet orange, and tangerine.

Because it is packed with vitamin C and other nutrients and plant phytochemicals (terpinene, pinene, and terpineol, and non-volatile compounds), lemon essential oil has immune-boosting properties, making the lungs stronger and healthier.

#10 Frankincense

Frankincense (botanical name – Olibanum) is a tree in which its bark is collected to make a potent essential oil that contains monoterpenes, plant compounds with an immunomodulatory effect, that enhances the immune system.

These properties are good news for people with breathing conditions, especially asthma and bronchitis. Also, it has been noted for its ability to stimulate the immune system and wound healing properties.

Images credit – Shutterstock

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References

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705822/
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.200207-756WS