11 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Asthma

herbal essential oils for asthma

Herbal essential oils for Asthma are plant-derived extracts that are used to help alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from this respiratory condition.

These oils work by reducing inflammation, relaxing airways, and improving lung function, providing natural relief from asthma attacks.

Some of the most effective herbal essential oils for asthma include Eucalyptus, which helps to open airways and ease congestion; Peppermint, which provides a calming effect and reduces inflammation; Frankincense, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relax the airways; Thyme, which has antibacterial properties and helps to fight off respiratory infections; and Lavender, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

By incorporating these herbal essential oils into aromatherapy, inhalation, or topical applications, individuals can experience significant relief from asthma symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

According to "The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma", essential oils for asthma may be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can lead to bronchodilation, improved pulmonary function, and antagonism of asthma mediators such as histamine and platelet activating factor.

Below there's a list of the 11 best herbal essential oils for asthma.

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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils

herbal essential oils with Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to its decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory properties.

The bioactive constituents, including eucalyptol, cineole, and limonene, help to open up airways, reduce inflammation, and relieve congestion, making it easier to breathe for individuals suffering from asthma.

By inhaling the vapor of eucalyptus globulus essential oils, individuals can experience rapid relief from asthma symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

The benefits of using eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat asthma include reduced symptoms, improved lung function, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Related Study

According to "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils may have an anti-inflammatory effect on asthma by reducing mucin content and MUC5ac expression in airway epithelium.

2. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils

herbal essential oils with Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant, have been traditionally used to alleviate asthma symptoms.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herbal preparation help to treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways and protecting against oxidative stress.

The bioactive constituents of rosemary essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by modulating the immune response and relaxing bronchial muscles.

The benefits of using rosemary essential oils to treat asthma include improved lung function, reduced frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

Related Study

According to "Tip tarihi arastirmalari = History of medicine studies", Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils are used to treat chest diseases, including asthma.

3. Thymus vulgaris essential oils

herbal essential oils with Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris essential oils, also known as thyme oil, have been studied for their potential to alleviate asthma symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bronchodilatory properties.

The bioactive constituents of thyme oil, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to help relax airway muscles, reduce inflammation, and eliminate pathogens that can exacerbate asthma, thereby making it easier to breathe.

The benefits of using thyme oil to treat asthma include improved lung function, reduced symptoms, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of thymol and carvacrol can help prevent respiratory infections, which are a common trigger for asthma attacks.

Related Study

According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils, particularly thymol, have been shown to have spasmolytic and antimicrobial properties, which may help alleviate cough and dyspnea associated with asthma.

4. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils

herbal essential oils with Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, derived from the flowers of the lavender plant, have been traditionally used to help alleviate symptoms of asthma due to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to help relax airway muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory function.

By inhaling the essential oil or applying it topically, individuals with asthma may experience relief from wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils has been reported to reduce asthma symptoms, improve lung function, and increase overall well-being.

5. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils

herbal essential oils with Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, also known as lemongrass essential oil, have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

This herbal preparation helps to treat asthma by relaxing the airway muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving lung function.

The bioactive constituents of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, including citral and geranial, have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, making it an effective treatment for asthma symptoms.

The benefits of using Cymbopogon citratus essential oils to treat asthma include reduced frequency and severity of asthma attacks, improved lung function, and a reduction in the need for medication.

6. Mentha x piperita essential oils

herbal essential oils with Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita essential oils, also known as peppermint oil, have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat asthma by relaxing the airway muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving respiratory function.

The bioactive constituents of peppermint oil, including menthone and menthol, play a crucial role in its therapeutic effects, helping to thin mucus and relieve congestion.

The benefits of using peppermint oil to treat asthma include improved breathing, reduced symptoms, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

7. Zingiber officinale essential oils

herbal essential oils with Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale essential oils, extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant, have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

The bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, including gingerols and shogaols, help to relax the airway muscles and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating asthma symptoms.

The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat asthma include improved lung function, reduced frequency and severity of attacks, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

By incorporating Zingiber officinale essential oils into their treatment plan, individuals with asthma can experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Related Study

According to the study, Zingiber officinale essential oils for asthma may be beneficial as it is mentioned that active phytochemicals including gingerol from ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) may treat asthma by controlling inflammation and airway remodeling.

8. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils

herbal essential oils with Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways, opening up the bronchial tubes, and relieving congestion, making it easier to breathe.

The bioactive constituents of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, including cineole, terpinen-4-ol, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and promoting relaxation.

The benefits of using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils to treat asthma include improved respiratory function, reduced symptoms of wheezing and coughing, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

9. Salvia officinalis essential oils

herbal essential oils with Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and expectorant properties, which help to relax the airway muscles, reduce inflammation, and facilitate the removal of mucus.

The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis essential oils, such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and thymol, possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that help to mitigate the symptoms of asthma.

These properties help to reduce airway constriction, alleviate bronchospasm, and promote lung function, thereby providing relief from asthma symptoms.

The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils to treat asthma include improved lung function, reduced frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

10. Echinacea purpurea essential oils

herbal essential oils with Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea essential oils have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and airway constriction.

The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of this herbal preparation help to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, thereby alleviating asthma symptoms.

The bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, polyacetylenes, and flavonoids, in Echinacea purpurea essential oils contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles.

By incorporating Echinacea purpurea essential oils into their treatment regimen, individuals with asthma may experience improved lung function, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life.

Related Study

According to the provided study, Echinacea purpurea essential oils have potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions, including asthma.

11. Ocimum basilicum essential oils

herbal essential oils with Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum essential oils have been traditionally used to treat asthma due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bronchodilatory properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat asthma by reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Bioactive constituents such as eugenol, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene present in Ocimum basilicum essential oils help to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and relax bronchial muscles, thereby alleviating asthma symptoms.

The benefits of using Ocimum basilicum essential oils for asthma treatment include improved lung function, reduced frequency of asthma attacks, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

Related Study

According to "Chemico-biological interactions", Ocimum basilicum essential oils may not be specifically studied for asthma, but the study indicates that it has anti-inflammatory properties which could be beneficial in managing asthma symptoms, as it reduced paw edema and inflammation induced by histamine and arachidonic acid, which are also related to asthma.