13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Shortness Of Breath

herbal essential oils for shortness of breath

Herbal essential oils for Shortness of Breath are highly concentrated plant extracts used to alleviate respiratory discomfort and promote breathing ease.

These oils are beneficial in treating shortness of breath due to their expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which help to open airways, reduce congestion, and combat oxidative stress.

Examples of herbal essential oils that can be used to treat shortness of breath include Peppermint oil, which cools and decongests the airways; Eucalyptus oil, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties; Ginger oil, which helps to relax the body and reduce respiratory spasms; Thyme oil, which fights off respiratory infections; Frankincense oil, which reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation; and Rosemary oil, which improves circulation and reduces respiratory congestion.

By incorporating these oils into aromatherapy or using them in a diffuser, individuals can experience relief from shortness of breath and enjoy improved respiratory health.

According to "Pharmaceutical biology", essential oils for shortness of breath, specifically Agastache mexicana ssp. mexicana (toronjil morado), have been found to have a relaxant effect on guinea-pig trachea smooth muscle, which may be attributed to the blockade of calcium influx, likely due to the presence of estragole and d-limonene in the essential oil.

Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for shortness of breath.

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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils

herbal essential oils with Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath, a common symptom of respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.

The properties of this herbal preparation, including its decongestant, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties, help to relieve congestion and promote easy breathing.

The bioactive constituents of eucalyptus globulus essential oils, including eucalyptol, limonene, and alpha-pinene, have been shown to help open up airways and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe.

The benefits of using eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved lung function, reduced coughing, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

Related Study

According to "African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils were identified as one of the important species used by Togolese traditional healers to treat symptoms associated with asthma, including shortness of breath.

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 symptoms of shortness of breath due to its expectorant properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by thinning mucus and making it easier to expel, thereby improving respiratory function.

The bioactive constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, including camphor, borneol, and bornyl acetate, contribute to its expectorant properties, while also providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

The benefits of using Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved lung function, reduced congestion, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

3. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils

herbal essential oils with Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath due to their calming and relaxing properties.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herbal preparation help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

The bioactive constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, contribute to its therapeutic effects by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving respiratory function.

By using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, individuals may experience improved breathing, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being.

4. Thymus vulgaris essential oils

herbal essential oils with Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris essential oils have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath due to their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe.

The thymol and carvacrol present in Thymus vulgaris essential oils act as bronchodilators, helping to open up airways and improve breathing.

This herbal preparation also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and congestion in the lungs, further alleviating shortness of breath.

Regular use of Thymus vulgaris essential oils may provide relief from shortness of breath, making it easier for individuals to engage in physical activities and improve their overall quality of life.

Related Study

According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils may help alleviate shortness of breath due to its spasmolytic properties, which can relax the airway muscles and improve breathing, in combination with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off infections associated with URI.

5. 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 shortness of breath due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

The bioactive constituents, including gingerols and shogaols, help to reduce inflammation in the airways and ease congestion, thereby alleviating shortness of breath.

The anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds also help to relax the airway muscles, making it easier to breathe.

The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils for treating shortness of breath include improved respiratory function, reduced inflammation, and a decrease in the severity of symptoms.

Related Study

According to the information provided, Zingiber officinale essential oils may potentially be used as an adjuvant symptomatic therapy for respiratory conditions, including shortness of breath.

6. Salvia officinalis essential oils

herbal essential oils with Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath, a symptom associated with various respiratory conditions, due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to ease congestion in the airways, allowing for easier breathing and relief from shortness of breath.

The bioactive constituents of Salvia officinalis, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, contribute to its therapeutic effects by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the lungs.

By using Salvia officinalis essential oils, individuals can benefit from improved respiratory function, reduced symptoms of shortness of breath, and enhanced overall well-being.

7. 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 shortness of breath due to its decongestant and expectorant properties.

This herbal preparation helps to treat shortness of breath by relieving respiratory congestion and promoting the clearance of mucus from the lungs, thereby improving airflow and reducing breathlessness.

The bioactive constituents of peppermint oil, including menthol and menthone, contribute to its therapeutic effects by thinning mucus, reducing inflammation, and relaxing airway muscles.

The benefits of using peppermint oil to treat shortness of breath include rapid relief from respiratory symptoms, improved lung function, and enhanced overall respiratory health.

8. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils

herbal essential oils with Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, also known as lemongrass oil, possess anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help to alleviate shortness of breath.

This herbal preparation works by relaxing the bronchial muscles, allowing for easier breathing and reducing inflammation in the airways.

The bioactive constituents of lemongrass oil, including citral and geraniol, have been shown to exhibit bronchodilatory effects, which help to open up the airways and improve respiratory function.

Regular use of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils can provide relief from shortness of breath and improve overall respiratory health, making it a beneficial natural remedy for individuals suffering from this condition.

9. Echinacea purpurea essential oils

herbal essential oils with Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea essential oils have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The bioactive constituents of Echinacea purpurea, including alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and flavonoids, help to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, thereby easing respiratory distress.

By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, Echinacea purpurea essential oils may help to improve lung function and increase oxygen intake, providing relief from shortness of breath.

Regular use of Echinacea purpurea essential oils may also help to boost the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off underlying infections that may be contributing to respiratory issues.

10. Cinnamomum verum essential oils

herbal essential oils with Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum essential oils, derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that help to treat shortness of breath.

The anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil help to reduce inflammation in the airways, while its antimicrobial properties combat infections that can exacerbate shortness of breath.

The bioactive constituents of Cinnamomum verum essential oils, including cinnamaldehyde and linalool, contribute to its therapeutic effects by relaxing the airway muscles and improving lung function.

The benefits of using Cinnamomum verum essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved respiratory function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall well-being.

11. Piper nigrum essential oils

herbal essential oils with Piper nigrum

Piper nigrum essential oils, obtained from black pepper, have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath due to its expectorant properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs, thereby relieving respiratory congestion.

The bioactive constituents of Piper nigrum essential oils, including eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which help to alleviate respiratory distress.

The benefits of using Piper nigrum essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved respiratory function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a valuable natural remedy for managing respiratory health.

12. Curcuma longa essential oils

herbal essential oils with Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa essential oils have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The herbal preparation helps to treat this ailment by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory system, thereby improving lung function and increasing oxygenation.

The bioactive constituents of Curcuma longa essential oils, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, help to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and free radicals, leading to a reduction in symptoms of shortness of breath.

The benefits of using Curcuma longa essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved respiratory health, increased oxygenation, and enhanced overall well-being.

Related Study

According to "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Curcuma longa essential oils may help alleviate shortness of breath by reducing lung inflammation and oxidative stress, as demonstrated by its ability to decrease total white blood cell count and levels of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic rats.

13. Ginkgo biloba essential oils

herbal essential oils with Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba essential oils have been traditionally used to treat shortness of breath, a common symptom of various respiratory conditions.

The properties of this herbal preparation, including its vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects, help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the lungs, thereby alleviating shortness of breath.

The bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba essential oils, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which include improving lung function and increasing oxygenation of the body.

The benefits of using Ginkgo biloba essential oils to treat shortness of breath include improved respiratory function, increased energy levels, and enhanced overall well-being.