By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Shortness Of Breath
Herbal creams for shortness of breath are topical remedies that combine natural herbs with moisturizing properties to alleviate respiratory distress.
These creams often feature ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger, which help open airways and reduce inflammation. Examples include creams infused with menthol, camphor, and thyme.
By reducing shortness of breath, these creams can improve daily activities and overall quality of life for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and bronchitis, allowing them to engage in physical activities with greater ease and comfort.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for shortness of breath, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Eucalyptus globulus
- 2. Salvia officinalis
- 3. Thymus vulgaris
- 4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 5. Mentha x piperita
- 6. Rosmarinus officinalis
- 7. Echinacea angustifolia
- 8. Foeniculum vulgare
- 9. Calendula officinalis
- 10. Lavandula angustifolia
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for shortness of breath?
- What ailments similar to shortness of breath are treated with herbal creams?
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its decongestant properties.
The active compounds, particularly eucalyptol, help to break down mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. The cooling sensation provided by the cream can also help to soothe the respiratory tract, further alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath.
By addressing the underlying causes, Eucalyptus globulus creams offer relief for individuals experiencing respiratory distress.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Cineole: As a bronchodilator, cineole helps to relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving shortness of breath.
- Limonene: Limonene has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and congestion in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviating shortness of breath.
- Catechol: Catechol has a direct effect on the airway muscles, causing them to relax and dilate, which helps to improve airflow and alleviate shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are commonly used due to their high eucalyptol content, which has expectorant properties that help relieve shortness of breath.
- Barks: The bark is often used as it contains compounds like eucalyptol, which can help ease congestion and make breathing easier.
- Roots: Some products might include root extracts due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh eucalyptus globulus leaves in the morning to ensure optimal oil content.
- Steam distill the harvested leaves at 100°c for 4 hours to release the essential oil.
- Mix 10% of the distilled essential oil with 90% of a base cream containing 30% beeswax and 70% coconut oil.
- Stir the mixture for 5 minutes until the beeswax is fully incorporated and the mixture has cooled.
- Pour the mixture into sterilized containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
2. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its expectorant properties, which aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs.
This allows for easier breathing and reduces congestion. Additionally, sage contains compounds that help to relax the smooth muscles in the airways, making it easier for air to pass through.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healthy mucus production, Salvia officinalis creams can provide relief for individuals experiencing shortness of breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Ursolic acid: This triterpenoid acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath.
- Carnosic acid: As a phenolic diterpenoid, carnosic acid has antioxidant properties that can help protect the lungs from oxidative stress, which can contribute to shortness of breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: This caffeic acid derivative is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, thus alleviating shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are commonly used in herbal remedies due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Flowers: They are used in teas and infusions for their calming effects, which might help with shortness of breath in some cases.
- Roots: They are sometimes used in herbal remedies for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help with respiratory issues.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers by cutting them with scissors in the morning.
- Extract the herb by steeping it in 100 ml of cold carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean glass container to separate the liquid from the plant material.
- Mix 10 grams of beeswax with the infused oil and heat the mixture in a double boiler until the wax is melted.
- Pour the cooled mixture into small glass jars and seal them tightly after 24 hours of setting time.
3. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, thyme's anti-inflammatory effects can reduce swelling and congestion in the airways, allowing for more efficient airflow and relief from shortness of breath.
This makes thyme creams a potential natural remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Thymol: Thymol helps with shortness of breath by acting as a bronchodilator, which means it helps to relax and widen the airways, improving breathing.
- Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate helps with shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps with shortness of breath by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the lungs from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are used because of their high concentration of thymol, a compound with decongestant properties.
- Buds: Thymus vulgaris buds are used due to their high thymol content, which helps to relieve respiratory issues such as shortness of breath.
- Stems: Thymus vulgaris stems are used because they contain thymol and other compounds that have expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the airways.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 20g of fresh thyme leaves and stems from the plant to use in the herbal cream recipe.
- Dry the thyme leaves and stems in a low-temperature oven at 50c for 2 hours to remove moisture.
- Combine 20g of dried thyme with 100g of coconut oil in a heat-resistant mixing bowl to create a blend.
- Steep the thyme blend in a double boiler at 50c for 4 hours to infuse the coconut oil with herbal properties.
- Strain the infused coconut oil through cheesecloth and mix it with 100g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter to create the final cream.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways. This can help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath by improving airflow and reducing congestion. Additionally, the cream's expectorant properties can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Overall, using herbal Glycyrrhiza glabra creams may provide relief from shortness of breath and promote respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation in the airways and alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath associated with respiratory conditions.
- Licoricidin: Licoricidin, a flavonoid glycoside, exhibits anti-asthmatic properties by relaxing bronchial muscles and improving lung function, thereby reducing shortness of breath.
- Licopyrocatechol: Licopyrocatechol, a phenolic compound, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect the airways and alleviate oxidative stress, contributing to relief from shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Roots: They are used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Barks: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help relieve congestion and shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are used due to their flavonoid content, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe respiratory issues and reduce shortness of breath.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for shortness of breath.
- Steep 50g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in 500ml of hot water for 30 minutes to create a decoction.
- Combine 200ml of the decoction with 200ml of distilled water and 5g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture for 10 minutes or until the beeswax is fully incorporated and melted.
- Add 5g of vegetable oil and 5g of emulsifying wax to the mixture and stir well.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken for 30 minutes before transferring it to a storage container.
5. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its natural expectorant properties.
The menthol content in peppermint creams helps thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues such as bronchitis or asthma.
Additionally, peppermint's decongestant properties help open airways, allowing for more efficient oxygen exchange, which can help alleviate shortness of breath and improve overall respiratory function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Menthol: Menthol helps with shortness of breath by acting as a bronchodilator, relaxing airway muscles and increasing airflow to the lungs.
- Menthone: Menthone has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Limonene: Limonene has decongestant properties, helping to clear mucus from the airways and reduce congestion, which can contribute to shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have a decongestant effect and help relieve respiratory issues.
- Stems: They contain a similar composition to leaves, providing relief from shortness of breath by easing respiratory congestion.
- Buds: They have a higher concentration of menthol and menthone than leaves, making them effective in treating respiratory issues such as shortness of breath.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh mentha x piperita leaves when the plant is in full bloom.
- Combine the harvested leaves with 1/2 cup of distilled water in a saucepan and heat.
- Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes then strain and discard the solids immediately.
- Mix the resulting liquid with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it thickens and is ready to use.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb contains compounds like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which help to relax airway muscles and improve lung function. This can lead to easier breathing and a reduction in shortness of breath. Additionally, rosemary cream may also help to reduce inflammation in the lungs, which can contribute to breathing difficulties.
As a result, rosemary cream may provide relief for individuals experiencing shortness of breath due to various respiratory conditions.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Carnosic acid: A phenolic diterpene that helps relax smooth muscles in the airways, thereby reducing constriction and improving breathing.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate respiratory issues such as shortness of breath.
- Bornyl acetate: A terpene that has a bronchodilatory effect, helping to widen the airways and improve airflow, thus alleviating shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of antioxidants and essential oils, particularly rosmarinic acid, which can help to relax the airways and improve breathing.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of rosmarinic acid and other compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate respiratory issues.
- Stems: They are used due to their rich content of essential oils and antioxidants that can help to relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve breathing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for shortness of breath.
- Infuse 10g of dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves in 100ml of carrier oil at 60 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids after 30 minutes.
- Combine the infused oil with 10g of beeswax and 5g of shea butter in a heat-proof bowl.
- Melt the mixture in a double boiler at 40 degrees celsius for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and solidify at room temperature for 30 minutes.
7. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with shortness of breath because it contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in the airways and lungs.
The anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of Echinacea angustifolia may also help alleviate respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
By reducing inflammation and promoting healthy lung function, Echinacea angustifolia creams may provide relief from shortness of breath and promote overall respiratory well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, such as echinacoside, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids like echinamine and echinacin have bronchodilatory effects, which can help relax the airway muscles and increase airflow, reducing shortness of breath.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Roots: Contain bioactive compounds that may help alleviate respiratory issues due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: Are used in herbal remedies for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which might contribute to their use in respiratory issues.
- Barks: Some herbal remedies use Echinacea barks, although I couldn't find specific information on their use in shortness of breath creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 2-3 cups of echinacea angustifolia roots in the fall season with scissors or a root fork.
- Dry the harvested roots in a dehydrator at 95°f for 8-12 hours to remove moisture.
- Grind 1 cup of dried roots into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar.
- Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax with 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of the ground root powder in a double boiler.
- Stir the mixture continuously for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
8. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its natural expectorant and bronchodilator properties.
The active compounds in fennel, such as anethole and fenchone, have been shown to relax airway muscles and increase the production of mucus, making it easier to breathe.
Additionally, fennel's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and congestion in the lungs, allowing for improved airflow and oxygen exchange, providing relief from shortness of breath and respiratory discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Fenchone: Fenchone, a terpene, helps alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation in the airways, thus improving breathing.
- Anethole: Anethole, a phenolic compound, helps alleviate shortness of breath by relaxing the smooth muscles in the bronchi, making it easier to breathe.
- Foeniculin: Foeniculin, a sesquiterpene, helps alleviate shortness of breath by having anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, allowing for easier airflow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are used to make creams due to their carminative properties, which help to relieve gas and promote easier breathing.
- Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used to make creams due to their expectorant properties, which help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, relieving congestion and shortness of breath.
- Stems: Foeniculum vulgare stems are used to make creams due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 50g of foeniculum vulgare seeds on a dry morning to prevent moisture damage.
- Dry the foeniculum vulgare seeds in a low-temperature oven at 50c for 24 hours.
- Grind 20g of dried foeniculum vulgare seeds into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Mix 20g of foeniculum vulgare powder with 100g of emulsifying wax and 50g of coconut oil.
- Whip the mixture in a double boiler at 60c for 30 minutes until it thickens into a smooth cream.
9. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The cream's anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its antiseptic properties help to clear congestion and promote healthy mucus production, further alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath.
The cream's natural properties work together to provide relief from respiratory issues, promoting overall respiratory health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to shortness of breath, and also have antioxidant properties that can protect the lungs from oxidative stress.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as squalene and lanosterol, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviate shortness of breath.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant properties that can help protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to respiratory issues such as shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Leaves: They are used due to their expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
- Seeds: They are used due to their sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm the respiratory system and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 20 to 30 percent of the calendula officinalis flowers in the morning when they are dry and free from dew.
- Dry the calendula officinalis flowers in a single layer at 30 to 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Mix 20 percent of dried calendula officinalis flowers with 80 percent of a base oil such as coconut or sweet almond oil.
- Use a hand blender to mix the oil and calendula officinalis mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until it is well combined.
- Filter the mixture through a cheesecloth and store it in a glass container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.
10. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with shortness of breath because of its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
The fragrance of lavender oil has been shown to slow down breathing rates and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory compounds in lavender oil may help reduce swelling and congestion in the airways, further easing shortness of breath.
This natural remedy may provide relief for individuals experiencing shortness of breath due to anxiety, stress, or respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with shortness of breath.
- Linalool: This terpene acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax airway muscles and improve breathing.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath by reducing airway inflammation and muscle spasms.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve lung function, contributing to relief from shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They contain rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Flowers: Rich in essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which have calming and antispasmodic effects that can help with breathing.
- Stems: They contain volatile oils and flavonoids that may help relax the airways and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for shortness of breath.
- Harvest 1 cup of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers and clean them thoroughly with a fine-mesh strainer.
- Combine 1 cup of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 2 cups of carrier oil such as coconut oil in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day to facilitate infusion.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids and retaining the infused oil.
- Whip 1 cup of the infused oil with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of vitamin e oil until smooth and creamy.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for shortness of breath?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with shortness of breath is a blend of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Ginger.
Peppermint helps to open airways and reduce inflammation, while Eucalyptus has decongestant properties that ease respiratory congestion. Ginger's anti-inflammatory compounds aid in reducing bronchial inflammation and promoting oxygen flow. Together, these creams create a synergistic effect, providing quick relief from shortness of breath and promoting overall respiratory health.
Regular application can help alleviate symptoms and improve breathing.
What ailments similar to shortness of breath are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to shortness of breath that are treated with herbal creams are respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Herbal creams containing ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, and thyme may help relieve congestion, ease coughing, and open airways.
Other conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea that cause skin irritation and itching may also be treated with herbal creams, providing relief from discomfort and promoting healthy skin.