Essential Oils: How to Strengthen Respiratory System?

Respiratory health is of high concern among people today due to the current pandemic. Since the lungs are vulnerable to the external environment, people go to doctors to treat or maintain their healthy bodies. However, not all people are privileged to pay for a doctor’s appointment or for essential oils. Essential oils are compounds that are extracted from plants and are proven to be useful to protect the body from diseases. Check our guide for Immune System Improvement Guide and our Winter Guide to fully prepare for this season.

1. Eucalyptus essential oil

This essential oil has the compound eucalyptol is common since it is usually used in vapor rubs and mouthwashes that are marketed worldwide. The compound Eucalyptol has been found to have an antimicrobial effect which is helpful to fight diseases caused by bacteria. It also prevents users from having asthma and mucus hypersecretion by a process named cytokine inhibition and is known for being a treatment against nonpurulent rhinosinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity.

2. Peppermint essential oil

These oils contain Menthol, which is found in Peppermint and Spearmint plants and is added to a lot of products like oils, ointments, candy etc. and it is also known for its cooling effect as well. It is mostly used to relieve minor pains and to prevent irritation. Menthol can also help with healthy people by relaxing the bronchial muscles by blocking the voltage sensitive sodium channels in the body which reduces neural activity and stimulates the muscles to help them breathe better. Unfortunately, people under the age of eight and pregnant ladies are not advised to take this since it may cause hallucinations and seizures

3. Oregano essential oils

Contains high levels of a compound named Carvacrol. Carvacrol has shown to have antimicrobial effects particularly on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis which are common pathogens known to cause infection. It is also found to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, but this has been proven with animals and should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

4. Rosemary essential oils

Rosemary is part of the Mint family alongside Peppermint and it is proven to boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. It also aids with clearing out clogged lungs that are filled with mucus. It also relaxes the tracheal muscle to ease breathing and it also helps people with asthma. Another thing is that it also increases the effectiveness of some antibiotics which can help people who suffer from side effects of said antibiotics.

These are just some of the examples of how essential oils can be good for maintaining and combating respiratory diseases that a person can use. There are multiple ways essential oils can be used. Aromatherapy is a common practice for using essential oils which involve inhaling essential oils through the nose and mouth. Because essential oils can be potent, it is advised to dilute them using a diffuser or another oil to prevent complications and bad reactions. Another way to dilute essential oils is to create a steam bath wherein the person adds drops of essential oil in boiling water and inhales the steam. Overall, essential oils are effective in maintaining your respiratory health, but bad when used in excess. Some essential oils can be lethal, so exercising caution is a must. If possible, consult a doctor before using them.