Lavender essential oil might provide a natural treatment method for asthma to along with traditional treatments. However, it is possible to develop a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction to essential oils, so test it on a small area of skin before you apply it to a large area. Talk to your doctor to determine an asthma treatment plan.
Inhalation
Lori Torquait, in an article for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, explains that calming essential oils, like lavender oil, can help you breathe during an asthma attack. Simply breathe in a mixture of 28 drops of lavender oil, 20 drops of eucalyptus and 8 drops of peppermint. Instead of a blend of oils, add 10 drops of lavender to a diffuser or simply breathe in lavender from the bottle or put a few drops on a handkerchief.
Apply to Body
Another option is to apply lavender to your body so you inhale and absorb the oil, but remember to perform a patch test first. Add two drops of a mixture of 7 drops of lavender, 5 drops of cedarwood and 2 drops of marjoram to a sink of cold water and splash the oil water on your face. Be careful not to get it into your eyes. Other options include putting 10 drops of lavender oil on a hot compress or adding 5 to 10 drops to a bath.
Cleaning with Lavender
A March/April 2008 article in the journal “Allergy and Asthma Proceedings” highlighted a study showing that a home cleaned with antibacterial and antifungal cleaners reduced the symptoms of people with asthma. Cleaners made with lavender essential oil might perform this function. A June 2002 article in the journal “Phytotherapy Research” reviewed a number of studies on lavender essential oil and found that lavender has shown antibacterial and antifungal properties in numerous studies, although more research is needed as some of the studies were flawed.
Massage Oil
To help your body recover after an asthma attack, apply a massage oil with lavender essential oil to your chest to reduce swelling and relieve your airways; and to your chest, back and shoulder muscles to relieve tightness. To create a massage oil, add 16 drops of lavender and three drops each of peppermint, ylang ylang and eucalyptus oils to 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as almond or grape seed oil.
References
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy; How to Use Essential Oils Effectively; David Crow
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy; Treating Asthma with Aromatic Essential Oils; Lori Torquati
- “Allergy and Asthma Proceedings”; The Impact of Home Cleaning on Quality of Life for Homes with Asthmatic Children; C.S. Barnes, et al.; March to April 2008
- “Phytotherapy Research”; Biological Activities of Lavender Essential Oil; H.M. Cavanagh, et al.; June 2002
Member Comments