Did you know that essential oils can be beneficial for treating and maintaining good respiratory health? Respiratory conditions can become serious if left untreated, and over-the-counter medications can often be harsh and come with unpleasant side effects. Luckily, there are alternatives to maintain good respiratory health through more natural methods like essential oils. In this article, we will discuss what essential oils are, which ones can be used for respiratory and nasal health, and what conditions can be treated using them.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated natural oils extracted from plants. These oils capture a plant’s scent and essence in oil form making them effective for aromatherapy and other treatments. The oils are extracted from the plants from one of two methods: distillation (using steam or water) or cold pressing.

The concentrated oil is combined with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or even olive oil to make it safe for human use. True essential oils do not contain any additives or use any chemicals during the extraction process. Essential oils are used topically, orally, or as an inhalant, however, not all oils are used the same way, and some are diluted to avoid irritation due to the high concentration of botanical compounds.

What Essential Oils Can Help Respiratory Health?

With more than 90 types of essential oils on the market, how do you know which essential oils are for respiratory health? That’s where we come in. There are several guides available to help you filter through the various essential oils to find one that is right for your needs. In general, there are 17 main essential oils that are proven to help respiratory conditions. These essential oils for respiratory health include the following:

  • Bergamot Oil
  • Cajeput Oil
  • Cinnamon Oil
  • Cypress Oil
  • Eucalyptus Oil
  • Frankincense Oil
  • Geranium Oil
  • Hyssop Oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Nutmeg Oil
  • Oregano Oil
  • Peppermint Oil
  • Rosemary Oil
  • Sandalwood Oil
  • Sweet Orange Oil
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Thyme Oil

Bergamot oil

Bergamot oil is a citrus oil that contains camphene, a compound known to produce a cool, soothing effect. It also contains antioxidants that can fight infection and are proven to kill flu airborne flu viruses. Bergamot oil is only recommended for use in a diffuser as an inhalant and should not be ingested directly.

Cajeput Oil

Cajeput oil is used as a form of aromatherapy with a similar scent to eucalyptus. The oil is best for respiratory congestion and can also be used to help with headaches. Cajeput oil is not safe to use without being diluted and is only recommended as an inhalant. It is best used in a diffuser.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil has been found to protect against germs that irritate the respiratory system. This oil can be used topically in a blend using a carrier oil or as an inhalant in a diffuser.

Cypress Oil

Cypress oil contains camphene, the same compound as Bergamot oil. It also contains antioxidants that can fight infection and have been proven to kill flu airborne flu viruses. The oil are used topically in soaps, salves, or with carrier oils or in a diffuser as an inhalant.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is the most famous oil for relieving respiratory stress and has been used for this purpose for thousands of years. The oil contains cineole, which has an antimicrobial effect on certain bacteria that are known to cause respiratory illness. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which reduce discomfort during respiratory condition flare-ups. Eucalyptus can be applied topically with a carrier oil or inhaled through a diffuser.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is proven to provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties due to several active ingredients in the oil. Studies conducted on mice show that the oil is beneficial for a variety of respiratory conditions when used topically. Generally, Frankincense is used as a perfume, with a carrier oil, or as an incense.

Geranium Oil

Geranium oil is proven to provide a cough suppressing effect when inhaled due to the active ingredient pelargonium sidoides. In general, this is used to reduce the severity and duration of coughs. The oil is generally used diluted in a diffuser or bathwater.

Hyssop Oil

Hyssop oil has been proven to provide anti-inflammatory benefits that can be applied to a variety of respiratory ailments. The oil is thought to also reduce mucus production, however, these effects are not proven. Hyssop oil is used either topically in a carrier oil or bath or inhaled through a diffuser.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has relaxing anti-inflammatory properties which results in clearer airways. It is also believed to reduce mucus production in the respiratory tract. Lavender produces the best results when used as an inhalant through a diffuser, however, it can also be used topically with a carrier oil.

Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg oil contains camphene, the same compound as Bergamot oil. It also contains antioxidants that can fight infection and have been proven to kill flu airborne flu viruses. Nutmeg can be applied topically with a carrier oil or diffused through a diffuser.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil contains the compounds carvacrol and thymol which have been known to reduce cold symptoms and suppress coughs. Oregano can be used as a topical application or through a diffuser.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint contains menthol, the same ingredient in cough drops that produces a cooling effect on the throat. In addition, studies reveal that peppermint can actually loosen mucus in the airways. Peppermint can be used in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is known to relax the trachea and, in turn, relieve respiratory issues. The oil should be diluted for use topically with a carrier oil or inhaled through a diffuser.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil is believed to have a beneficial impact on the respiratory system. However, there is little research conducted to conclusively prove this. Sandalwood can be used in several ways due to the fact that it is extracted from an edible nut. A few drops can be added to a food or applied topically through the use of carrier oils. It can also be used in a diffuser.

Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange oil produces a sweet, soothing scent that also provides anti-inflammatory properties. The oil contains antioxidants  proven to be beneficial to the respiratory system. Sweet orange oil should be used diluted topically with a carrier oil or through a diffuser.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains anti-viral properties that have been proven to benefit the respiratory system. It is best inhaled through a diffuser to achieve the maximum benefits.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil contains anti-viral properties due to the presence of carvacrol that is proven to benefit respiratory conditions. Because thyme oil is derived from an edible plant, it can be consumed as a few drops added to foods, used topically, or inhaled through a diffuser.

What Respiratory Conditions Can Essential Oils Help

Respiratory conditions can range from minor annoyances to life-threatening conditions when left untreated. The nose and throat are the first areas that are impacted by respiratory conditions. If you are susceptible to respiratory infections, it is important to maintain good airway and nasal health. When airways become congested, bacteria takes over causing infection and inflammation which can lead to serious conditions which restricts breathing. The following conditions are proven to benefit from essential oils by reducing inflammation and promoting respiratory health.

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes inflammation in the lungs and restriction in the airways as a reaction to external irritants. Asthma attacks can happen at any time, without warning.

Essential oils can help reduce the restriction of the airways and improve lung function. When used properly, they can reduce symptoms during an attack and may help prevent them. The best essential oils for asthma include rosemary oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, hyssop oil, and frankincense.

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections are caused by excess fluid in the nasal passages. A sinus infection can last for 3-12 weeks with chronic cases occurring several times per year. These infections are often painful and accompanied by headaches, sinus pressure, and respiratory congestion.

Respiratory health begins with nasal health. Essential oils can relieve sinus infection symptoms, release mucus, reduce inflammation, and even dry up excess fluid. The best essential oils for sinus infections include eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil.

Common Cold or General Cough

Common colds and coughs can be brought on by several external factors from viral infections to allergens. As they develop, inflammation causes irritation, pain, and mucus build-up. This can restrict airways and can become serious if left untreated.

Essential oils can fight viruses, reduce inflammation, and remove mucus. The best essential oils to reduce cough symptoms include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, lavender, bergamot oil, geranium, hyssop oil, thyme oil, frankincense oil, oregano oil, and cinnamon oil.

COPD

COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition that reduces airflow due to constriction in the airways. The condition is chronic and can not be cured completely. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and irritation in the airways.

Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically to help with COPD. Essential oils that benefit COPD include eucalyptus oil, lavender, sweet orange oil, bergamot oil, and frankincense oil.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs and airways. It is often caused by a viral infection. The symptoms include a chronic cough, congestion, and tightening in the chest.

Essential oils can help reduce inflammation and release mucus caused by bronchitis. The best essential oils for bronchitis include eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, frankincense oil, sandalwood oil, hyssop oil, thyme oil, and rosemary oil.

Our Blends

At Baraka, we believe in providing treatments for sinus and respiratory health in the most gentle and natural way possible. Our essential oil blends are designed to treat allergies, sinus infections, and common respiratory ailments. These oils were specifically formulated for maximum efficiency. Each blend has its own information page detailing precise directions for use.

Baraka® Sinus Rejuvenation Oil

This essential oil blend is formulated to fight infection, drain mucus and ultimately rejuvenate your sinuses. When used over a period of 6-8 weeks, it has the potential to create long-term changes in your sinus health.

The blend contains green myrtle, inula graveolens, rosemary verbenone, eucalyptus dives, peppermint, and spike lavender. All oils are organic and bought directly from small farms and co-ops.

Baraka® Steam Oil

Baraka’s® organic, essential oil Steam Oil blend relieves chest & nasal congestion while easing coughs caused by colds and flu. Simply add 2-6 drops into a bowl of hot water. Place your face over the bowl, inhale the steam and oil vapors for 5-10 minutes. You can also place a towel over your head while doing this. This helps clear mucus and strengthen the immune system. The blend contains camphor niaouli and eucalyptus.

Baraka® Dry Nose Oil

The Baraka® Dry Nose Oil blend is designed to hydrate your sinus cavities and decrease the chance of infection. This blend was specially formulated to stimulate the cilia in the nose and soothe raw skin. We tested it in the Andes Mountains to stand up to dryness brought on by any climate condition. This blend contains 1 ounce of organic sesame oil and the essential oils of cardamom, everlast, German chamomile, and Roman chamomile.

Respiratory conditions can be serious if left untreated. That’s why it is important to know the most gentle and effective ways to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups, especially if you are susceptible. Read another blog where we focus more on Dry noses and essential oils. Essential oils provide a safe, natural, gentle solution for taking care of respiratory and nasal health. Check out our online store to see more respiratory health solutions that can leave you breathing easy.