Respiratory System Support
Breathing is one of the things we take for granted. Unless we just ran a race or have a bad cold, we don’t give it a second thought. It is interesting how something so critical to life goes on without we even think about it.
Our lungs expand and contract, supplying life-sustaining oxygen to our body and removing from it, the waste product of carbon dioxide.
When we inhale an aromatic particle, like that of an essential oil, it dissolves in the mucus at the tip of the nose and then comes into contact with olfactory cells. Nerve fibers bound to the olfactory cells then carry the aromatic message to the olfactory bulb in the cerebral cortex.
During an aromatherapy massage, we inhale the essential oils, smell them and then pass through our lungs and distribute throughout our body, sending also, specific messages to our brain.
Breathing and a healthy respiratory system to support it, are absolutely vital when it comes to living an abundant life.
Aromatherapy massage in the chest, abdomen, diaphragm and upper back is directly beneficial especially when there is a cold, cough or other respiratory problem.
Repeated coughs can cause tension in the entire area of the sternum and the massage relaxes these muscles. Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, cypress, salvia and cedar wood have anticonvulsant properties.
Use of an antibacterial essential oil such as Thyme is also needed in most respiratory problems especially seasonal cold and flu.
Essential oils such as sandalwood that have soothing properties relieve inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes. When you have a cold or a cough, the mucous membranes are irritated and swollen. Massage with essential oils and inhaliation or diffusion of soothing essential oils can alleviate the symptoms.
In addition, a good night sleep is essential to cure any other problem. The “panacea” essential oil of Lavender is an excellent choice for this.
To support your respiratory system according to your specific needs we suggest the following:
Aromatherapy for Respiratory System Support
Brief description of suggested essential oils
Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris)
It has antiseptic, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, sedative and expectorant properties. A massage in the chest, abdomen, diaphragm and upper back is immensely beneficial especially when there is a cold, cough or other respiratory problem.
You can also directly inhale it or diffuse it to gain from its main property as antibactirial.
As there are several Thyme Chemotypes, we would suggest either:
Thymus Vulgaris CT Thymol
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Thymus Vulgaris CT Linalol
which is considered the most gentle of the chemotypes
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Eucalyptus Essential Oil
It is very supportive to the gentle energy of the Lungs. It’s one of the best choices for the cold and the flu. It has antiseptic, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, sedative, calming and expectorant properties. Inhalation of steam with a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil support to open the sinuses and relieve the headache. It is also good for diffussion especially during the cold and flu season.
As there are several Eucalyptus Chemotypes, we would suggest either Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus radiata. Both contain 60-75% 1,8 cineol but you will notice a difference in the smell. Radiata is less intense and milder, making it sometimes chosen over E. globulus. Eucalyptol (1.8 cineol) is responsible for the oil’s ability to decongest the lungs, clear sinus passages, and contributes to a good deal of its anti-infectious, respiratory supporting effects.
A study which evaluated their compositions found that E. globulus oil showed the best antioxidant activity, while E. radiata was the winner for antibacterial activity. So each type has its own advantages. You can’t say one is better than the other, as the answer will depend on the use of it.
Eucalyptus globulus
This oil is commonly known as Eucalyptus or Blue Gum Oil. It helps reduce infections in the throat and lungs, such as rhinopharyngitis, laryngitis, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and bronchial pneumonia.
Eucalyptus globulus is also very effective as an air purifier. It has a fresh and earthy aroma that promotes well being. Not advised for children less than 6 years of age.
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Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil
This oil is commonly known as Black Peppermint Oil. It has the almost same properties with Eucalyptus globulus but has a sweet and fruity aroma. It is one of the gentlest of eucalyptus oils making it great for children.
Eucalyptus radiata is one of the best eucalyptus oils for diffusing. It is recommended for rhinitis, bronchitis, cough, pulmonary infections, acne and asthma.
With the first sign of a cold or flu, a drop of oil can be added to a tablespoon of Honey or Agave and taken every hour for the first five hours, and 5 times a day thereafter until symptoms abate.
A drop or two of oil can also be sprinkled on a handkerchief or washcloth and inhaled directly as needed to help with respiratory conditions.
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Cypress Essential Oil
The health benefits of Cypress Essential Oil can be attributed to properties as an astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, diuretic, hemostatic, hepatic, styptic, sudorific, vasodilator, respiratory tonic, and a sedative substance. It is warming and comforting.
Cypress oil tones up the respiratory system and increases the efficiency of the lungs. It also helps eliminate the cough and phlegm accumulated in the respiratory tracts and lungs. Furthermore, it clears up congestion, thereby making breathing easier when you are suffering from a cough and cold.
Furthermore, Cypress essential oil is helpful in curing nearly all types of spasms and the problems associated with it. It efficiently relieves spasms in the respiratory system and intestines as well as muscular spasms in the limbs. It promotes an uplifting atmosphere and supports a healthy respiratory system.
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Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is calming, grounding and aphrodisiac. It creates deep relaxation of the nervous system and that is why it has been used for centuries to enhance meditation and prayer. It is the first choice for chronic bronchitis. The mucous membranes get irritated with cough. Sandalwood calms and relieves from the symptoms with a massage or by diffusing it. It is excellent for infection of the urinary system. It supports skin and is moisturizing. Use in massage to promote relaxation and grounding. Use for meditation, prayer and yoga to encourage focus; ground and center the body and mind.
Use Sandalwood before bed time to relax and calm the mind. Place on the bottom of your feet or diffuse.
There are several different species of Sandalwood that may not have the same properties.
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Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula officinalis)
The “Panacea” (Lavender Essential Oil)essential oil is also useful in treating flu and cold. It works not only against the viruses that cause the infection but also relieves many of the symptoms. To boost the effects, try adding lavender oil to a diffuser and breathing in the vapors as well as putting it on your skin. It is soothing, balancing and calming and supports the respiratory system. As it is said the whole respiraratory system is used to enjoy the aroma of Lavender.
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To support a healthy respiratory system, you can use several blends according to your specific needs:
A different suggestion to ease the symptoms of seasonal cold and flu is pastilles with essential oils.
Organic Infusion in Pastille – Propolis and Eucalyptus, without added sugar
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