With the haze getting worse in Malaysia, it’s a definite that our lungs are working harder than usual to defend themselves from the dust and whatever fine particles we breathe in. So, aside from drinking herbal tea or turning to medicine to clear your lungs, you can also incorporate these essential oils into your daily routine! We’ll also leave a super quick and easy herbal roll-on DIY at the bottom for you so you can have your own pocket aromatherapy
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
If you’re thinking that Eucalyptus Essential Oil smells like Vicks VapoRub, you’re not wrong! Eucalyptus Oil is one of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, and it (and the essential oil) is a great natural decongestant. Inhaling steam with Eucalyptus Essential Oil can help reduce and loosen mucus, so that you can cough it up.
2.
Peppermint Essential Oil
There are a number of natural products for respiratory conditions which contains Peppermint Oil, be it the menthol crystal version of the essential oil version. When inhaled, peppermint creates a cooling sensation has a sharp enough scent that will not only perk you up but also help clear congestion. (Pssst! Many insects are also repelled by the smell of peppermint.)
3. Rosemary Essential Oil
Aside from being great for soothing muscles, treating dandruff and skin infections, Rosemary Essential Oil contains cineole (like Eucalyptus) which can aid in breaking up mucus in the respiratory passages and reduce inflammation, thus clearing congestion. (1)
4.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Well known for it’s ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and it’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Essential Oil can prevent the growth of bacteria which causes sinus infections and respiratory issues. Inhaling steam with Tea Tree Essential Oil can help treat and ease the effects of coughs and colds.
5.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
With a warm and smoky aroma, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be used to soothe asthma, congestion, cough, phlegm buildup, and other respiratory discomforts. It has antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and calming properties (which helps to relax muscles, promote sleep and relieve anxiety).
6.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Often used in incense and perfumes, Frankincense Essential Oil is traditionally valued for it’s positive effects on the respiratory system. It has been noted in many medicinal studies for it’s ability to treat coughs, catarrh, bronchitis, and asthma. (2) (3)
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DIY Herbal Roll-On
What You’ll Need
- Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle (to protect the contents from UV light!)
- Sweet Almond Oil (Or any other carrier oil of your choice!)
- Any of the 6 Essential Oils Listed Above
Instructions
- Pour in 9ml of sweet almond oil into the amber glass roll-on bottle. (If you’re using a different container, pour until the neck of the container or until it’s 95-98% full).
- Add in up to 6 drops of essential oil.
*Note: Generally, we recommend 5 drops of essential oil for every 10ml of carrier oil to avoid any negative reactions due to skin sensitivity.
- Put on the stopper with the metal ball and shake the bottle before using.
We hope this post helps you
References:
- Fischer, Juergen, and Uwe Dethlefsen, “Efficacy Of Cineole In Patients Suffering From Acute Bronchitis: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial”, Cough, 9 (2013), 25 <https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-9974-9-25>.
- Hamidpour, Rafie, Soheila Hamidpour, Mohsen Hamidpour, and Mina Shahlari, “Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species): From The Selection Of Traditional Applications To The Novel Phytotherapy For The Prevention And Treatment Of Serious Diseases”, Journal Of Traditional And Complementary Medicine, 3 (2013), 221-226 <https://doi.org/10.4103/2225-4110.119723>.
- Wakefield, Mary Elizabeth, “Special Treatments”, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture, 2014, 267-276 <https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-7020-4947-7.00008-7>.