Essential oils can relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or aid other therapies. However, they cannot be used as a substitute for other therapies and can best be viewed as complementary therapy for symptom relief.
This article describes essential oils, including those that can be beneficial for a person with COPD. It also describes possible risks or side effects of using essential oils. After all, it comes down to COPD, treatment options, and when to seek medical advice.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts of active ingredients found in plants. The oils are used in alternative health practices such as naturopathy and aromatherapy.
While some active ingredients and essential oils may benefit people with COPD by removing mucus from the lungs and opening up the airways, there isn’t enough evidence to support their use as remedies or treatments. However, they can help relieve some CPOD symptoms.
Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Essential oils that can be beneficial for COPD are listed below.
eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil may have benefits as supportive therapy for people with COPD.
For example, research published in Advances in Therapy finds that a compound found in eucalyptus oil – 1,8-cineole – has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with respiratory conditions such as COPD.
Other research on 1,8-cineole found that potential benefits include:
- Preventing flare-ups in moderate to severe COPD
- Remove mucus from the lungs
- Reduction of mucus production
- Opening of the airways in the lungs
The researchers found that complementary therapy with 1,8-cineole showed a reduction in COPD exacerbations.
Additional research published in the journal Medicinenotes found that another eucalyptus extract, Myrtol, was shown to be effective in treating certain symptoms in people with COPD. Myrtol has anti-inflammatory properties and can help thin the mucus, which makes it easier to expel.
Animal experiment
Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research found that eucalyptus essential oil reduced COPD markers in an animal study. Individuals exposed to the essential oil had decreased inflammation of the airways and bronchioles, as well as decreased markers of inflammatory damage. The researchers found that eucalyptus oil can be used as a complementary treatment for COPD in humans.
rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is also a source of compounds such as 1.8 cineole. However, different essential oils have different amounts of compound and potency.
In addition, the essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can promote blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
Thyme and oregano
Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in thyme and oregano essential oils that may be used in future therapies for lung disease. Animal studies published in the European Respiratory Journal found that thymol and carvacrol reduced inflammation in the airways and had protective antioxidant effects.
Another animal study published in Pharmacological Reports found that carvacrol reduced markers of inflammation in an animal model of COPD from cigarette smoke and had a preventive effect.
While early research supports these compounds as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, more research in humans is needed.
Additionally, thyme and oregano essential oils can irritate the airways if they diffuse too much and are best used with a topical chest massage.
Orange and bergamot
Orange and bergamot are two citrus essential oils that can benefit the respiratory system.
A 2015 study found that concentrated compounds of orange and bergamot had a protective effect on the airways and prevented oxidative damage in lung cells that lead to problems like COPD. This can also help reduce the prevalence of symptoms.
Lavender and chamomile
Research published on Explore found that lavender and chamomile aromatherapy reduced depression, anxiety and stress in older adults living in shared apartments.
Stress can be a major contributor to COPD as it can make symptoms worse. A 2019 study found that COPD symptoms often lead to increased psychological distress, leading to avoidance of therapy or physical activity.
Frankincense and myrrh
Frankincense and myrrh essential oils can be beneficial for respiratory diseases. Research published in scientific reports found that both essential oils suppress systemic inflammation in the body. It added that the effects can be greater when the oils are used in combination.
There are several ways to use essential oils, including the following:
- Diffusers: Various devices diffuse oil into water, which is then evaporated as steam.
- Steam: If you add a few drops of essential oil to a saucepan of boiling water, the essential oil can also evaporate into the air around the saucepan.
- Current application: Diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and then applying it to the skin of the breast can help the body absorb the oil. However, undiluted or pure essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
It is important to note that essential oils cause reactions in the body and, when combined with medication, can have adverse effects. When a person uses an essential oil topically, they should apply a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of skin to test for reactions.
Essential oils shouldn’t be digested as they can be dangerous. This was observed in a 2012 study. If a person believes they have ingested essential oils, they can contact poison control or call 800-222-1222.
Learn more about essential oils here.
There are a few things to consider when it comes to essential oils and COPD, and people should seek professional advice before using essential oils.
Proof of effectiveness
Much of the research around essential oils has been to figure out which individual compounds can potentially be used as future therapies. While the results can help identify the active ingredients or the reasons why an essential oil may be helpful, they do not provide evidence of the effectiveness of using essential oils to treat COPD.
Research on humans
In addition, researchers often use highly concentrated or pure versions of compounds that are not available in essential oils. Results can also come from isolated cell laboratory tests, animal experiments, or other forms of research not directly related to the essential oil and COPD.
Therefore, more direct research using essential oils in humans is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oil use in COPD.
Allergic reaction
In addition, the effectiveness of some compounds and essential oils can be irritating and cause allergic reactions. If a person using essential oils notices their symptoms worsening or developing new symptoms, they should stop using the oils and seek medical advice. The compounds can also cause severe irritation or damage if swallowed.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used for inflammatory diseases that lead to two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms of COPD include a chronic cough, excessive sputum production, and difficulty breathing.
Risk factors can include genetics and long-term exposure to toxins such as chemicals in the environment or at work, and cigarette smoke.
There is no cure for the disease. A number of primary treatments can help treat the condition or prevent it from getting worse, such as: For example, stop smoking, undergo pulmonary rehabilitation, and use medication to open airways and make breathing easier.
Some people may need regular oxygen therapy or surgery to manage COPD and its symptoms.
Home remedies, including essential oils, can be useful as complementary therapies to treat COPD symptoms.
Find out more about COPD here.
Treatment for COPD varies and a person needs to work closely with their doctor to find the best treatment options.
Medications can help relieve symptoms or reduce relapses and make the person breathe easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be an important step for some people as it helps build strength in the lungs again.
Other treatments, such as supplemental oxygen and surgery, may be needed in cases where people have severe breathing difficulties.
In addition to the usual medical treatments, some complementary therapies can help manage the symptoms. The American Lung Association notes that complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy can potentially improve symptoms and a person with COPD’s quality of life.
Other lifestyles and therapies that can be used as complementary treatment for COPD include diet changes, nutritional supplements, or essential oils.
Find out more about home therapy for COPD here.
Anyone suspected of having COPD should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment. COPD symptoms can include:
- Chronic cough
- Panting
- regular shortness of breath
- general tiredness
- frequent respiratory infections
- excessive mucus production
Early detection is key to finding a treatment that works.
COPD is a chronic disease that requires regular medical treatment.
Natural compounds such as essential oils can relieve symptoms or aid other therapies. However, essential oil therapy is not a substitute for other therapies and is best used as a complementary therapy to alleviate COPD symptoms.
A person should seek professional advice before using essential oils.
