5 Essential Oils That Can Help With COPD

When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are times when you’d do just about anything to breathe a little bit easier.

Though finding this type of relief generally involves taking medications or undergoing some type of medical procedure, there are a few things you can do to promote a natural healing response.

One of these involves using essential oils to help manage your COPD. If this sounds appealing to you, there are five different options to consider.

1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a piney-smelling antiseptic and Medical News Today (MNT) reports that “Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Greek, and other European styles of medicine have incorporated it into the treatment of a range of conditions for thousands of years.”

The breathing-related benefits of eucalyptus include its ability to act as a decongestant and expectorant, in addition to providing some level of pain relief. Eucalyptus can also help COPD sufferers create a stronger immune system.

To reduce any potential skin irritation, MNT says this particular oil should be diluted with a carrier oil if you intend to apply it directly to the skin. The ideal ratio is roughly five drops of eucalyptus per ounce of carrier.

2. Lavender

Lavender oil is another oil beneficial to COPD sufferers as this oil acts as an antioxidant, helping the body better fight against the growth and progression of the disease.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also indicates that one study found that individuals had lower stress hormone levels after exposure to lavender’s floral scent. Since stress can make COPD worse, lavender can help combat this effect.

Since lavender isn’t as irritating, some oil providers state that it can be applied to the skin without dilution. However, this isn’t necessarily true in all cases, so you want to check with the manufacturer of your specific oil to be sure.

3. Myrrh

Myrrh is another substance that has been used for thousands of years, with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties “were once considered effective remedies for everything from toothaches to leprosy.”

Derived from the sap from Commiphora trees, myrrh can be chewed like a piece of gum when it is in its more solid form, which is fitting since it has also been shown to improve gum health.

Like with lavender, dilution of myrrh isn’t always necessary unless you have sensitive skin.

4. Frankincense

Frankincense is derived from the Boswellia tree and provides many of the same benefits as myrrh. However, it does have a completely different aroma.

Where myrrh has more of a dark piney or woody type of scent, frankincense is sweeter, with a hint of citrus and spice. Since both are good for your health and wellness, it’s more a matter of which one you like the smell of more.

Again, dilution isn’t a must if you use frankincense directly on the skin unless your product brand calls for it.

5. Bergamot

Bergamot is another essential oil that can help with COPD because it’s antibacterial and antifungal properties help protect against other health conditions.

It can also boost mood, with one study finding that exposure to bergamot reduces negative emotions and fatigue.

You should treat these substances with the same respect you would have for medications.

You should realize there is not much regulation of these oils, so the same oil from different producers may be very different in concentration, purity, and other qualities.

This can make dosing difficult at times. You also should consider how you use it.

Using an oil in a diffuser is not the same as a topical (skin applied) route or oral route. Some of these applications may have side effects that will differ for different people.