How to Use Lavender Oil for Asthma
Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects an individual's airways and his ability to breath. Various steroid and medicinal treatments are available that can help alleviate the symptoms of asthma. Alternatively, individuals can use essential oils and natural, homeopathic treatments to help an individual with asthma. Learn how to use lavender oil for asthma to treat the condition's symptoms and help you breathe better.
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Things You'll Need
- Lavender essential oils
- Lavender herbal chest rub ointment
- Humidifier (optional)
- Pot or tea kettle (optional)
- Towel (optional)
Instructions
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1
Test the lavender essential oils with the asthmatic person to determine whether he is allergic to lavender. People with asthma may be slightly more susceptible to allergies and fragrances. Allow the person to smell the lavender. If he does not react negatively, proceed to Step 2.
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2
Breathe lavender-infused steam. Steam can help moisten and open the airways of an individual experiencing an asthma attack. Meanwhile, lavender can naturally calm and relax spasms in the lungs. Fill a pot or tea kettle with hot water and boil it. Add several drops of lavender essential oil. Lean over the hot water with a towel over your head to capture and inhale the lavender-infused steam and treat the asthma symptoms. Alternatively, you can place the lavender oil in a humidifier.
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3
Rub an herbal ointment onto the chest of the person experiencing asthma. Such chest rubs can be obtained from your local health food store, or from a practicing homeopathic doctor. Lavender chest rubs combined with other natural herbs can boost the efficacy of lavender oil to treat asthma. You can either purchase the rub pre-mixed, or add drops of your own essential oils. For example, mint can serve as a decongestant. Chamomile may help stop the body's histamine release. Finally, marjoram may help expand the lungs' capacity. Combined with the lung-relaxing effects of lavender, the chest rub can help alleviate asthma symptoms and reduce coughing and breathing problems.
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Use lavender oil as a base for a reed diffuser for long-term lavender oil asthma treatments. Place diffusers in the bedroom and common living areas. Not only may the lavender reduce asthma attacks, but it can also serve as an effective air freshener.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful when using lavender oil in hot water to treat asthma, as hot steam can cause burns.
