What Are The Risk Factors Of Bronchitis
Like many other respiratory diseases, not everyone gets bronchitis. Why? Some specific elements make one person predisposed to the condition more than others. Some of the factors include:
- Low immunity
When your bodys defence system is unable to counteract the cause of an infection, the bacteria or the virus multiply and grow aggressive. At above normal levels, and with your bodys ability to fight the infection compromised, you get sick. Compromised immunity is common with the elderly, young children and infants because their systems lack the capacity to ward off the cause of the infection in time. Note that infections lower immunity further.
- Cigarette smoke
Active and passive smokers are at a high risk of getting bronchitis. Smoke has chemicals that weaken the body leaving you with a high predisposition to infections. Studies show that people who smoke or people who live around smokers are at greater risk of contracting acute or chronic bronchitis. The reasons for this are that smoking leads to the production of more mucus in response to the allergens in cigarettes. The mucus harbours infections. The other reason is that cigarette smoke weakens the immune system.
- Exposure to irritants on the job
If your workplace exposes you to gases or smoke with lung irritants, then you have a higher risk of getting the disease. Some of these industries include the ones dealing in chemical fumes, textiles or grains.
- Gastric reflux
- Allergies
Treatment of Bronchitis with essential oils
How To Use Essential Oils To Help Control Pneumonia
There are several ways to really get the benefits from the essential oils used to treat pneumonia.
- Mix with carrier oils and use in a foot massage or a chest rub.
- Add to hot water and used in steam inhalation.
- Place in a nebulizing essential oil diffuser and relax.
Essential oils are good for pneumonia no matter how they enter your system. Be sure to rest, get plenty of fluids, and let the essential oils help ease you to a speedy recovery.
Steam Inhalation And Bath Soak
There are several ways to inhale essential oil steam:
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Precautions To Be Taken While Using Essential Oils For Headache
Although essential oils are created entirely of plant-based substances, they do have certain detrimental consequences. Because these oils are extremely concentrated, the following preventative actions must be taken:
- Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil before using them.
- Essential oils should not be consumed since they might be harmful or dangerous.
- Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
- It is suggested that pregnant and nursing women consult their doctors before using essential oils.
- Before using essential oils, visit your doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions.
- If any of the essential oils upset your skin, quickly rinse it off with a gentle soap.
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
Aromatherapy has been used to treat ailments and reduce stress since ancient times. So its no surprise that essential oils remain popular in health care and beauty rituals.
Besides enriching a room with a pleasant fragrance to help you relax, essential oils can have great benefits for the lungs and respiratory system. Whichever oil you wish to try out, consult our list to identify the best one for you. Like everything else, always use in moderation for the best and safest outcome.
Wellness Nova Team
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Essential Oils In The Treatment Of Respiratory Tract Infections
In the European Pharmacopoea, more than 25 essential oils are official. Among them, e.g. the essential oil of anise, bitter fennel fruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree and thyme are frequently used for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. According to the Community herbal monographs of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products , these oils can be applied generally based upon longstanding use. In this part, these essential oils will be shortly described.
Best Home Remedies For Pneumonia:
Are you wondering how to break up pneumonia? Rather than fighting this sickness for weeks, its better for your overall health to fight it quickly.
These effective home remedies for pneumonia use simple, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have in your home, and they do not cause the unwanted side effects that come with commercial remedies.
Lets learn how to treat your pneumonia with simple solutions that you can brew up at home in minutes. One of these 21 remedies is sure to solve your problem.
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Mode Of Antibacterial And Antiinflammatory Actions Of Eos
Currently, the knowledge about the mode of action of EOs against pathogens has been increasing, but in many cases S. aureus was used as test microorganism. In one study, the cellular effects of Inula graveolens and Santolina corsica EOs on S. aureus ATCC 6538P strain were investigated. The effects of time and treatment dose on cell viability were determined by timekill and bacteriolysis assays. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the marked structural changes caused by the EO treatments. The authors suggested that the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell wall are involved in the toxic action of I. graveolens and S. corsica EOs. Muthaiyan et al. investigated the antimicrobial effect and mode of action of terpeneless cold pressed Valencia orange EO on MRSA. Results showed that 0.1% of CPVO oil induced cell wall stress stimulus was consistent with the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and triggered cell lysis observed with transmission electron microscopy. Since EOs can disrupt the cell membrane structure, they indirectly affect the toxin secretion of different bacteria.
Top 5 Essential Oils For Infection
With so many bacterial infections popping up across America, everyone is looking for ways to prevent and treat them. Though antibiotics have been used for many years to treat bacterial infections, some of the newest superbugs have become immune to their power. Scientists have been looking into the effectiveness of essential oils to reduce the spread of these bacteria in several ways.
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Essential Oils For Bronchitis
The most important essential oils for bronchitis include:
Eucalyptus essential oil
Over the years, eucalyptus essential oil has been effective in treatment and management of colds and flu as well as bronchitis. The effectiveness of eucalyptus oil comes from its high concentration of 1.8-Cineole, a compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
While the other oils on this list are known to help with Bronchitis, Eucalyptus oil is the one that I highly recommend. Just place a few drops of a High Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil into a diffuser like this one and place it near the person. It should help to ease their coughing and open the constricted airways.
Tea tree oil
It has powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Tee tree oil is also a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is effective in management and treatment of bronchitis. It also protects bronchiole cells from any damage.
Peppermint oil
The resultant cooling sensation and the calming effects of peppermint oil, as well as its antimicrobial effects make, is ideal for clearing the respiratory tract. Since anyone suffering from bronchitis has a significant amount of mucus and phlegm accumulated, peppermint oil helps in reducing that and congestion of the airways.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is a natural antibacterial agent. It enhances bronchial health by working as a natural antibiotic, reducing inflammation and relieving the symptoms of bronchitis.
How To Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be dispensed in a variety of ways. Oils in their pure form are very potent and generally require some type of dilution prior to their use. Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. Mix them in a carrier oil. Usually the recipe is 3 to 5 drops in a carrier oils such sweet almond, olive, or warmed coconut oil. Methods to dilute essential oils include:
- Mixing them with carrier oils for direct application to the skin
- Adding them to a bowl of hot water to breathe in oil-infused steam
- Utilizing a diffuser, humidifier, or spray bottle to put them in the air
- Mixing them in an oil then adding to the bath or with other spa products
You may wish to inhale essential oils from the bottle directly, but only do this for a brief amount of time because of their potency. You should never ingest essential oils.
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Could The Evidence Change For Essential Oils And Lungs
For now, doctors are suggesting people with lung health issues either avoid essential oils or approach them with extreme caution, due to a lack of solid evidence proving any benefit to the use of essential oils for lung health. But could new research make an impact? Perhaps.
There is potentially some research that is still in early phases where they could still have some potential benefits, says Dr. Buhr. But wait. Those early phases usually mean research that involves petri dishes or animals, not humans, he notes. Theres definitely a role for continued exploration for the role of botanicals as treatment, but that doesnt mean theyre ready for prime time with current available preparations, he says.
The bottom line: its a good idea to be cautious about using essential oils if you happen to have a lung disease or condition. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start using anything new, including an essential oil or herbal supplement.
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And dont give up on any of the prescribed meds youre taking without consulting your doctor first. If youre concerned about a side effect of your current medication, your doctor may be able to find a different medication that might be better for you.
Cold and flu season is here! Check out our guide to pneumonia to make sure youre up on the latest prevention strategies.
Use These 8 Amazing Essential Oils For Lung Detox And Respiratory Health
Essential oil are multipurpose and can also be used for a lung detox. Check out this article to know about the essential oils useful for respiration
Essential oils are used as an alternative therapy for various purposes instead of getting medical treatment. It is a traditional method that is being used for a number of things since ages. From skin problems to health conditions, essential oils can contribute towards maintaining a healthy body. However, you should be careful and cautious while using these oils, as there are no approved instructions about dosage or strength of these oils. Essential oils are made from the liquid essence of plants. And, this essence is made from the smell and taste elements of a plant. A few common examples of essential oils are lavender oil, basil oil, cinnamon oil, tea tree oil and ginger oil, etc.
Essential oil therapy is also known as Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy helps in easing pain, boosting mood and even in treating respiratory problems such as coughing and congestion. There are many causes for someone to cough, including the common cold, flu, or chest infection. Essential oils may help to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and clear away mucus too. Essential oils are mostly derived from plants and these can act as a herbal and natural detox for your lungs. Read the article further to know about some useful essential oils to protect lungs.
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How To Use Essential Oils To Ease Congestion
Essential oils for bronchitis can cut through mucus that is blocking your respiratory tract and sinuses. Very often, the potent vapors of essential oils can quickly ease congestion and open up constricted airways.
This is what you should do to make your own vapor rub with essential oils to treat bronchitis or asthma symptoms:
To make a calming essential oil vapor rub to help you sleep, substitute tea tree for lavender oil. Apply before going to bed to help get a better nights sleep and prevent coughing from keeping you awake.
Peppermint Essential Oil For Headaches
Peppermint, one of the most popular essential oils for treating headaches and migraines, includes menthol, which helps muscles relax and relieve discomfort. This essential oil effectively reduces the severity of acute headaches by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation, whether stress or tension headaches or hormonal or hangover headaches.
According to a study, applying peppermint oil to the back of the neck may reduce pain intensity after 2 hours and may aid in treating an acute migraine episode.
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Top 10 Essential Oils For Respiratory Support
Are essential oils helpful for respiratory tract infections? One of the great benefits of these oils is that they have been shown in lab studies to have antimicrobial effects that include inhibiting viruses and bacteria.
Lets look at some of the top essential oils for respiratory health and how you can use them. Note that most of these studies are laboratory experiments and not human test trials, however, the results can still be useful!
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Sweet orange essential oil is a citrus oil with a number of beneficial properties including excellent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-oxidant actions. This oil can be used alone or combined with other oils to help clear the lungs and relieve respiratory symptoms.
One study, published in 2009, found that orange essential oil had the potential to help treat COPD.
Try diffusing this oil or adding a few drops to a hot sink of water to make your own steam vapor treatment.
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Ginger Root Essential Oil For Headache
For centuries, ginger oil has been a trusted remedy for headaches, nausea, and vomiting. It is also a strong anti-inflammatory, which may aid with a variety of pains. Ginger essential oil is not only helpful as a migraine cure, but it also improves blood circulation and raises levels of serotonin, which functions as a chemical messenger during migraine episodes.
Serotonin increases can aid with migraines by lowering inflammation and constriction of blood vessels. Massage a few drops of diluted ginger oil on your temples, forehead, and back of the neck once a day to relieve a migraine or tension headache.
Chamomile Essential Oil For Headaches
Chamomile oil is a relaxant that calms the body and relieves muscles, making it ideal for stress headaches, also known as tension headaches. It can also aid in treating anxiety and sleeplessness, both of which are significant causes of headaches.
Inhaling chamomile essential oil can assist in relaxing both your body and mind. Chamomile oil has several advantages, including the ability to promote sleep. This oil is also used to regulate and activate the neurological system in nerve discomfort, headache, and migraine.
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Basil And Black Pepper
Basil and black pepper act as natural decongestants. Black pepper expels the mucus from the air sacs and dries up the fluids which cause pneumonia infection.
Process 1:
- Crush 5-7 basil leaves to extract juice.
- Mix with ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Consume every 6 hours to cure pneumonia.
Process 2:
- Repeat 2 times a week.
Essential Oil Side Effects
Essential oils undoubtedly have great health benefits. But theyre often strong and can irritate skin or cause dizziness if inhaled for too long and too often.
Despite the positive effects that essential oils can have on your lungs and respiratory system, some individuals can also have allergic reactions to them which could worsen bronchial asthma or prompt attacks. So, take it easy.
My advice is always not to overdo it with these substances. Observe how your body responds to small amounts of essential oil use and respond appropriately. A specific oil may do wonders for you, but if you feel yourself coughing or reacting adversely to another, then ease off and try taking some deep breaths of clean air.
Some oils also may not improve your air quality if diffused in a room. Like air fresheners, they may have an attractive fragrance but can actually have a polluting effect on the air. Stick to this list if youve got your respiratory health in mind, and always use it according to instruction.
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Essential Oils For Cough
Essential oils can help with coughing by soothing your sore throat. They are oils distilled from plants and contain the beneficial chemicals of the plant they are derived from. When choosing an essential oil, make sure it’s a pure essential oil, not just a fragrant oil, which smells nice but doesn’t have any of the compounds.