Breathe Easy: Best Essential Oils for Pneumonia Relief
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by inhalation of a bacterial or viral agent. Pneumonia can be mild, moderate, or severe. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia are breathlessness, chest pain (particularly in the center), pain when breathing in or out, fever, and cough that produces foamy sputum and greenish-yellow (especially if mixed with blood). Symptoms may get worse quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Inhalation of bacteria leads to pneumonia; Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae can originate from several sources including household dust mites and automobile exhaust.
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Essential oils are natural chemicals that are extracted from plants. Some of the most popular essential oils used for aroma therapy in illness have been peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Essential Oils used to relieve the symptoms of pneumonia can be very effective and safe. Eucalyptus oil has an antibacterial effect that can help restore bacterial balance if there is an infection. Tea tree oil has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that can help wipe out a pneumonia patient's infection quickly.
Best Essential Oils For Pneumonia:
1) Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most powerful antiseptic oils. It is effective against all types of bacterial and fungal infections, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for causing pneumonia. Tea tree essential oil applied undiluted to the chest can provide relief to a congested chest that comes with mild-to-moderate forms of pneumonia. However, it is always safe to use diluted tea tree essential oil. Add 6 drops of tea tree essential oil diluted in a carrier oils such as a coconut or almond oil and apply to the chest.
2) Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is rich in antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals in the body. This action protects the body from oxidative stress and also relieves symptoms of a cold or asthma attack quickly. Eucalyptus oil can work great against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for causing pneumonia, because of its high antibacterial and antimicrobial activity. It helps clear your breathing within minutes. Add a few drops of undiluted eucalyptus essential oil to hot water to steam your face and chest for quick relief from the symptoms of coughs, colds, congestion, sore throat, fever, and chest congestion caused by Streptococcus pneumonia.
3) Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon is one of the most well-known herbs in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India. It is used to improve circulation and metabolism, treat nervous disorders, increases sleep, relieve muscle pain, and create an overall sense of well-being. It is also used as an analgesic and immune stimulant. Try diffusing cinnamon essential oil diluted with water in the air to promote better breathing and clear nasal congestion.
4) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of the best-known herbs used for aromatherapy. It has cooling and refreshing properties that help relieve fever, headaches, muscle aches, dry coughs, and chest congestion. Peppermint essential oil is also anti-inflammatory and analgesic that relieves pain in muscles or joints associated with pneumonia. It's also an expectorant that loosens mucus from the respiratory tract making breathing easier.
5) Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has great anti-inflammatory properties that fight swelling and redness associated with mild cases of pneumonia. It is a natural expectorant and can help loosen mucus in the respiratory tract and reduce the severity of coughing. Lemongrass essential oil can be applied undiluted to the chest, back, shoulders, or neck.
6) Lavender Essential Oil
In aromatherapy, the lavender essential oil is known for its calming and balancing effects on both physical and emotional levels. It is a powerful antiseptic that helps eliminate infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bowl of hot water to create a soothing steam to relieve congestion, cough, and sore throat associated with pneumonia.
7) Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is used in aromatherapy for a variety of health issues including respiratory conditions. It soothes sore muscles and joints associated with acute mechanical chest pain associated with pneumonia. Add undiluted clove essential oil to a diffuser with water to relieve chest congestion, cough, and sore throat.
How To Use Essential Oils For Pneumonia?
Step 1: Choose your essential oils: Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and lemongrass essential oils can be great choices for treating pneumonia. You may choose 2-4 of these oils but remember to keep the oils below 15 drops when applied to the chest or back or diluted with coconut oil or almond oil.
Step 2: Measure your essential oils: Each essential oil comes in a different size bottle. It is important to measure the number of drops each time instead of pouring from the bottle every time you use it. Use an eye dropper to measure the number of drops you need.
Step 3: Drip the essential oils: Use a clean tissue or cotton ball to drip 2-3 drops in your palms and rub them together to heat the oil.
Step 4: Apply the oil: Use another clean tissue or cotton ball to rub the heated oil directly onto the affected area such as the chest, back, neck, and shoulders. Apply before going to bed at night or in the morning for relief from symptoms associated with pneumonia. Repeat as necessary. Essential oils are natural products that can be safely used topically for short periods on adults and children over 6 months old without any side effects.
DIY Recipes Of Essential Oils For Pneumonia:
Recipe 1: Oil Mix For Relief From Pneumonia
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil,
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil, and
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
Method:
- Mix in a clean bottle and apply on the chest and back to relieve symptoms associated with pneumonia.
Recipe 2: Tea Tee And Eucalyptus Balm For Pneumonia
Ingredients:
- 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil,
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil, and
- 4 tablespoons of almond or coconut oil.
Method:
- Mix the ingredients in a clean jar and knead until they are well blended.
- Apply to the chest area 2-4 times a day to alleviate symptoms associated with pneumonia.
Recipe 3: Lavender And Cedar Chest Or Back Rub
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil,
- 2-3 drops of cedar essential oil.
Method:
- Mix the two oils in a clean bottle and use the mixture to rub on the chest for relief from symptoms associated with pneumonia.
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FAQs:
1) How should I use essential oils?
It is always important to use diluted oils. Most adults can tolerate 15-20 drops of essential oil as a single dose, while pregnant women or children under 6 months old can use less than 5 drops of diluted essential oil per day.
2) What are the side effects?
Since the oils are natural products, there are rarely any side effects but due to individual sensitivities, some people may experience skin irritation or headache if they have sensitive skin or allergies to specific oils. In this case, consult your doctor immediately.
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