Top 8 Recommended Essential Oils For Respiratory Health + Tips on Using Essential Oils

https://www.journalofnaturalmedicine.com/top-8-recommended-essential-oils-for-respiratory-health-tips-on-using-essential-oils/

Essential oils are one of the best options for restoring respiratory health. Essential oils can quickly and effectively reduce swelling in the respiratory tract, help expel phlegm, and improve breathing. Their effect can be felt almost instantaneously and there are little to no adverse side effects when using essential oils for respiratory health. There is quite a large variety of essential oils available for an even wider variety of ailments. Most essential oils are available at low price points, making them a great, inexpensive choice for addressing ailments. A little oil, just a few drops goes a long way, so even the pricer oils are still a great, natural, cost-effective option.1. Lemon Essential OilLemon oil is an effective essential oil when it comes to congestion and coughs. The oil is derived from the skin of lemons. It is useful for treating sore throats in association to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Scientific research and evidence has shown that lemon oil is able to inhibit bacteria growth and improve the immune system.
In the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, a study was published in 2001, which stated that antibacterial actions of essential lemon oil was effective against allergy and cold symptoms.2.

Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is regarded as a highly powerful oil. Years ago, frankincense was at a stage valued higher than gold. Today, this oil is a fantastic anti-inflammatory when it comes to clearing nasal passages and lungs along with the regulation of breathing patterns. More specifically, it can assist in expelling phlegm out of the lungs. When treating a cold or a cough, use 2 to 3 drops of the oils in a diffuser.3.

Peppermint Essential Oil
Studies have suggested that antispasmodic activities in peppermint essential oil can help relieve coughing. This oil is better known when it comes to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and antimicrobial properties. Peppermint is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, sinus infections, colds, sore throats and coughs. In the Journal of Ethnopharmacology a study which was published in 2010 has suggested antispasmodic activities in essential peppermint oil assists in relieving coughs. Menthol present in this oil is believed to soothe and calm sore throats, while relieving a cough in the way of thinning mucus.4.

Tea Tree Essential Oil
This essential oil contains antiviral, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree is a fantastic oil when it comes to bronchial congestion. This oil has been discovered to exhibit exceptional protective activities against fungi, yeast, and bacteria, which can be found in a study which has was released in 2000 from a German research team. Microbes are what cause inflammation that can deplete the person’s immune system, which often results in congestion and coughs and susceptibility to other infections. Tea tree essential oils contain antiviral, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that fight off these microbes. This essential oil is effective for bronchial congestion, coughs and sore throats. For relief, apply 15 drops of a good quality tea-tree oil to the sinuses and neck for an effective cough remedy.5.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is proven to be a useful aid for treating upper-respiratory infections and congestion. This high-quality oil also loosens mucus and lowers respiratory inflammation inside the lungs. Eucalyptus is  found in a variety of over-the-counter products when it comes to congestion, cough and cold relief. This is an essential oil associated with many health benefits when it comes to its effective abilities in improving respiratory circulation, stimulating the immune-system, and providing antioxidant protection. The active ingredient in this oil is known as cineole. With many long-term studies it has been indicated that essential eucalyptus oils are useful for treating upper-respiratory infections and congestion.6.

Thyme Essential Oil
Research suggests that thyme essential oil can assist in supporting the respiratory and immune systems. This is a preferred essential oil when it comes to congestion and coughs in association to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is these effects which assist in supporting the respiratory and immune systems. In 2011, there was a study which was published in the Medicinal Chemistry journal, where researchers studied the response of thyme oil to 120 different bacteria strains which were isolated from people suffering from respiratory infections. Results showed that this oil displayed strong activities against each of these bacteria strains. This means thyme essential oil is ideal for congestion, coughs and sore throats caused from colds and flu and other related illnesses.7.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil
This essential oil features over 87 active ingredients that includes antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Juniper Berry essential oil has a sweet and woodsy smell, which is found in various aromatherapy blends, fragrance sprays, and even household-cleaning products. This is an essential oil that is typically used for treating respiratory infections as well as sore throats. Research has gone onto show that this important essential oil has over 87 active ingredients which include antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal agents. In 2003 a study appeared in the Phytotherapy Research journal which discovered that antimicrobial activities associated with juniper oil was due to the combination of the compounds known as alpha-pinene, p-Cymene and beta-pinene.8.

Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil displays antimicrobial activities against various multi-resistant bacteria. This essential oil is commonly used for relieving sore throats, boosting the immune-system, which has to do with its stimulating, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. In the journal Phytotherapy Research a study was published in 2007 discovered that essential clove oil displays activities against several multi-resistant bacteria. When you feel a sore throat coming on or you are starting to cough, placing 1 drop of clove oil on your tongue is an effective remedy for these common issues.

Tips On Using Essential Oils For Congestion, Colds and Cough1.

Aromatherapy: Adding Essential Oils To DiffusersAromatherapy is an age old yet effective practice to relieve coughs. Add drops of your chosen essential oil into the diffuser. Diffusers are one of the best ways to use the above mentioned essential oils when it comes to coughs and congestion we described earlier on. A diffuser of high-quality is a worthwhile investment. These diffusers work on breaking the essential oil down into very small molecules that spread through the air. This process will improve air quality in the room that you use it in. In this way diffusers work well for treating flu, sinus infections, congestion and colds.2.

A Hot And Healing Bath Soak
One of the other effective ways to use essential oils for colds, congestion and coughing is to add the oil into hot water in a bath. Relaxing and soaking in hot water with your favorite essential oil can work wonders when fighting a cold or flu.
Below is a recipe you may want to try:Ingredients– 6 Drops of Tea Tree Oil– 2 Drops of Thyme OilDirectionsAdd both the essential oils into hot or warm water in your bath. Make sure you do not use more than the recommended dose of thyme oil as it can result in irritation. You can also add some lavender or eucalyptus epsom salt to relax your muscles and joints. Relax and enjoy a healing bath. 

Four Powerful Health Benefits of Elderberry
https://www.journalofnaturalmedicine.com/four-powerful-health-benefits-of-elderberry/
Elderberries contain a variety of potent health benefits. Many individuals have consumed this dark berry in juice, jams, wine, or other culinary preparations without being aware of the health benefits of elderberry. Known scientifically as Sambucus Nigra, this medicinal berry comes in many varieties, the most popular being the European elder and the American elderberry. Both of these varieties contain powerful health benefits. Elderberry is also referred to as sambucus— its botanical name. Elderberries do contain low levels of naturally-occurring cyanide so it’s important to source them from a reputable seller.

What Is Elderberry?Elderberry is a genus of flowering plants. It grows in various varieties, the most popular being the European elder and the American elderberry. The elderberry tree is identifiable by its clusters of tiny, flat, white flowers and bundles of elderberries. Common names for elderberry are Elder, American Elder, Black Elderberry, Boor Tree, Common Elder, Ellhorn, European Elder, Holunder, Holunderbeeren, Sambucus, Sambuci, and Sureau. Both the American and European elderberry contain the anthocyanin and polyphonol-rich black berries from which jams, juice, syrups, and other foods are made from. The flesh of the berry is the only edible part of the plant; in fact, the seeds, stems, leaves and roots of the black elder contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside that is poisonous to humans. Cooking the elderberries eliminates the glycosides present in the seeds, making them safe to eat. Additionally, exposing the berries to heat concentrates the anthrocyanins and polyphenols.Health Benefits of Elderberry1. Elderberries are rich in various beneficial compounds including:
Anthrocyanins– Anthrocyanins are a subgroup of the flavonoid class. Research has shown they have an ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation as well as inhibiting tumor formation. These phytochemical can be found  abundantly in cereals, cocoa, honey, fruits, nuts, olive oil, teas, vegetables, and wines. Anthrocyanins have also demonstrated a strong link to cardiovascular disease protection.Antioxidants– Molecules that prevent or delay some types of cell damage.Flavonoids– Also known as bioflavonoids, these compounds are a class of plant and fungus. In vitro studies have shown flavonoids to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and anti-cancer activity. Common foods containing flavonoids are: black tea, blueberries, citrus, cocoa, parsley, peanuts, and wine.Phenolic acids– Phenolic acids are a type of polyphenol. Other polyphenols include flavonoids. Phenolic acids have antioxidant and  anti-inflammatory benefits. These polyphenols are found abundantly in plant-based foods.Quercetin– A flavonoid rich in antioxidants. Quercetin has an antihistamine effect which helps alleviate watery eyes, a runny nose, and swelling. Quercetin has also been found to support cardiovascular health.Rutin– A flavonoid that helps with vitamin C absorption and collagen production in the body. This flavonoid can help with treating hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels.Additionally, elderberries contain a high level of vitamins C, A, and B6 and are also naturally high in iron, potassium and betacarotene. 2. Elderberry provides cold and flu reliefElderberries are rich in anthrocyanidins which are known to have immunostimulant effects. Stimulating and strengthening the body’s natural fighting mechanisms makes for a much more speedy recovery. When it comes to cold and flu relief, elderberry reduces swelling in the mucus membranes, helping to reduce cold and flu symptoms as well as sinusitis. A 2016 double blind placebo controlled trial of 325 people showed that using elderberry reduces the duration of a cold and its symptoms by 2 days.Other studies have shown the flavonoids present in elderberry extract to bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus. Repeat findings of elderberry extract’s ability to significantly improve most flu symptoms has led researchers to conclude that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms. The extract was found to be so effective that it was compared with Amantadine and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)— prescription medications.3.

Elderberry relieves allergies
Since elderberry stimulates immune function and reduces inflammation, it’s a great natural remedy for allergies. Elderberrycan help effectively relieve allergy symptoms such as inflammation of the sinuses, sneezing, swelling, itching, watery eyes, runny nose or stuffy nose. This potent herbal remedy also aids in detoxification.4.

Elderberry naturally lowers blood sugar 
Elderberry has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for diabetes. Studies have shown elderberry extract naturally helps lower blood sugar levels in two ways, a) by stimulating the metabolism of glucose,
b) stimulating the secretion of insulin.How to consume elderberryElderberry is available in a wide variety of preparations, including:AstringentCapsulesInfusionsJamsJuiceLiquidLozengesOintmentsPillsPowderSpraysSyrupTeaWineFor best results, pair elderberry with echinacea and olive leaf.
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