As we face unprecedented times in our global health community many are wondering what, if anything, they can do.

Here are a few things that we know.

1. COVID-19 is a respiratory influenza.
2. COVID-19 is said to affect the aging and those with compromised health worse.
3. Something as seemingly simple as going for a walk in a forest of conifers can not only support immune and respiratory health, but mental health as well.
4. Herbs and essential oils can help improve our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
5. Supporting healthy immune function and antiviral bioavailability may increase our chances of a positive outcome.

In recent times, the world has witnessed an increase in the use of essential oils to treat diseases and to promote better health. The natural plant’s essential oils are widely used in medicine and pharmacy for many purposes due to their evidence based physiological and psychological effects. They are also considered one of the most important branches of an Integrative Medicine, which is called aromatherapy. that focuses on the usage of essential oils for the treatment of various illnesses by using natural essential oils for both symptomatic treatment as well as for prevention.

Essential oils can cleanse cellular receptor sites of medications, chemicals and other “disruptors” thereby increasing and improving intercellular communication. They can bond to heavy metals and other toxins, helping to remove and flush them through the kidneys, lungs, sweat, colon and liver. Essential oils in fact, increase the body’s ability to absorb and distribute nutrients and vitamins.

Over the last several decades, numerous clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on physical, psychological, mental, emotional and spiritual health and there is a growing number of results proving their effectiveness.

Today we talk about lung health specifically as we are globally challenged by the COVID-19 viral pandemic.

Previously, the individual components of 1,8-cineole or menthol have been extensively used in human experiments using essential oils for respiratory health. The following respiratory activities of menthol have already been proved:

• antitussive in low concentration
• increases the sensation of nasal airflow giving the impression of decongestion
• depresses ventilation and the respiratory drive in comparatively higher concentration
• reduces respiratory discomfort and sensation of dyspnoea

Because of the multi-faceted action of 1,8-cineole, (antimicrobial, antitussive, bronchodilator, mucolytic anti-inflammatory, ciliary transport promotion and lung function improvement), it can be used to treat a diverse range of respiratory conditions. There is a comprehensive summary of human trials demonstrating the beneficial effects of 1,8-cineole in various respiratory conditions in the Handbook of Essential Oils edited by Can Baser and Buchbauer. 1,8-cineole or Eucalyptus essential oil can be used effectively and applied in the treatment of asthma, acute or chronic bronchitis, COPD, common cold and sinusitis. It is necessary to note that essential oils with a high content of menthol or 1,8-cineole should not be applied to the faces of infants or children.

The following is are examples of opportune use of aromatherapy for the treatment of respiratory ailments:

Case Study 1:

According to a case report, a three-year old female patient affected by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was treated with an EO mixture containing Lavandula latifolia, Thymus mastichina, Balsam abies and Mentha x piperita. [89] Three drops were applied to a fibrous filter inserted into the base of a fan diffuser. The mixture was nebulized into the room every six hours and passively inhaled by the patient. Oxygen requirement was decreased to 1.5 litres per minute within 12 hours.

Case Study 2:

Panahi et al. investigated the effectiveness of a herbal product (Lamigex) containing the EO of Syzygium aromaticum (Cloeve), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) and Geranium robertianum (Robertianum Geranium) in the treatment of acute external otitis (AEO) and compared its effects to those of ciprofloxacin. Seventy randomly assigned patients received ciprofloxacin 0.3% or Lamigex. Each group was administered with three drops every 12 hours for a week, in every case after cleansing the ear canal. After treatment, patients were examined by specialists for AEO symptoms. Moreover, ear discharge cultures were also checked at the beginning as well as at the end of this trial. Pain severity was also recorded with a visual analogue scale at the beginning, the third, and the seventh day of the study. Both antibiotic and Lamigex treatments improved the patients’ conditions and reduced pain severity. However, the rate of pain improvement was different between the two groups. The number of positive cultures was also reduced by ciprofloxacin and Lamigex treatment by the end of the trial.[91] It is necessary to highlight that undiluted EOs should not be dripped into the ears, but diluted EOs may be placed on a cotton wad for partial insertion.

Case Study 3:

In a smaller study, 24 randomly assigned adults suffering from common cold inhaled air with either steam or a mix of 9% eucalyptus EO, 35% camphor and 56% menthol w/w for 1 hour. The mean concentration of EO compounds in the inspired air was 56 μg/L. In the inhalation group, only 6 out of 22 spirometric parameters significantly improved when measured after 20 min, and 14 improved after 1 hour. These parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC: the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after full inspiration), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1: the amount of air forcibly exhaled in one second), forced expiratory volume in three seconds (FEV3: the amount of air forcibly exhaled in three seconds), maximum expiratory flow rate (MEFR: maximum forced flow rate during full expiration), and forced expiratory flow 25% (FEF25%: the mean forced expiratory flow during the first 25% of FVC).

Lastly in Case Study 4, we look at a study of essential oils and positive effects on lung/ respiratory/ pulmonary function. This is a small study with non pregnant healthy athletes inhaling sweet orange (citrus sinesis) or spearmint (menta spica) essential oils and improving and increasing lung function.

Case Study 4:

A lung function test showed an improvement on the lung status for the students after their inhalation of the oils. Figure 1 showed that the normal spirometry results were 50 %, while after inhalation with M. spicata oil the ratio were 60 %. On the other hand, there were a more increase in normal lung status for students who inhaled C. sinensis oil (40 % before and 70 % after; Fig. 2).

Interestingly, Table 2 shows that there is a significant increase in FEV1 and FVC in the post-test students after their inhalation of the M. spicata and C. sinensis oils.

Study findings showed that the essential oils isolated from M. spicata leaves and C. sinensis flowers enhanced athletic performance and lung function. Results showed that there is a significant increase in FEV1 and FVC in the post-test students after their inhalation of the M. spicata and C. sinensis oils. Furthermore, the running times for each group were significantly decreased for both M. spicata and C. sinensis nebulized groups (p-values, 0.007 and 0.005; respectively).

A scientific Study which was conducted by Saeki and Tanaka, 2005 had approved that an inhaling fragrances had affected the relieving of pricking pain sensation and suppressed autonomic responses and they suggested that aromatherapy may have more palliative effect on chronic rather than pricking pain.

Studies have shown that inhalations of various species of peppermint were effective in reducing muscle pain and fatigue as well as they had muscle relaxation effect.

Another investigation was conducted by McKenzie and Hedge, 2005 about the effects of inhalation of peppermint oil on running performance under different conditions. Eighteen young female subjects run 3.25 miles and were divided into groups; wearied a peppermint scented mask group, and unscented mask group. The results showed that peppermint inhalation had significantly lower heart rates during the running task.

A study of Dedeçay’s, 1995 showed that the aqueous solution containing rosemary and peppermint which was given to French cyclists made muscle relaxation and decreased muscular fatigues. Further to this, studies on peppermint inhalation had approved that this plant essential oil reduced the perceived efforts, temporal workload, physical workload and frustration.

Another study was conducted by Asghar S., 2011, on the effects of peppermint inhalation on VO2 max and reaction time, on 20 male athletes voluntarily participated in the study and the results showed that there is a meaningful relationship between the inhalation of peppermint with aerobic performance and reaction time.

Results of the current study, confirmed with the findings of Meamarbashi and Rajabi, 2013 and Raudenbush et al., 2001, who examined the effects of the administration of peppermint on the performance of athletes during exercises.

Natural plants essential oils have been traditionally used in the treatment of various physiological and psychological disorders. The use of essential oils in medicine began in the ancient Egyptian Era, and has continued ever since.

One of the most popular parts of integrative medicine is considered to be aromatherapy, which depends only on essential oils utilization for treatment of various diseases and this branch has spread worldwide, despite the lack of scientific basis (although this continues to grow) for the effectiveness of essential oils. On the other hand, the long history of essential oils usages in medicine and pharmacy suggests that they may indeed be effective.

Most of the essential oils are considered to be safe and their safety had been monitored in different ways, as well as many essential oils having a lengthy record of historical uses. These specific oils had been used from the ancient times in perfumery, cosmetics and food industries. Most of these studies focused on peppermint plant but unfortunately and according to the best of authors’ knowledge there were no previous studies about M. spicata and C. sinensis oils inhalations on the lung function and on the athletic performance.

Essential Oil Blends to Support Healthy Respiratory Function

To support headaches associated with COVID-19, try the following essential oil blend. Add this blend to an inhaler, a diffuser, an aromatherapy patch or to aromatherapy jewelry.

Migraine Headache Aromatherapy Blend:

• 30 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 15 drops Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil
• 8 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
• 7 drops Cajeput Essential Oil
• 7 drops Vetiver Essential Oil
• 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil

The following blend can be used to support immune function and as a general “Flu Buster” but should NOT be used as your first defence against COVID-19.

Flu Buster Blend

Combine the following essential oils in a 5ml bottle:

• 1 ml Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
• 1ml Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
• 1ml Eucalyptus (radiata or dives)
• .5ml Clove Bud (Syzygium aromaticum)
• .5ml Ravensara (Ravensara aromatic)
• 1ml Carrier Oil i.e. jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) or fractionated coconut oil (Cocus nucifera)

Apply 2 – 3 drops to lymph nodes (cervical or axillary)

To create a Basic Respiratory Salve, combine the following:

• 24ml Sesame Oil
• 3.4g Beeswax melted
• 0.3g Menthol Crystals Crushed
• 0.56ml Eucalypyus globulous essential oil
• 0.28ml Rosemary ct. cineole essential oil
• 0.14ml Peppermint essential oil

This is approximately a 4% dilution. Cut the essential oil blend in half if using on a child under 6 years.

Place the oil and beeswax in a double boiler and gently warm over low heat until the beeswax melts. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then add the essential oils – stir to blend. Pour the salve into containers of your choice. Allow the salve to harden before putting the lids on the jars, otherwise you may get condensation on the top of the salve. You can make the salve harder or softer by adjusting the amount of beeswax.

For sore muscles and general aches associated with viral infections, the following Sore Muscles and Physical Stress Blend is amazing! Add to Jojoba as in the formula below, or add to some bath salts or a salve!

Sore Muscles and Stress Blend

Ingredients:

• 4 drops of Rosemary ct. Camphor (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1.8Â cineole) Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) Essential Oil
• 1 drop of Lemon (Citrus limon) Essential Oil
• 1 oz. of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil

Directions:

• Add 1 oz. of Jojoba Oil to an empty glass bottle.
• Drop the essential oils into the Jojoba Oil.
• Cap the bottle and shake gently to blend.

Respiratory Essential Oil Usage

• Recommended oils can be diffused, inhaled directly from palms, or added to hot water for a “steam bath”
• Added to a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, essential oils can be rubbed on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. HgH Integrative Aromatics makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources including clinical studies and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

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