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What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an inflammatory disease that results in chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people having COPD experience both of these conditions. It is estimated that about 30 million people in the United States have COPD and mostly are unaware that they have it. People suffering from this disease, experience many symptoms, and the most common among them are shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, etc. If left untreated, it leads to disease progression like heart problems, a worsening respiratory infection. 

Treatment 

There is no cure for this but many treatment options are available to manage symptoms of COPD like Lifestyle changes, pulmonary rehabilitation, Oxygen therapy, and Surgery. Apart from this, essential oils are also been used as complementary therapy but they cannot be used as replacement therapy. Many essential oils are available which can give relief to those suffering from COPD.  The American Lung Association found that complementary therapies such as yoga, massage, and acupuncture may help to improve symptoms and quality of life for a person with COPD.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the concentrated extracts of active compounds found in plants. Essential oils can act as a complementary therapy or support other therapies like in aromatherapy or neuropathy but do not cure any disease. It may ease the symptoms of many ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Essential oils can be used in many ways. It can be used as diffusing oil, can be used while taking steam, by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, etc.

Direct use of essential oil may cause many reactions in the body and can produce many side effects. It should also not be digested as it can be dangerous. If mistakenly digested, one should contact a doctor immediately. Although sufficient evidence are not available, which supports its use as a cure or treatment but it may help to alleviate some COPD symptoms. 

Due to the presence of some active compound, it may potentially benefit by opening the airways and clearing mucus present in the lungs, in people suffering from COPD. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Types of essential oils that may be beneficial for COPD are listed below.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil shows many advantages as a supportive therapy due to the presence of a compound 1,8 cineole, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is helpful for respiratory disorders like COPD, as published in Advances in Therapy. It also shows many benefits like  

• Preventing flare-ups in cases of moderate to severe COPD
• Clearing mucus from the lungs
• Reducing mucus production
• Opening up the airways in the lungs

Thyme and oregano

Research shows that carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in thyme and oregano essential oils, reduced inflammation in the airways, and had a protective antioxidant effect. other research shows that thyme and oregano in essential oils may irritate the airways when applied in a highly concentrated form. So, it is best to use it in a topical chest rub.

Orange and bergamot

Orange and bergamot are the two citrus essential oils that may benefit the respiratory system and reduce symptoms associated with it.  In one study, it was reported that concentrated compounds from orange and bergamot had a protective effect in the respiratory system, preventing lung cell damage that can lead to COPD. 

Lavender and chamomile

One of the research published in Explore, found these essential oil reduced stress, anxiety and depression, which is a major factor in COPD, as this cause heightened levels of mental distress. 

Frankincense and myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh essential oils are anti-inflammatory and may provide some benefit for respiratory conditions. When these oils are used in combination, it shows greater effects. 

Are there any risks while using essential oils in COPD?

While using in concentrated or pure form, it shows many side-effects in the body. People should seek professional advice before using essential oils. Some of the risks associated with it are allergic reactions, skin irritation from essential oil, or compounds present in the essential oil. If a person found their symptoms worsen, they should immediately stop using it and seek physical advice. 

Summary

COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that require treatments. Although, there is no cure for COPD, but many treatments are available that can ease the symptoms of this issue. Many lifestyle changes and some alternative therapies like using essential oil can relieve symptoms. If any serious side-effects are shown on using an essential oil, visit a doctor immediately.