Treating Asthma With Aromatherapy
Asthma - for those affected by this complaint the very word will
sometimes bring cold shivers.
For those lucky people who don't know much about asthma, it is a
respiratory disorder characterized by recurring episodes of
wheezing, shortness of breath, cough and thick mucous production
caused by inflammation or spasm of the bronchi.
An attack of asthma can be triggered by exposure to an allergen,
strenuous exercise or infection. In between attacks, the
sufferer breathes normally, but treatment should be ongoing to
help prevent inflammation, and thus attacks that are in some
cases, life-threatening. This is because during an attack the
respiratory mucosa lining the airways swells, the smooth muscle
lining the bronchiolar walls contracts and much thick mucous is
secreted into the airways causing the sufferer great difficulty
in breathing.
Another problem is the body's own response to the inflammation
of the airways. The immune system sends out white blood cells
containing leukotrienes to deal with it, but these chemical
compounds cause further swelling of the mucous membrane,
constriction of the smooth muscle and even more mucous, thus
exacerbating the problem.
During an attack the suffer experiences extreme fatigue and
anxiety which both make the condition worse. Treatment consists
of the use controlling or preventing the inflammation from
occurring in the first place by removal of the offending
allergens or cause, but in the case of allergens, it is not
always possible to identify the culprit.
Bronchodilators must be used to expand the airways, with
constant use of two medications that give both long and
short-term relief. It is also possible to use aromatherapy to
aid in both prevention and treatment of asthma, but the sufferer
should never simply go off medication prescribed by the doctor.
To reduce air pollution (bacteria and allergens) place in an
atomizer containing an ounce of purified water, 1 drop each of
peppermint (mentha x piperita)and tea-tree oil (Melaleuca
alternifolia), 2 drops of pine oil (pinus sylvestris) and
bergamot (citrus bergamia) and 3 of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus
citriodora). Spray the air frequently or dampen a tissue with it
and inhale.
Another good inhalation that can also be used in the bath or as
a chest rub to stimulate the removal of mucous, is a mix of 12
drops of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), 2 drops of Ravensara
aromatica with 28 drops of Cedarwood, (Juniperus virginiana).
Two oils containing anti inflammatory and anti-infectious
properties are Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllus) and Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon flexuosus). They should be mixed together in a 3/1
ratio respectively, and inhaled when the presence of cold and
flu viruses are suspected.
Another calming inhalation and chest rub can be made by mixing
16 drops Lemon, (Citrus limon), 12 drops Clary Sage, (Salvia
sclarea) and12 drops Angelica, (Angelica archangelica)
A massage oil to help to loosen tight back and chest muscles
after an attack of asthma can be made from the following
ingredients. Take 2 tablespoons of almond oil and add 3 drops
Ylang, Ylang, (Cananga odorata), 3 drops Eucalyptus, (Eucalyptus
smithii), 16 drops Lavender, Lavendula angustifolia and 3 drops
Peppermint, (Mentha x piperita).
Many of these oils can aid in calming the sufferer during an
attack, a difficult emotion to achieve while struggling for
breath. However, anxiety makes the body's oxygen needs escalate,
while a person who can remain calm needs much less oxygen and
can remain more in control of the situation.
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