Essential oil is liquid in form and is commonly distilled either by steam or water from leaves, stems, root, or other parts of a plant. Contrary to its name “oil”, it does not have an oily feeling at all. They contain the real essence of the plant from which they were derived from though they are highly concentrated.

Essential oils are often used for physical and psychological therapeutic benefits either by inhalation or direct application of the oil. They are diluted with carrier oil like sweet almond oil, apricot oil or grape seed oil. Take note that these essential oils are not the same as fragrance oils or perfume. Its main purpose is for therapy and relief though majority of these essential oils contain strong and fragrant aroma. Essential oils are derived from true plants while fragrance oils are artificially created and contain artificial substances to enhance the fragrance.

The therapeutic benefits of essential oils extend to a wide range of conditions depending on the kind and characteristic of the essential oil. Most common conditions that can benefit from essential oils include stress, head ache, allergy, asthma, coughs and colds.

If you are looking for essential oils that could promote easy breathing, you may find a very long list of them. Here below are some of the top essential oils to look for, plus a whole lot more of their other therapeutic benefits both psychological and physical.

• Cypress

  Coming from the distilled leaves of an evergreen tree, the Cypress essential oil mainly helps in regulating blood flow. It harmonizes the blood and helps in dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia. In addition, it is also oil that detoxifies, decongests and also supports the circulatory system. An anti-infective, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial oil, it is useful for rheumatic pains, lymphatic congestion, asthma, improving energy, and removing tension. It also helps ease one’s breathing and suppress cough.

• Eucalyptus

  Eucalyptus is a clear essential oil with strong aroma distilled from the Blue Gum Eucalyptus Tree which is the most popular among all varieties. Among its many species, Eucalyptus globulus is the most common when it comes to medicinal purposes as it possesses the most eucalyptol content.

  Respiration support is the primary function of eucalyptus oil. It encourages the uptake of oxygen by opening the bronchial. A recent study also found the effect of eucalyptus in the immune system as it devours the foreign bodies in the blood stream. In addition, eucalyptus oil may relieve sinusitis, coughs, sore throat, colds, and other bronchial conditions.

• Lavender

  No aromatherapy kit will be complete without the Lavender oil. It is called the most versatile aromatic oil used today with a colorless, fragrant scent. Highly regarded for its calming effect on the nervous system, lavender oil balances the mind and emotions and is also fondly used as perfumes.

  Having been called the most versatile, lavender can be applied anywhere from foot bath to direct foot application. It also helps in having restful sleep, relieving stress, anti-inflammatory, calming, and relaxation. Other conditions that could benefit from lavender oil are allergy, asthma, headache, whooping cough, dermatitis, hypertension and many more.

• Lemon

  Oil produced from the outer peel of lemon fruit, lemon oil is researched to promote mind clarity, improve well being and physical energy. Studies have shown lemon oil to possess anti-depressant effects and concentration. Lemon oil is also known to be the most effective oil for room disinfection using a diffuser as it eliminates many types of bacteria. In addition, it helps protect the body’s immunity, alkalizes it, alleviates excess mucus and relieves anxiety and stress.

• Myrtle

  Myrtle oil comes from a native North African large, fragrant bush. A drop of myrtle oil on each temple helps relieve headache. It also aids in reducing asthma, coughs, sore throat, sinus pressure and supports the immune system. In addition, it was also researched that this oil can normalize hormonal imbalances in the ovaries and thyroid. It can also help those who suffer from insomnia or difficulty in sleeping. Myrtle oil is also supportive in cases of coughs, bronchitis, and hypothyroidism.

• Peppermint

  A travelers’ first aid kit must not miss out in having peppermint oil as this essential oil can work from motion sickness to just simple nausea. According to a French literature, peppermint also benefits asthma sufferers as it helps in regenerating and strengthening the liver. The peppermint oil is excellent for opening sinus passages because of its menthol content, though must be used with caution. The aroma of peppermint essential oil is effective in stimulating focus, sharpness and concentration. Its menthol content also relieves congestion if inhaled and also reduces headache by placing drops on each temple. In addition, it also helps in all digestive related issues.

• Chamomile

  Alongside Mandarin and Lavender, Roman Chamomile is known for its soothing effect. It can also minimize nervousness and irritability in children, fight depression, insomnia and stress and head aches. Chamomile oil also neutralizes allergy and helps the liver in releasing toxins. Together with German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile is a good anti-inflammatory though not as strong.

• Frankincense

  This essential oil comes from a native North African tree called Frankincense tree or Olibanum, a rather unremarkable tree upon first sight. Living in such very harsh conditions, the wonders of this tree lies on its sap. A milky white oleoresin is produced when the tree is hit by a knife. The resin then turns into droplets called “tears” or “pearls” that form into orange-brown gum known as Frankincense.

  Frankincense oil is linked to the psyche, which in Greek means “breathing”. It revitalizes the breath and also possesses superb immunostimulant properties. Though revered for centuries as aid in meditation, it also acts as an anti-asthmatic, toughening the immune system. Frankincense oil is also supportive in cases of asthma, depression, weakened immune system and also therapy for cancer treatment. It is also a useful expectorant and may also be used in respiratory and cough formulations.

Sources
aromaweb.com
aromaweb.com
anandaapothecary.com
yoursacredcalling.com