Bronchitis is an acute respiratory disease caused by viruses. It usually clears up within 2 weeks without any medication. It gets better on its own without medical treatment. So, getting enough rest can help manage the symptoms for two to three weeks.

Causes of bronchitis

In most cases, the same viruses that cause a cold or flu can cause bronchitis. Sometimes, bacteria can bring it on. As your body fights the infection, the bronchial tubes swell and begin to produce excessive mucus. That means you have limited openings for airflow, making breathing difficult.

Breathing in polluted air and other particles that irritate the lungs, like dust and fumes, can cause bronchitis. Also, breathing in secondhand smoke or smoking for an extended period can cause this respiratory condition. Note that you have a higher chance of getting bronchitis if you already have allergies or asthma. Smoking and a weak immune system are also bronchitis risk factors.

Symptoms of bronchitis

The symptoms of both chronic and acute bronchitis include breathing difficulties such as;

Shortness of breath
Chest congestion – feeling like your chest is clogged or full
A cough that brings up white, yellow, clear, or green mucus
Wheezing when you breathe
Low fever
Sore throat
Chills and body aches
Stuffy or runny nose

Even after other symptoms of bronchitis are gone, your cough might last a week or more as your bronchial tubes continue to heal.

Treatment

If you have flu-like symptoms that started within the past few days, your doctor may prescribe antivirals to help heal faster. While over-the-counter medications can ease bronchitis symptoms like congestion some patients seek alternatives to help with the symptoms. One of these alternatives is essential oils.

Essential oils for bronchitis

Accumulating scientific evidence suggests that some essential oils can help soothe inflamed bronchitis. These essential oils include;

Eucalyptus oil

The primary use of eucalyptus essential oil includes the treatment of colds, bronchitis, cough, and symptomatic relief of catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and colds. When the temperature is high, perform a cool compress on your forehead with a drop of eucalyptus essential oil mixed with a drop of peppermint.

Remember, you shouldn’t apply eucalyptus oil directly on the face or nose of young children and infants. It’s also important to consult with your healthcare provider before you begin using it if you are pregnant or lactating.

Sandalwood oil

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the roots and wood of the East Indian sandalwood tree. For centuries, sandalwood essential oil has been a common ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Also, it has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In my experience, sandalwood’s scent makes it a great choice for aromatherapy. Remember, in aromatherapy, aromatic oils like sandalwood essential oil are used to promote physical and mental health outcomes. Most ancient cultures practiced aromatherapy. It’s still a common and beneficial practice today.

To use sandalwood essential oil for bronchitis, vaporize a drop of eucalyptus oil, three drops of thyme, three tea tree drops, and four drops of sandalwood essential oil. You can use them in a humidifier or diffuser to increase moisture in your indoor air.

Lemon oil

If you are experiencing cold-like symptoms of bronchitis, the lemon essential oil can help sooth sore throat and ease your breathing. While there’s not much data to back up lemon essential oil with calming the common cold, we know that the antioxidant properties of lemon and Vitamin C are beneficial in relieving common cold symptoms.

So, take regular inhalations with three drops of lemon oil, a drop of Melissa, 3 drops of myrrh, and three drops of frankincense mixture. These oils will help reduce phlegm and fight infection. The steam will also soothe the irritation and make breathing much easier.

Conclusion

With so many essential oil blends available, it can be challenging to choose the best essential oils for bronchitis. In addition to the essential oils for cough, bronchitis, and chest congestion mentioned, you may want to try geranium essential oil, bergamot essential oil, lavender essential oil, frankincense essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and more.

These blog posts are for educational purposes only; they are in no way telling you not to consult your Primary Doctor. As always, please let your primary Doctor know if you are using essential oils, as they may interfere with your medication. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a qualified Aromatherapist before using any Essential oils.

FAQs

What’s bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a viral infection that causes bronchial tube inflammation. It gets better on its own without medical treatment. So, getting enough rest can help manage the symptoms for two to three weeks.

What are the causes of bronchitis?

Breathing in polluted air and other particles that irritate the lungs, like dust and fumes, can cause bronchitis. Also, breathing in secondhand smoke or smoking for an extended period can cause this respiratory condition. Note that you have a higher chance of getting bronchitis if you already have allergies or asthma.

What are the common essential oils for bronchitis?

Some essential oils can help soothe inflamed bronchitis. These essential oils include eucalyptus oil, sandalwood oil, and lemon oil. Other essential oils that you can try include lavender oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, frankincense, and more.