Inhalations with essential oils

Inhalation methods for essential oils

Inhalation is an effective way of enjoying the benefits of essential oils, whether for therapeutic reasons or simply to improve general well-being. There are two main inhalation methods: wet inhalation and dry inhalation.

Wet inhalation

Wet inhalation, also known as steam bathing or fumigation, involves breathing in steam laden with a few drops of essential oil. This method is ideal for congestion, sinusitis or other respiratory disorders. Here's how to proceed:

• Preparation: Heat water in a bowl or saucepan until it starts to steam.
• Add essential oils: Add a few drops of essential oil to the hot water.
• Inhalation : Place a towel over your head to create a kind of tent over the bowl. Lean over the bowl, keeping a safe distance to avoid burns, and breathe in the vapors deeply for about 5-10 minutes.

Advantages :

• Helps clear the respiratory tract.
• Allows the active compounds in essential oils to penetrate directly into the respiratory tract.

Disadvantages :

• Requires preparation and may be less convenient to use on the move.
• May not be suitable for young children or people sensitive to heat.

Inhalation Dry

Dry inhalation involves pouring a few drops of essential oil onto a handkerchief, stick inhaler or cotton pad, then inhaling the fragrance deeply. This method is very practical and can be used throughout the day without any special preparation.

• Preparation: Place a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief, inhaler stick or cotton pad.
• Inhalation : Inhale deeply the fragrance directly from the handkerchief or inhaler stick several times a day as needed.

Advantages :

• Practical and easy to use anywhere, with no preparation required.
• Well accepted by children, especially when performed with mild oils.

Disadvantages :

• Less effective for severe respiratory problems than wet inhalation.
• Does not allow vapors to be absorbed as directly into the respiratory tract.

By using these inhalation methods, you can benefit from the therapeutic properties of essential oils in a practical and effective way. Choose the method that best suits your needs and situation.

How do essential oils work when inhaled ?

When you inhale essential oils, their active ingredients interact directly with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract - nose, sinuses, throat, bronchi and lungs. This method of administration enables aromatic molecules to penetrate the body rapidly, offering targeted relief for a variety of ENT and nervous system disorders.

When inhaled, essential oil molecules come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. They bind to olfactory and respiratory receptors, enabling rapid absorption of the active ingredients.

After touching the mucous membranes, the aromatic molecules are absorbed by the circulatory system and diffuse throughout the body. This diffusion enables essential oils to exert their therapeutic effects more widely.

Inhalation Wet

• Mucous membrane hydration : The warm vapors generated by wet inhalation help moisturize respiratory mucous membranes, often dried out by infections or dry environments. This hydration facilitates the absorption of essential oils and enhances their efficacy.

• Therapeutic effects : Aromatic molecules penetrate nasal cavities, sinuses and bronchi more easily when carried by steam. This maximizes the benefits of essential oils, which can include anti-infectious, decongestant, humidifying and liquefying effects.

Inhalation Dry

• Fast absorption : Although dry inhalation does not provide moisture, essential oils are quickly inhaled from the handkerchief or inhaler stick. The active ingredients come into direct contact with the respiratory tract, enabling effective absorption of the therapeutic properties.

Preparation of mucous membranes :

Before inhalation, it may be beneficial to spray your mucous membranes with seawater. This preliminary step helps to prepare the mucous membranes by moistening them, which promotes better absorption of the essential oils.

By using these inhalation methods, you can effectively target respiratory and nervous disorders, while benefiting from the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Whether you opt for wet or dry inhalation, each method offers specific benefits to enhance your well-being.

Dosages

• Wet inhalation :Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil to 250 ml of warm water. This dosage may vary according to age and individual sensitivity. This method is particularly effective for treating respiratory disorders and moisturizing mucous membranes.

• Dry inhalation :Apply 3 to 6 drops of essential oil on a handkerchief or in a inhaler stick. Breathe deeply 30 seconds, 4 to 6 times a day. This convenient method can be used throughout the day, providing fast, targeted action.

  These dosages are general recommendations and may need to be adjusted according to individual reaction and the advice of a healthcare professional. Be sure to follow the specific dosages and precautions for use for each essential oil.

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How to prepare your inhalation ?

For wet inhalation, you can use an inhaler or simply lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to breathe in as much steam as possible.
Do not exceed 10 minutes per inhalation.

Instructions for use

• Prepare a large terry towel to cover your head and create a kind of tent that will allow you to breathe in as much steam as possible
• Pour the simmering water into a bowl laid flat on the table, using non-chlorinated water such as spring water.
• Add the essential oils.
• Immediately place the towel over your head to breathe in as much steam as possible.
• Close your eyes and keep your face bent at about 20 cm from the surface of the water, taking care not to burn yourself
• Remain in this position for 5 to 10 minutes. If the heat is too intense, move your face away from the water.
• If you feel discomfort, stop inhaling! Inhalation should always be pleasant.
• Repeat 1 to 3 times a day, for around 16 minutes.
  
  

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Which essential oils to choose ?

• Stuffy nose: Opt for Country mint or theEucalyptus radiata, which have powerful decongestant properties.
• Rheumatism : Use theravintsara essential oil to dry up a runny nose.
• Sinusitis : Prefer theInula, the Niaouli or the Green myrtle for their decongestant and mucus-thinning action.
• Infection (flu-like condition) : Choose anti-infective essential oils such asTea tree, the Rosalina, the Mandravasarotra (Saro), or the Geraniol thymes or thujanol to boost the immune system and fight infection.

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Examples of formulas for wet inhalation

Here are four effective wet inhalation recipes to treat a variety of respiratory symptoms such as colds, sinusitis, wet coughs and dry coughs.

Inhalation for colds (runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing)

• 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 2 drops fine lavender essential oil
• 1 drop Scots pine essential oil
• 1 drop Niaouli essential oil
• 1 drop Marjoram essential oil

Eucalyptus radiata essential oil decongests the upper airways, making breathing easier. Fine Lavender provides anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation.

Inhalation for colds associated with sinusitis

• 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 2 drops fine lavender essential oil
• 1 drop Scots pine essential oil
• 1 drop Niaouli essential oil
• 1 drop Country Mint essential oil

Mint is astringent and helps tighten the mucous membrane, unclogging the nasal passage. Note that it is drying, so use sparingly.

Inhalation for colds associated with productive coughs

• 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 2 drops fine lavender essential oil
• 1 drop Scots pine essential oil
• 1 drop green myrtle essential oil
• 1 drop Marjoram essential oil

Green Myrtle has anti-infectious and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the lungs.

Inhalation for colds and dry coughs

• 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 2 drops fine lavender essential oil
• 1 drop Cypress essential oil
• 1 drop Niaouli essential oil
• 1 drop Marjoram essential oil

Cypress has anti-inflammatory, antitussive and antispasmodic properties, relieving bronchial irritation and spasm.

For all these inhalations, add the essential oils to a bowl of hot water. Breathe in the vapors for about 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day, for optimum relief.

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Which essential oils should I use for inhalation ?

SNA =Autonomic nervous system.It regulates certain physiological processes, such as blood pressure and breathing rate. Thissystemoperates automatically (as astand-alone), without any conscious effort on a person's part.

SNC =Central nervous system.It comprises the brain and spinal cord. The encephalon controls most of the body's functions, including perception, movement, sensation, thought, speech and memory.

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Precautions for inhalation of essential oils

Time of inhalation :

• Choose the right moment: Inhalation is best performed in the evening, or when you can keep warm. Avoid going outside immediately afterwards, as exposure to cold or pollution may aggravate symptoms.

Contraindications:

• Children : Essential oils are generally contraindicated for children under 6. For some children under 12, use must be cautious and appropriate.
• Pregnant and breast-feeding women: Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless otherwise advised by a health professional.
• Asthmatics : People with asthma should avoid inhaling essential oils, as they can cause attacks or irritation of the respiratory tract.
• History of epilepsy : People with a history of epilepsy or convulsions should avoid essential oils, as they may increase the risk of seizures.

Dosage and safety :

• Follow the recommended dosages: To avoid undesirable effects, do not exceed the quantities of essential oils indicated in the recipes.
• Ventilation: Make sure the room is well ventilated to avoid excessive steam build-up.

Medical consultation :

• Consult a health care professional: If in doubt, or if you have any special medical conditions, consult a doctor or aromatherapist before using essential oils.