Essential Oils for Acute Bronchitis

I pride myself on consistent robust health since I haven't had anything more serious than a pesky cold or tummy ache in over 10 years.  I'm just never sick.  I attribute this to working with essential oils every day, washing my hands frequently and generally being a pretty happy soul.

Well, in mid-October I fell hard.  Out of the blue I began to ache in my joints and well, mostly everywhere,  making me wonder if I'd been hit by a truck in my sleep.  This fun was followed by three days with a fever of 102 which morphed into a cough the likes of which I've never known.  James insisted I see our family doc or he would bind my hands and feet and take me himself.  I broke down and saw our Dr. Sally who took one listen to my lungs and said "Woah girl, you've got acute bronchitis."  Argh. 

My Meds

Dr. Sally prescribed 40mg of Prednisone for five days (never again never again never again), Tylenol with Codeine at night and Albuterol to be used with an "AeroChamber" to assist the Albuterol into my lungs.  James called this my "bronchitis bong".  Very funny.

I am beginning to come around, thanks to the meds, 10 hours of sleep every night, daytime naps and lots of essential oils.  I am too busy to stay sick and ready to have my old energizer bunny self back.  I also realize that illness and pain are important messages that we need to heed and I'm treating my body with much love and care.

As much as I embrace the power of natural therapies,  I felt that seeing my doctor and taking those meds were necessary for me to reduce the inflammation in my lungs quickly.  I'll never say "we don't need doctors" because we do.  However, receiving and taking prescribed meds is where many people stop in treating their own illness.  I consider my use of the meds only one spoke in the wheel of healing my bronchitis and am positive that my diligent use of essential oils has been an important part of my continued recovery, especially since illnesses of the lung can linger on forever without them.

How I Have Chosen Essential Oils for My Bronchitis
First of all let's look at what action I've wanted from the oils.  In a few words, bronchitis is congestion and inflammation of the bronchial passages in the lungs.  The body creates a ton of thick mucous which can be sticky and difficult to expel, thereby creating a hard cough - your body's way of getting it out.

Therefore, I've been choosing oils that contain a significant percentage of Ketones which are highly effective mucolytics (help dissolve mucous) and act as expectorants.  I've also used oils that are high in Oxides which help decongest, decrease coughing and aid mucous expectoration.  Other actions I've sought from my oils are anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, warming and relaxing. 

Methods of Application of Essential Oils for My Bronochitis
Steam Inhalations:  1 d eo in a bowl of steamy hot water, 2-3 times/day, 5 min
(I tend to vary the oils I use with each inhalation)

• Spike Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus Dives (mucolytic, expectorant)
• Tea Tree (decongestant, anti-infectious, expectorant)

 
Nightly Chest Rub with Jojoba Oil at a 3% dilution (15 drops to 1 ounce of Jojoba) (varying the oils I use)

• Spike Lavender (mucolytic, expectorant and I love the smell)
• Balsam Copaiba (anti-inflammatory, calming and I find the aroma comforting)
• Black Pepper, Ginger (warming)
• Balsam Fir (strong antimicrobial, dries mucous, calming for a spastic cough)
• Thyme ct. linalol (immune system support.  Note: Thyme ct. thymol is another option for immune support, but I find the thymol too stimulating for nighttime rest.)
• Basil ct linalol (Note:  this is a good anti-spasmodic oil for cough but after one evening application found it too stimulating to use at night.  It kept me awake.  Better for morning.)

Pre-Bedtime Bath (I use about 10-20 drops in the tub right before I stepped in then soak for 30 minutes breathing in the steam)

• 2 Cups Epsom Salts (I used these to detox from the prescription meds)
• Any of the oils above that I felt drawn to use, although I really felt pulled toward the Spike Lavender these weeks (maybe because of the high Camphor content) and I've used that with Tea Tree quite frequently.

There are many more oils that are good for bronchitis such as Black Spruce, Cedarwood, Marjoram, Cypress, Thyme ct. thymol,  but I have tried to listen to my body and use what I felt drawn to.

In addition, I've been drinking gallons of water, eating well, avoiding all dairy products, taking vitamins and supplements and saying no to nearly all social engagements.  I have also been diffusing oils in the house to keep airborne germs at bay. 

Frankly, I don't know how people who don't use essential oils get along.  A condition like bronchitis can drag on for months and even become chronic, but I've been diligent with using my oils and can feel in my body that I'm nearly over it. 

I am immensely grateful to have this amazing plant medicine in my life.