Integration of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils in Asthma Symptom Relief: A Narrative Review.
- 1Department of Medical Microbiology University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu Accra Ghana.
Abstract
Background and aims
Asthma affects 262 million people globally, causing 455,000 preventable deaths, with higher mortality in low-resource areas due to limited diagnosis and treatment. Aromatherapy, using bioactive essential oils (EOs), has emerged as a promising complementary approach for asthma symptom management.Methods
This review synthesizes the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of EOs in alleviating asthma-related inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and immune dysregulation through anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory mechanisms.Results
Key oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint demonstrate efficacy in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, oxidative stress, and Th2-mediated inflammation, supported by preclinical and clinical studies. Methods of application, including inhalation, topical use, and environmental diffusion, are evaluated for their physiological and psychological benefits, particularly in stress and sleep modulation, which are critical to asthma control. Safety considerations, such as allergenicity, proper dosing, and potential drug interactions, are emphasized to ensure safe integration with conventional therapies.Conclusion
Despite the promising findings, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy, optimize protocols, and explore personalized approaches based on genetic and phenotypic variability. This review underscores aromatherapy's role as an adjunctive therapy within a holistic asthma management framework, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific validation to improve patient outcomes.
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BibTeX
@article{odoom2026integration,
title = {{Integration of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils in Asthma Symptom Relief: A Narrative Review.}},
author = {Alex Odoom},
journal = {Health science reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/hsr2.73425},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42948536},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Integration of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils in Asthma Symptom Relief: A Narrative Review.
AU - Alex Odoom
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/27
JO - Health science reports
DO - 10.1002/hsr2.73425
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42948536
AB - Background and aims Asthma affects 262 million people globally, causing 455,000 preventable deaths, with higher mortality in low-resource areas due to limited diagnosis and treatment. Aromatherapy, using bioactive essential oils (EOs), has emerged as a promising complementary approach for asthma symptom management.Methods This review synthesizes the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of EOs in alleviating asthma-related inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and immune dysregulation through anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory mechanisms.Results Key oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint demonstrate efficacy in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, oxidative stress, and Th2-mediated inflammation, supported by preclinical and clinical studies. Methods of application, including inhalation, topical use, and environmental diffusion, are evaluated for their physiological and psychological benefits, particularly in stress and sleep modulation, which are critical to asthma control. Safety considerations, such as allergenicity, proper dosing, and potential drug interactions, are emphasized to ensure safe integration with conventional therapies.Conclusion Despite the promising findings, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy, optimize protocols, and explore personalized approaches based on genetic and phenotypic variability. This review underscores aromatherapy's role as an adjunctive therapy within a holistic asthma management framework, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific validation to improve patient outcomes.
SN - 2398-8835
ER -