Inhalation is one of the ways essential oils can enter our body offering us their benefits.
Inhalation of essential oils can be done by means of

• Diffusing
• Candle
• Steaming
• Inhaler

Inhaling essential oils stimulates our olfactory system, and therefore our central nervous system.
Inhaled essential oil comes in direct contact with nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, and lungs. Physical contact between essential oils and our internal structures of respiratory system creates many benefits:

• Treat respiratory conditions like cold, flu, sore throat, sinus congestion, environmental allegies and more
• The respiratory system frequently is the first step of an infection. Inhaling essential oils can help prevent respiratory infections.
• Essential oils can cross our lungs into the bloodstream. A quick way to deliver essential oil benefits to the entire internal system of the body via the blood.

Before I go more in depth about each of these methods let me explain what happens when we inhale an essential oil and what are the benefits of inhalation.

Mucous Membrane

The inner lining of our respiratory system is called the mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are thinner than external skin which makes it easy for essential oils to cross the lining quickly. It’s also more delicate as more care needs to be taken when inhaling essential oils.

One side of the mucous membrane covers the inner part of our mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, lungs etc. It practically lines the inner side of all our organs. On the other side of the mucous membranes are millions of capillaries waiting to pick up nutrients that is absorbed through it. Since there are so many capillaries and considering how thin the mucous membranes are, essential oil components can easily be picked up by our mucous membrane via inhalation and absorbed into our blood. This way these components can travel with the blood through our body.    

Benefits of Inhalation

• Quick absorption into the blood stream
• Direct effect on an infection within the respiratory system
• Direct effect on congestion within the respiratory system
• Direct effect on the central nervous system

Safety Consideration

1. Not all essential oils can be used for inhalation as some can be irritating
2. Some oils can be contraindicated for asthma and serious allergies
3. Too much oil inhaled can cause headaches, dizziness, and can irritate the membranes of the nose and lungs

Essential Oils suitable for inhalation

Essential oils extracted from leaves supports our respiratory system.
Essential oils with the following actions are ideal for inhalation:

• Oils with antibacterial and antiviral actions are effective for treating respiratory infection and congestion.
• Oils that stimulate our immune system (activating the white blood cells).
• Oils known as top and middle notes that evaporates fast therefore you can easily smell them.
• Top/Middle note oils have small molecules and can be quickly absorbed in the mucus membranes

Essential oils with a high content of the components named alpha-pinene, terpinene-4-ol, and/or 1,8-cineole offers antibacterial and/or anti-viral actions and oils with a high content of d-limonene activates our white blood cells and therefore stimulate the immune system.

Essential oils with high d-limonene content

Research has shown that especially citrus oils have a high content of d-limonene and are considered immune system stimulant oils.

• Bergamot
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Neroli
• Orange
• Siberian fir

Siberian fir is not a citrus oil but it contains a high amount of d-limonene.

Essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral actions

Research shows that the following oils have a high content of alpha-pinene, terpinene-4-ol, and/or 1,8-cineole which gives them antibacterial and anti-viral actions, from highest to lowest content:

• Eucalyptus globulus (79.52% 1,8-cineole) *
• Ravintsara (56.55% 1,8-cineole)
• Cypress (53.97% alpha-pinene)
• Juniper Berry (48.43% alpha-pinene)
• Frankincense (44.88% alpha-pinene)
• Rosemary (42.08% 1,8-cineole)
• Tea Tree (41.02% terpinen-4-ol)
• Laurel Leaf (40.91% 1,8-cineole)
• Sweet Marjoram (32.41% terpinen-4-ol)

From this list Eucalyptus has some safety considerations. Eucalyptus is very much used for respiratory issues as it is a powerful decongestant but when using it with children one should be careful. When using it with children younger than 5 years old, it is best to use Cedarwood instead of Eucalyptus. The 1,8-cineole content is to high in Eucalyptus for children.

Methods of inhalation

Now lets get back to the methods of inhalation.

Diffusing

Diffusing a very way of inhaling essential oils and also very safe. Safe in the sense that you will add some drops of an essential oil or essential oil blend and let this diffuse inside your home. While the molecules evaporate with the water vapor they spread in the room and you inhale it. Can be used safe around children and ideal for when there is a cold or flu going around.

Candle

Easy way like diffusing but here you have to be careful around small kids and pets. You can light up your candle before you go to bed, let the aroma fill your room and by the time you start prepare to go to bed, dim it and continue to inhale and enjoy the scent and benefits.

Steaming

Steaming is also a great way of inhaling essential oils as the vapor takes the essential oil molecules directly into the nose where they travel though the olfaction and help combat infections and decongestions. Mind you that when you steam it is best to make a ‘stock’ blend and use ONLY 1 or 2 drops of this blend in order to protect your mucous membranes.

People with asthma should avoid steaming with Eucalyptus as it can cause an asthma attack. Remember to close your eyes during steaming.

Inhaler

Safe way to carry your favorite essential oil blend with you every where you go. It lasts for a longtime as it is closed in. Use it whenever needed.