Effects of essential oils on symptoms and course (duration and severity) of viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review

Abstract

<p>Oral doses of certain essential oils may reduce symptoms of acute respiratory infections of viral origin. It is likely that the commercially available essential oil capsules Myrtol^® (a mixture of essential oils of eucalyptus <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i>, sweet orange <i>Citrus sinensis</i>, myrtle <i>Myrtus communis</i> and lemon <i>Citrus limonum</i>) and Tavipec^® (spike lavender <i>Lavandula latifolia</i>) could also provide mild to moderate symptom relief in patients with viral respiratory diseases. Myrtol^® may also improve the course (duration and severity) of acute bronchitis of viral origin, in humans. Both products were well tolerated, with most of the mild to moderate side-effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This review found no research evidence describing the clinical effect of inhalation of essential oils for acute respiratory viral infections.</p>