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Sweet inula essential oil (Inula graveolens or Dittrichia graveolens) is one of the strongest essential oils for breaking up and clearing mucous created by respiratory conditions. The oil may also support the immune system.
Do not confuse inula with elecampane (Inula helenium), which is rarely used in aromatherapy due to its high risk of causing severe sensitization (The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition)).
Basic Inula Graveolens Facts
Plant family: Asteraceae
Production: Steam distilled from the flowers (and sometimes the leaves and twigs) of the plant.
Aroma: Slightly camphoracous and pine-like, sweet and herbaceous, according to Aromatherapeutic Blending.
Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle
Is inula safe to use during pregnancy? No, according to Therapeutic Blending With Essential Oil. Consult a professional.
Is inula essential oil safe for children? Consult a professional.
Main components: Bornyl acetate and borneol, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition.
However, inula’s chemical composition depends on the country where the plant was grown. Bornyl acetate and borneol are the primary constituents of the essential oil from Corsica, the most commonly found oil, according to Aromatic Studies. Inula essential oil from Greece contains mainly epi-a-cadinol (up to 30.2%) and bornyl acetate (25.4%). The oil from Iran contains more than 50% 1,8 cineole, with smaller amounts of p-cymene, beta-pinene, and borneol.
Inula Aromatherapy Benefits
The Aromatherapy Companion: Inula has an affinity for the respiratory system and may help relive sinus infections, bronchitis, lung, congestion, upper respiratory, congestion, spasmodic, cough, lethargy, asthma, and sinus congestion. This oil pairs well with eucalyptus globulus, bay laurel, lemon, green myrtle, and niaouli essential oils.
Aromatic Studies: In addition to being the most effective oil for loosening mucous and deep congestion, inula helps relieve acute and chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, laryngitis, and sinusitis. In ayurveda practice, the indications for this oil are access kapha, lethargy, and congestion.
The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, inula clears lung heat and descends qi to calm rebellion and expel phlegm. Recommended for diffusion or use in an inhaler.
The Complete Guide To Clinical Aromatherapy: Use inula for bronchitis, colds, coughs, sinusitis, and immune system support.
Aromatics: Sweet inula essential oil supports healthy lung activity. The oil has calming and balancing qualities that may soothe and quiet situational anxiety and depression and also promote more profound, restful sleep. Emotionally and energetically, the oil builds confidence and refreshes emotions, helps attract positive energy, and promotes a greater sense of inner strength and courage.
Stillpoint Aromatics: Inula supports the second chakra (relationships, creation energy), fourth chakra (unconditional love), fifth chakra (speaking truth), and seventh chakra (balancing, expansive, meditative, purifying, accessing higher information from source energy).
Inula Essential Oil Uses and Blends
You can dilute a few drops of inula in a carrier oil and massage the blend into sinus areas around the nose, ears, and throat or onto the chest and back.
Aromatherapy Inhaler
- 14 drops Inula graveolens
- 12 drops green myrtle essential oil
Blend the essential oils in a small glass bowl. Place the inhaler insert in the bowl to absorb the essential oils. Place the insert into the inhaler tube and close the tube. Use the inhaler as needed.
Source: Aromatic Studies
Respiratory Support Diffuser Blend
- 5 drops inula essential oil
- 4 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops spike lavender essential oil
Relaxing Night Bath Soak
- 1/2 cup Himalayan Pink Salt or Dead Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
- 5 drops inula
- 5 drops petitgrain essential oil
- 5 drops patchouli essential oil
- 2 drops tangerine essential oil
- 2 drops lime essential oil
- Combine salts.
- Blend carrier oil and essential oils.
- Stir the blend into the salts.
- Add the salts to your bathwater.
Acne Cream
Inula benefits the skin, especially supporting acne-prone skin in a blend with geranium and niaouli.
- 30 ml (about 2 tablespoons) unscented lotion or cream
- 4 drops inula
- 2 drops niaouli essential oil
- 3 drops geranium essential oil
- 1 drop german chamomile essential oil
Blend ingredients in a small glass jar. Apply a dab of the cream to your face after cleansing and toning.
Joint Pain and Arthritis Relief
- 100 ml (slightly less than 7 tablespoons) unscented lotion or cream
- 10 drops inula
- 6 drops lime essential oil
- 5 drops plai essential oil
- 3 drops rosewood essential oil
- 2 drops sweet birch essential oil
Blend essential oils into the lotion or cream in a glass container. Massage a little of the blend gently into affected areas, several times a day.
Source: Base Formula
Photo Credit: Javier martin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons