Potential Role of Natural Essential Oils in the Management of Respiratory Distress in Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2

The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) or Covid-19 and its rapid spread has turned into a global health emergency issue due to the unavailability of effective medication measures. Although several types of vaccines are available now, vaccination measures may not be enough for already infected people. Thus, a short-term solution with supportive therapy is highly desirable to reduce the acute respiratory problems associated with this deadly virus. The naturally derived essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, anise oil, lemongrass, thyme, terpenoids have shown antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anxiolytic properties in observational studies, and consequently have been hypothesized to act against Covid-19. This chapter discuss the current knowledge of infection strategy, molecular biology, drug targets of SARS-CoV-2, and the potential of natural essential oil inhalation therapy in the management of this deadly infection. Essential oil-based inhalation therapy could directly target the most affected epithelial cells of nasal passages and lungs, and collectively help in reducing the distress caused by Covid-19. However, well-designed, multi-centre studies are required to establish the safety, efficacy, and clinical relevance of this therapy. Such studies are also needed to garner support for the propounded hypothesis.