Essential Oils for a Cough
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps to clear the airways and protect the lungs. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. If you’re suffering from a cough, there are a few essential oils that can help to provide relief.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has been used as a natural remedy for all sorts of health issues for well over a century (1). Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular natural remedy choices for cough relief. The oil has expectorant properties that help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. In addition, eucalyptus oil is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which can help to reduce irritation in the throat and respiratory tract and improve airflow (2). As a result, eucalyptus oil is an effective, natural remedy for a cough. Finally, an important benefit of eucalyptus oil is that it can help to kill the bugs that cause inflammation, leading to a cough and also provide some pain relief (3).
Due to its effectiveness, you will find eucalyptus oil in many over-the-counter cough medicines and lozenges. Furthermore, commercial vapour rub containing eucalyptus oil, has been shown to help ease night-time coughs, which can be particularly irritating (4).
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is another effective option for cough relief. This oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils. It has a refreshing, minty scent and can be used in a number of ways. One of the most popular uses for peppermint oil is to relieve a cough. The oil has a cooling effect that can help to soothe the throat, and it also contains menthol, which has expectorant properties. Like eucalyptus oil, it can loosen phlegm and mucus which makes the cough more productive. It is especially soothing for dry coughs. Peppermint oil is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral so can help to kill the nasties that caused the congestion, and subsequently the cough in the first place (5).
Inhaling the vapour from peppermint oil breaks up the mucus that causes congestion and eases breathing. Additionally, peppermint oil is often added to cough syrups and lozenges as an ingredient. When taken orally, peppermint oil is thought to act as an antispasmodic, which means it helps to relax the smooth muscles in the throat and chest (6). This can help to reduce coughing fits and make it easier to breathe.
Peppermint oil is a safe and effective way to relieve a cough. However, it should not be used by young children and pregnant women (7). People with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), heartburn, or other gastrointestinal disorders should also avoid using peppermint oil as it can worsen the symptoms (8). If you are considering using peppermint oil to relieve a cough, speak to your healthcare provider first, just to be on the safe side.
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has long been used as a remedy for coughs and other respiratory ailments. The oil is extracted from the rosemary plant, which is also commonly used as a culinary herb due to its strong, aromatic flavour. The oil is traditionally inhaled or rubbed on the chest to relieve congestion. It is thought to work due to the action of the active ingredient in it, called cineole. This stimulates the release of mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. It can also help to break down mucus. Rosemary oil is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which may help to reduce inflammation in the airways and ease breathing (9). When used properly, rosemary oil can be an effective treatment for coughs and other respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis (10).
Geranium oil
Geranium oil has long been used as a home remedy for coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. Its main active ingredient, geraniol, is thought to possess antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties (11). Geranium (horticultural name Pelargonium sidoides) (12) was found in a German study to be effective at reducing the severity cough and amount of times patients coughed (13). For best results, combine a few drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Then massage the mixture onto your chest and neck before going to bed. You can also add a few drops of geranium oil to your diffuser to help clear congestion and ease coughing throughout the day.
Lavender Oil
When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of things, including dust, pollen, smoke, and exercise. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of asthma (14), and it can often be quite severe. While there is no cure for asthma, there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and prevent attacks. One such treatment is lavender oil. Lavender oil has been shown to be an effective bronchodilator, meaning that it helps to open up the airways and improve airflow, and hence breathing (15). In addition, lavender oil has anti-bacterial properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the lungs (16). When used regularly, lavender oil can help to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
For the best results, inhale the oil added to steaming hot water in a bowl. Alternatively, add it to a hot bath. Steam helps to open the airways, aid breathing and reduce the cause of an asthmatic cough.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs. The oil is derived from the resin of the Boswelia tree, and it contains a number of compounds that are beneficial for health. One of these compounds is boswellic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties (17). This means that it can help to reduce inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. In addition, the oil is an anti-oxidant, which can help to boost immunity and fight off respiratory infections.
Frankincense oil is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, all of which are important in killing the bacteria and viruses that cause cough infections. In addition, frankincense can also improve the cough associated with bronchitis and asthma (18). For these reasons, frankincense oil is an effective natural remedy for coughs.
Make your own essential oil cough mixture
Store-bought cough syrup can be expensive and full of artificial ingredients, but you can easily make your own at home with just a few simple ingredients. To start, you will need 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 drop of eucalyptus oil, and 1 drop of peppermint oil. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Take one teaspoon of the syrup every four hours as needed. The honey helps to soothe the throat, while the apple cider vinegar acts as an expectorant to help clear congestion. The eucalyptus and peppermint oils both have antibacterial properties and help to relieve pain and inflammation. This simple cough syrup is both effective and affordable, and it’s a great way to avoid harsh chemicals.
When you have a cough, it can be annoying, painful, and keep you awake at night. All of the essential oils listed above have been shown to be effective in relieving coughs. Try one or all of them to get rid of that cough naturally.