Essential Oils for Coughs

Essential Oils for Coughs

Essential oils are extracted from plants grown around the world.  The use of essential oils to relieve symptoms related to a health condition is known as complementary alternative therapy. These essential oils for coughs are methods considered to be apart from typical medical treatments.*

In general, essential oils are used for the practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.  Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit.  You may also choose to apply diluted oils onto your body. Essential oils for coughs are also commonly diffused into the air with an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils should always be used with care. You should see your doctor for a serious cough or if you have another health condition.  Following are 10 essential oils for coughs we feel to be beneficial when used in aromatherapy.**

Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil

Arguably one of the best essentials oil for coughs and other respiratory ailments, eucalyptus essential oil is high in cineole (eucalyptol), which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows it can reduce steroid dependency in asthmatics, making the case to use it as a mucolytic agent in diseases of the airways.*

Inhaling the vapor of eucalyptus can loosen mucus so that when you do cough, it’s expelled. Using a rub containing eucalyptus oil will produce the same effect.  Eucalyptus has been recognized to treat coughs, pharyngitis, bronchitis and sinusitis.*

Many products you find at the pharmacy incorporate eucalyptus oil for the relief of congestion, including some cough drops and vapor rubs. Vicks VapoRub, commonly used for coughs and colds, contains eucalyptus oil. For inhalation use 12 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in 3/4 cup of boiling water three times a day.*

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon leaf essential oil has not only been one of the most helpful essential oils for coughs it is also beneficial for the flu, colds,  bronchitis and viral infections.*  Cinnamon essential oil acts against common bacteria reproducing. Try diffusing the essential oil into the air or inhaling a few drops diluted in a steaming bowl of water. Adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to a diffuser or including the oil in a topical blend may give relief from a cough.*

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is a plant found around the world. It can calm the muscles in your trachea, giving you respiratory relief. Rosemary essential oil is most commonly mixed in a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Like with cinnamon oil, try inhaling diluted rosemary oil for relief.*

Research has shown that using a nasal spray containing a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, and rosemary extracts can improve a sore throat, hoarseness, and other cough-related symptoms.*

Nutmeg Essential Oil

You may find that nutmeg essential oil makes a difference when suffering from respiratory conditions. Nutmeg helps loosen secretions (an expectorant).*

Add nutmeg essential oil to your diffuser to see if it helps your cough. Adjust the amount of nutmeg oil you diffuse based on the outcome of congestion relief.*

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil may help relieve congestion. Bergamot contains the molecule camphene. Inhaling camphene is linked to helping relieve respiratory tract fluid.*

Try bergamot essential oil in your diffuser or humidifier to see if it relieves your cough.*

Cypress Essential Oil

Like nutmeg and bergamot, cypress essential oil contains camphene. This molecule may help reduce respiratory congestion if inhaled.*

Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of cypress oil to see if it is of benefit for your cough and congestion.

Thyme Essential Oil

Researchers have found that thyme essential oil should be diffused rapidly in a high concentration for a short period of time to fight respiratory tract pathogens.  Some other suggestions on using thyme essential oil for a cough:*

• Massage thyme to counter a cold and relieve tiredness. Dilute with carrier oil before putting on the skin. DO NOT add to bath water, thyme oil is a “hot” oil.*
• You can also add a few drops of thyme to a cloth and inhale; this essential oil is a great expectorant when you are dealing with a cough.*
• To breathe easier during infections, inhale 3 drops of thyme, and 3 drops of peppermint.*

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil is connected to helping with infections in the upper respiratory tract, including bronchitis.  Research has shown a connection between the use of geranium and the relief of cough symptoms. Administration of liquid drops of a geranium extract relieved symptoms of common colds and shortened the illness’s duration.*

Try few drops of geranium essential oil in your diffuser or some diluted in oil in the bath to see if it helps relieve your cough and other associated symptoms.*

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil contains menthol. Many people use this essential oil for relief of congestion. Due to its constituents, peppermint helps aid in respiratory disorders, such as dry coughs, asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, and pneumonia.* Peppermint oil  is a known cough-suppressant that has shown substantial anti-spasmodic effects. If you had ever turned to peppermint tea when you were sick, you already know about its anti-congestive properties.

For the sensation of relief from your cough, you may want to try inhaling peppermint essential oil with your diffuser or a bowl of steaming water.*

Lavender Essential Oil

Some coughs could be a symptom of asthma. You may find that lavender essential oil helps your asthma symptoms.  Research indicates that lavender oil inhalation inhibited airway resistance caused by bronchial asthma.  Lavender is effective at naturally loosening up phlegm and relieving congestion.  It also helps with whooping cough, laryngitis, tonsillitis, throat infections and sinus congestion.*

Try inhaling lavender with steam inhalation, a diffuser, or diluted and put in a warm bath to see if it can help your cough.*

Additional Essential Oils for Coughs**

• Bandits Essential Oil Blend
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Chamomile Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
• Oregano Essential Oil
• Clary Sage Essential Oil
• Sandalwood Essential Oil

Be sure to do your research on these additional essential oils before using them for coughs.

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DIY Recipes with Essential Oils for Coughs

Chest Vapor Rub Recipe

Inhaler blends for colds and coughs

Blend 1

• 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 4 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Blend 2

• 8 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
• 5 drops Thyme Essential Oil
• 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Additional Ways to Use Essential Oils for Coughs Through Inhalation

Tissues – Add 4-6 drops of a blend essential oils beneficial for a coughs to a small pack of tissues. Be sure to spread the drops out. Keep them in a zip lock bag and pull one out to inhale as symptoms flare.

Steam – Boil a cup of water and pour it into a heatproof bowl. Add 7-8 drops of your favorite blend or single oil and stir. Lay a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Inhale through your mouth and nose until the congestion clears or the water cools, whichever comes first.

Vaporizer or Humidifier – Add 25-30 drops of your favorite oil or blend for coughs and enjoy it as it disperses throughout the room.

Safety Tips when Using Essential Oils for Coughs

• Use of these oils is only suggested to supplement medical treatment you may be under. 
• Always seek the approval of your physician before using any essential oils for asthma or allergies.
• For external use only.  See our Safety Information page for further details when using essential oils.

See our references at the bottom of this page for additional information.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.

**Not all essential oils are created equally. Most essential oils that you buy in stores are not pure and could do harm if applied topically, breathed in or ingested.  Do your research as to which oils are safe.

References

Organic essential oils and additional information.