Essential oils for cough offer many possibilities for healing this particular issue. They have considerable appeal because they are derived from natural sources. All are extracted from plants found throughout the world.
The medical community tends to view the use of essential oils to relieve symptoms of a health condition as a complementary alternative therapy. It is an approach that sits outside the sphere of a typical medical treatment or intervention. They do offer some benefits because of their chemical properties.
These oils should be used with caution, as there are no approved guidelines about dosage or strength. Indeed, but it would not be correct to regard them as a medicine even though they do have some efficacy.
The Nature Of Aromatherapy
In general, we use essential oils for the practice of aromatherapy. We will discuss some individual approaches but also look generically at the technique.
Aromatherapy is the act of breathing in oils to stimulate your body. You may also choose to apply diluted oils onto your body. They are also commonly diffused into the air with an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils should be used with care, as they are potent and unregulated. You should always see your doctor for a serious cough or if you have another health condition. We look at some of the persistent symptoms that might warrant a visit to the doctor.
Symptoms Of Cough
There are many causes for someone to cough, including the common cold, flu, or chest infection. Essential oils may help to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and clear away mucus.
PHASES
When it comes to coughing, it seems like a bodily function that only has one step but there are several steps to a full-on cough.
First, you inhale or breathe in
Pressure increases in the throat and lungs and the vocal cords close
Air releases in a mini explosion when the vocal cords open, which is why it makes a sound.
TYPES AND THEIR CAUSES
There are all kinds of reasons for coughing but they have been organized under three major categories.
ACUTE
This type of cough will last less than three weeks. It is typically caused by the flu, common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, hay fever or laryngitis.
SUBACUTE
This type of cough lasts three to eight weeks. This occurs after the cause of the acute cough has healed.
CHRONIC
The third type of cough will last longer than eight weeks. Its causes include smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, medications like ACE inhibitors, post nasal drip from allergies or sinus infection, tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and lung cancer.
Some essential oils may ease symptoms of a cough or cold by soothing the throat, fighting bacteria, and reducing inflammation. There is plenty of research out there that essential oils are exceptionally good for treating what is an annoying symptom of colds and flu. If used at the correct dosage levels, breathing in essential oils will certainly soothe a cough and a sore chest.
Research has shown that using a nasal spray containing a blend of oils such as oregano, geranium, eucalyptus, mint, peppermint, and rosemary extracts can soothe a sore throat, hoarseness, and other cough-related symptoms.
Here we list each essential oil and how they might be used effectively.
- Eucalyptus essential oil
This oil is often used in medicines and many of us probably do not realise we are taking it. Over-the-counter vapour and chest rubs such as Vicks vapoRub marketed to suppress coughs often contain eucalyptus oil. They may also include the key compound found in this oil which is called eucalyptol or cineole.
A study published in the Alternative Medicine Review found that eucalyptol has an antimicrobial effect. and may fight off bacteria that cause illnesses. One study found it has an ability to treat coughs and associated respiratory ailments like pharyngitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The oil has often been touted as a food ingredient but for the extremely pungent flavor linked to the use of the oil. Eucalyptol may also help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension that can result from a cold or flu.
How would you use this oil?
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to suppress a cough in several ways. A person may want to try:
- adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil and rubbing the mixture onto the chest and throat.
- diluting eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam. Add 12 drops it a ¾ cup of boiling water which is inhaled three times a day for maximum benefit.
Chest rubs containing eucalyptus oil are available to buy online.
- Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary is a common garden herb. Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole.
A study published in the journal Cough found that cineole may help to break up mucus and reduce inflammation.
- Peppermint essential oil
Natural care products for respiratory conditions often contain this oil.
Menthol is an extract of peppermint. When inhaled, it creates a cooling sensation that can soothe or numb a scratchy throat.
A 2013 study suggests that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help to relax the muscles of the windpipe, known as the bronchial muscles. This may explain why the oil can ease breathing in people with coughs.
How would you use this oil?
Peppermint essential oil can be used by:
- diluting the oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam
- adding the oil to a diffuser
- using it in a blend of topical oils
Using peppermint essential oil is not be advisable in children younger than 8 or people who are pregnant.
- Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense is collected from the trees of the genus Boswellia and is used in incense and perfumes.
It has traditionally been valued for its effect on the respiratory system, and has been used to treat coughs, catarrh, bronchitis, and asthma.
- Oregano essential oil
Oregano essential oil contains a high level of a highly potent compound called carvacrol.
Authors of a 2014 study found that carvacrol is a helpful antimicrobial agent that can fight off many types of germs.
This oil could, therefore, help to treat viral or bacterial causes of a cough.
- Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil also contains a high level of carvacrol. It may be helpful in eliminating or protecting against viruses and bacteria.
7, 8 & 9. Bergamot, nutmeg, and cypress essential oils
The essential oils of nutmeg, bergamot, and cypress all contain camphene, a compound similar to camphor.
When inhaled, camphene can have a cooling, refreshing effect. It also has antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells from damage and ward off harmful germs.
- Geranium essential oil
A review of studies published in Complementary Medicine Research reported that a geranium extract called Pelargonium sidoides was an effective herbal cough treatment.
Geranium essential oil also has a refreshing floral scent. A person may want to add it to a diffuser or a warm bath.
- Cinnamon essential oil
While a person may not associate this spice with medicinal properties, researchers from a 2017 study found that cinnamon may protect against germs that cause respiratory problems.
Adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to a diffuser or including the oil in a topical blend may provide relief from a cough.
- Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca) can inhibit the growth of bad bacteria that cause sinus infections and respiratory issues.
Crushed tea tree leaves have been inhaled by Australian Aborigines to treat coughs and colds, and inhaling tea tree oil may also help to ease the effects of a cough.
Other Essential Oils Available For Ameliorating The Symptoms Of A Cough
A person may find that different oils relax them or otherwise help them to feel more comfortable while dealing with symptoms, even if no research exists to support the use of these oils.
The following essential oils may be helpful:
- lemon or other citrus fruits
- lavender
- lemongrass
- chamomile
- basil
Using Essential Oils
Adding essential oils to hot water and inhaling the steam may be helpful.
For the most part, aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils through the nose and mouth.
Essential oils are potent. Use them with care. They should be diluted, in a diffuser or in combination with another topical oil, to avoid reactions or complications. Do not ingest an essential oil.
Depending on preference and the severity of symptoms, a person can use an essential oil in a variety of ways.
Diffuser And Nebuliser
Diffusers turn essential oil and water into a vapor that can be inhaled.
Steam bath
Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of boiling water and breathe in the steam.
Carrier oil
Dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the skin. Essential oils can mix well with any number of natural carrier oils, including:
- coconut oil
- olive oil
- argan oil
- apricot kernel oil
- grapeseed oil
- sesame oil
- sunflower oil
Warm compress
Add a few drops of essential oil and a small amount of liquid soap to a bowl of warm water. Soak a towel in this mixture and drape it across the head or chest.
Handkerchief or tissue
Apply one or two drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or tissue. Inhale, holding it close to the mouth and nose. This may provide relief from symptoms, even when a person is outdoors.
Consulting a doctor about a severe cough.
If a cough becomes severe, visit a doctor. Warning signs that a cough is becoming serious may include:
- shortness of breath
- a cough that produces blood
- weight loss
- a low-grade fever lasting longer than 1 week
- a high fever
- risk factors for HIV or tuberculosis
Safety With Children
Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children. A medical review from 2001 suggests that camphor and eucalyptus oils can be dangerous and poisonous when swallowed.
Other sources warn that essential oils can be toxic or even lethal when used in large quantities by grown adults. Always use these oils with caution.
Many essential oils, including those above, can trigger allergies. Test a small amount of any essential oil before applying the full dose.
Do your research and talk to a doctor about potential benefits and risks before using essential oils.
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