5 Best Essential Oils for Coughs and How to Use Them

Eucalyptus Oil and coughs have a long history in Australia, where the Eucalyptus globulus plant has been supporting First Nations people with cough and cold relief for several millennia.  

Of all the Eucalyptus Oil types, Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil has traditionally been the most popular for easing respiratory discomfort, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, a 2012 study found that E. Bicostata (Eucalyptus Blue Gum) contains the most antiviral properties compared to other Eucalyptus variations. It’s no wonder people choose Blue Gum Essential Oil for cough support! 

The key compound in Eucalyptus Oil, 1,8 Cineole (eucalyptol), has been seen to suppress coughs, reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Its crisp aroma is also known to create a calm and soothing environment to help ease congestion and promote restful sleep – and this can go a long way when using natural oils for coughs. 

If you’re wondering does Peppermint Oil help cough, the answer is yes.  

Historically, Peppermint Oil has been used to relieve coughs and respiratory ailments by expanding nasal passages. This creates more air flow to the lungs, resulting in improved lung function and easier breathing. 

With its cool and fresh aroma, highly versatile Peppermint Oil is thought to relieve coughing thanks to its natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties. What’s more, those same properties are said to reduce soreness and inflammation caused by coughing.  

Due to its high menthol content, Peppermint Oil further offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits to those experiencing cough symptoms. This makes it a preferred natural alternative to relieve cold and flu symptoms and overall discomfort caused by congestion. 

You can use Peppermint Oil in a few ways – here are two common remedies for cough relief: 

Diffusing: Simply add a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser to alleviate coughing and congestion symptoms. You can also receive the benefits of Peppermint Oil by adding a few drops to a steam vapour (a bowl of steaming water); inhale at a safe distance to prevent burning yourself.

Warm Bath: Add a few drops to a warm bath to help create a calm, soothing atmosphere. 

Next time you have a nasty cough and need support, try Frankincense Essential Oil.  

Thanks to key constituents Limonene and Pinene, Frankincense Essential Oil and coughs go hand in hand. These powerful compounds exert natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and for this reason, this oil is among the best for promoting respiratory health.  

While working to ease respiratory discomfort, Frankincense Oil is also known to reduce inflammation, making it a popular choice for relieving symptoms related to excessive coughing, asthma and bronchitis. 

Besides its ability to fight off bacteria, Frankincense Oil is known for its calming and sedative effects, helping to improve sleep quality – and through resting, strengthens the respiratory and immune systems. 

Here are two popular ways to use Frankincense Essential Oil for cough relief: 

Diffusing: Add a few drops of Frankincense Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporiser to alleviate coughing and irritation. You can also add a few drops of Frankincense Oil to a bowl of steaming water and inhale at a safe distance without burning yourself. 

Warm Bath: Add a few drops to warm bathwater and allow the aromatic steam to fill the room with calming vapours.

Perhaps lesser known as a remedy for coughs is aromatherapy oil, Rose Geranium. 

With a subtle floral aroma, Rose Geranium Oil contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that have been seen to inhibit bacteria and fungi growth, while also offering relief for coughs, colds, and flu symptoms. Proving this as more than a maybe, a 2015 meta-analysis reviewed several studies and found an association between Rose Geranium Essential Oil and cough relief. Additionally, Rose Geranium Oil is believed to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. 

Asides from its medicinal qualities, Rose Geranium Oil also contains calming properties that work with the limbic system to help promote mental balance – a real positivity boost when you’re feeling down because of a cough. 

Diffusing: Add a few drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser to alleviate coughing and irritation. You can also add a few drops of Rose Geranium Oil to a bowl of steaming water; take care and inhale at a safe distance to avoid burns.  

Warm Bath: Blend a few drops into a warm bath to support rest and relaxation. 

When your cough is persistent or overly irritating, you may prefer to up the ante and use a blend of natural oils to target the symptoms. 

AWO’s Combat Cold & Flu Blend includes a combination of some of the most powerful essential oils known to help fight and relieve symptoms of an irritating cough. 

Including Peppermint, Oregano, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, and Lemon Essential Oil, AWO’s Combat Essential Oil blend is filled with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that work to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria and promote respiratory health. 

Use your oils blend in a diffuser or as an additive to warm bathwater, following safe dilution guidelines.  

While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier. 

Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!