5 Best Essential Oils For Coughs

Published 18th Aug 2022

Essential Oils For Coughs

Coughs occur for a variety of reasons, from throat irritations, cold and flu symptoms to long term asthma, they can last for weeks depending on the cause. Commonly, coughs are triggered by a virus and can result in throat inflammation, causing irritation and discomfort.

Essential oils are known for their versatile properties that may alleviate symptoms of excessive coughing while working to reduce associated inflammation and soreness. While there are a variety of treatments to relieve your cough, essential oils may act as a supplementary, natural alternative.


Benefits Of Essential Oils For Cough

Having a persistent cough can cause further irritation and discomfort which may affect your day-to-day functioning. Some essential oils contain chemical compounds that are known for their natural antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Collectively, these properties may help to relieve excessive coughing.

Using essential oils for cough symptoms may provide relief, such as:

  • Congestion relief
  • Prevents the production of bacteria
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Provide respiratory relief

Essential oils can be easily implemented into your daily routine to help relieve respiratory discomfort, fight off bacteria and create a calming environment.


Best Essential Oils For Cough

Essential oils are incredibly versatile and are known to relieve symptoms associated with excessive coughing, while also working to boost respiratory health and the immune system. Below are some of our best essential oils for excessive coughing:

Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil has traditionally been used to ease respiratory discomfort with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, a 2012 study found that E. Bicostata (Eucalyptus Blue Gum) has the most prominent antiviral properties compared to other Eucalyptus variations.

Its key compound, 1,8 Cineole (eucalyptol) has been seen to suppress coughs, reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Its natural, crisp aroma is also known to create a calm and soothing environment to further help decongest and promote restful sleep.

How To Use Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil for Cough

Diffusing: Add a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporiser to help with easing coughing and congestion. We recommend 4 - 8 drops depending on the size of the water tank in the diffuser. For those who do not own a diffuser, Eucalyptus Oil can also be added to a steam vapor (or a bowl of steaming water). To receive the mentioned benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, inhale at a safe distance.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops to a warm bath to help create a calm, soothing atmosphere.

Peppermint Essential Oil

The versatile benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil are believed to relieve coughing with its natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties, it is also known to reduce soreness, inflammation and irritation. 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.

Due to the 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 congestion discomfort.

How To Use Peppermint Essential Oil for Coughs

You can use Peppermint Oil in a few ways:

Diffusing: Simply add a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporiser to alleviate coughing and congestion symptoms. You can also receive these benefits of Peppermint Oil by adding a few drops to a steam vapor (or a bowl of steaming water); inhale at a safe distance to ensure that you do not burn yourself.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops to a warm bath to help create a calm, soothing atmosphere.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil contains compounds such as Limonene and Pinene; these compounds are known to exert natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties and for this reason, this oil has been seen to promote 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.

With its ability to fight off bacteria, Frankincense Oil is known to strengthen the respiratory and immune systems while inducing calming and sedative effects.

How To Use Frankincense Essential Oil for Coughs

You can use Frankincense Oil in a few ways:

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 steam vapor (or a bowl of steaming water); inhale at a safe distance without burning yourself.

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

 

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

With a subtle floral aroma, Rose Geranium Essential 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. In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis reviewed several studies and found an association between Rose Geranium Essential Oil and cough relief. It is also believed to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Rose Geranium Oil also contains calming properties that work with the limbic system to help promote mental balance.

How To Use Rose Geranium Essential Oil for Coughs

Diffusing: Add a few drops of Rose Geranium Essential Oil to your aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporiser to alleviate coughing and irritation. You can also add a few drops of Rose Geranium Oil to a steam vapor (or a bowl of steaming water); inhale at a safe distance without burning yourself.
Warm Bath: Add a few drops to a warm bath to help create a calm, restful and soothing atmosphere.

Essential Oil Blends for Cough

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 a persistent 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.

How to dilute essential oils. Essential oils dilution guide.

Other Tips For Treating Coughs

Apart from using essential oils, other ways to alleviate coughs may include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Salt and water gargle
  • Adding honey to warm tea

If your cough persists or worsens, please visit your GP, certified aromatherapist, healthcare provider or pharmacist for supplementary relief.


Where To Buy Essential Oils For Coughs

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!

Essential oils for coughs.

Essential Oil Safety

Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:

  • In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
  • Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
  • We recommend storing your essential oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
  • Essential oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Coughs’ section.

Resources

Elaissi, A., et al, 2012, ‘Chemical composition of 8 eucalyptus species' essential oils and the evaluation of their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activitiesBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol.18.

Wagner, L. et al, 2015, ‘Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’, Forsch Komplementmed, vol. 22, pp. 359 - 368.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.

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