6 Essential Oils Effective Against Coughs

Colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses are often accompanied by coughs that keep you awake at night and make breathing difficult. Many people suffer from coughs every year. However, most people are unaware of natural remedies that are effective against coughs. Yet, there are numerous essential oils that are good for coughs and also have antispasmodic, expectorant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Like the oils I recommend for colds, these essential oils actually help you get rid of respiratory illnesses like coughs in a safe and effective way.

A study published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal" states that over-the-counter cough suppressants offer no benefit to children. It also emphasizes that these medications are not suitable for use in children under six years of age. Their benefits for adults are quite limited. Many people today turn to codeine to relieve coughs. However, excessive use of codeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, similar to other narcotics. Furthermore, there are studies showing that codeine and antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) have no effect on coughs in adults.1)

Many people are quite desperate to find a more effective solution for coughs. However, the solution we're looking for lies in nature. The essential oils we'll discuss shortly will not only help relieve your cough but also provide relief with their expectorant and muscle-relaxing effects.

Essential oils that are good for coughs have dual benefits. These oils target the root cause of the problem by killing toxins, viruses, and bacteria that cause coughing, while their expectorant effect relaxes your respiratory system muscles, allowing more oxygen to reach your lungs. You can use these oils alone or by mixing several together.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil, an excellent expectorant, is also one of the most effective oils against coughs as it helps remove disease-causing microorganisms and toxins from the body. By opening up your blood vessels and allowing more oxygen to reach your lungs, eucalyptus oil helps with chronic coughs and thus allows you to breathe more easily. In addition, the cineol substance found in eucalyptus oil has an antimicrobial effect against many bacteria, viruses, and fungi.2)

The most effective way to use eucalyptus oil for cough treatment is to place 5 drops of the oil in different corners of the house before going to bed. Applying eucalyptus oil topically to your neck and chest is also quite effective. You can start with very small amounts, like 1-2 drops. You can also use eucalyptus and other beneficial oils by preparing a vaporizing ointment at home. A mixture of olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus would be a great option. However, do not use eucalyptus topically on children under 2 years old. If you want to use it on children, you can perform an allergy test on a small area to see if there are any side effects on their skin.

Mint oil

Due to its menthol content and antibacterial and antiviral properties, peppermint oil is one of the important herbal oils effective against coughs. Menthol, which has a cooling effect on the body, helps to open clogged sinuses and facilitates airflow in the nose. Peppermint oil also relieves sore throat and helps to stop coughing. Peppermint oil, which is a good cough suppressant, also has antispasmodic properties.3)

Studies in healthy individuals show that peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscles in the bronchi, facilitating airflow. Because of this property, peppermint oil is preferred by athletes who want to improve their training performance. Due to all these properties, peppermint oil also stands out as an oil that reduces the severity of coughs and makes breathing easier.4)

The ideal way to use peppermint oil is to dab 5 drops around the house or workplace, or apply 2-3 drops topically to your chest, neck, and temples. You can use peppermint oil alone or mix it with coconut oil and eucalyptus oil to create your own ointment and apply it topically. Since a very small amount will show immediate results, you can start by applying a few drops of peppermint oil to your skin. Do not apply it around the eyes to avoid irritation. Also, peppermint oil is not suitable for the skin of children under 2 years old.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil, which has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles in the trachea, helps soothe coughs. Like eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, which contains cineol, reduces the frequency of coughs in patients with asthma and rhinosinusitis. Furthermore, thanks to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, it has an immune-boosting effect.5)

A study published in the journal “Evidence Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine” shows that a spray containing eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, and rosemary oils has a positive effect on improving symptoms of upper respiratory tract illnesses in a treatment group of 26 people. Inhaling these oils five times a day for three days significantly reduced symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. The beneficial effects appeared just 20 minutes after using the spray containing these essential oils.6)

For cough treatment, you can use rosemary oil by scattering 5 drops around or mixing it with half a teaspoon of coconut oil and applying it to your neck. Rosemary oil is not suitable for children under 4 years old and pregnant women.

Lemon Oil

Known for its immune-boosting effects, lemon oil helps you overcome colds and coughs by supporting the lymphatic drainage system. During this period of dealing with respiratory problems, it supports your immune system with its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon oil, a key aid to your lymphatic system which protects you from external threats, facilitates blood flow and reduces swelling in the lymph nodes.7,8 )

There are several ways to use lemon oil to relieve a cough. You can distribute 5 drops around your home or workplace, or add eucalyptus to a spray bottle. Additionally, if you want to help cleanse your lymphatic system, you can mix 2 drops of lemon oil with half a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to your neck.

If you want to use lemon oil internally, you can mix 1-2 drops with honey in a glass of water or warm water and drink it. The first step to relieving your cough is finding the underlying cause. You can also make your own lemon oil, which is quite effective in killing toxins and cleaning your home of bacteria. To do this, simply put 20 drops of lemon oil and a very small amount of white vinegar in a spray bottle and store it. You can confidently use this mixture, especially for cleaning areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil possesses highly effective antibacterial and antifungal properties thanks to its active components such as thymol and carvacrol. Furthermore, research suggests that due to its antibacterial properties, this oil could be used as an alternative to antibiotics for respiratory ailments. Most respiratory problems are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Thyme oil, with its antiviral properties, is particularly effective in stopping the factors that cause coughing.9)

You can use thyme oil by spreading 3-5 drops at home or at work. Similarly, you can dilute 2-3 drops of thyme oil with an equal amount of oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to your chest, back, neck, and the backs of your legs. You can also add 1-2 drops to your water twice a day to cleanse your body of germs that cause coughing. However, it's important to remember that thyme oil may interact with some medications. Consult your doctor before use. Also, if you choose to add it to your water, it's recommended not to exceed two weeks.

Since there are insufficient studies regarding the use of thyme oil during pregnancy, caution should be exercised and your doctor should be consulted before use. Thyme oil is also not suitable for internal consumption by children under 5 years of age. It is possible to use this oil by mixing a teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil and applying it to the soles of children's feet.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is believed to have first been used by the indigenous Bundejalung people of northern Australia, who crushed the leaves and inhaled the scent to treat coughs, colds, and wounds. One of the best-known benefits of tea tree oil is its powerful antimicrobial properties, which kill harmful bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, its antiviral properties make it a prominent natural antiseptic for cough treatment. With its refreshing scent, tea tree oil relieves nasal congestion and reduces the symptoms of coughs and other respiratory ailments.10)

You can use tea tree oil by scattering 5 drops around the house or office, or by inhaling it directly from the bottle. You can also dilute it with half a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to your chest and the back of your neck. It is not suitable for internal use or during pregnancy.

Ã-nlem and

When using essential oils for cough treatment, especially for internal use, ensure they are 100% pure and of high quality. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or, as mentioned, intend to consume them orally, you need to be sure they are from a reputable source.

Of the essential oils we mentioned, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree oils should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and want to try thyme oil for therapeutic purposes, be sure to consult your doctor beforehand. If you want to use these essential oils as a supportive treatment for your child's cough, the safest way is to diffuse the eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, and tea tree oil from a distance. If you want to apply it to your child's skin, use a diluting oil and remember that a very small amount of oil will be effective. You can perform an allergy test on a small area beforehand.

Essential Oils Effective Against Coughs: Key Points

• Coughing, which keeps you awake at night, reduces your performance during the day, and prevents you from breathing comfortably, is quite difficult to deal with. Therefore, many people seek a solution in over-the-counter cough suppressants. However, studies show that these medications have no effect on children and are minimally effective in adults.
• Instead, using plant oils for cough treatment is both safer and more cost-effective. Essential oils are quite effective in relieving certain symptoms and suppressing the underlying cause of the cough. The following oils can be listed among the prominent oils for cough treatment:
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Mint oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Lemon oil
  • Thyme Oil
  • Tea Tree Oil

*This article, Dr. Axe, Food is Medicine This text has been taken from and translated from the website mentioned above. Habit Gıda AŞ bears no responsibility for the content of this text. This text is for informational purposes only, translated from English to Turkish, and does not contain any health advice. Habit Gıda AŞ cannot be held responsible for any health problems that may arise in readers as a result of this text. Readers should not take any action regarding the content of this text without consulting their doctor about their own health condition. You should consult your doctor about all matters related to your health.

* This article, Dr. Axe - Food is Medicine This text has been taken from the website and translated into Turkish.