Ten essential oils to relieve a cough

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.

Ten best essential oils for coughs

A number of essentials oils may be used as a complementary therapy to help the symptoms of a 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.

The medical community tends to view essential oils as a complementary alternative therapy rather than a medical treatment. These oils should be used with caution, as there are no approved guidelines about dosage or strength.

However, there are instructions, and if a person follows them, any of the 10 essential oils below may help to relieve a cough.

1. Eucalyptus essential oil

Many people use this oil without realizing it. Over-the-counter vapor or chest rubs marketed to suppress coughs often contain eucalyptus oil. Or, they may include the oil's key compound, 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. Eucalyptol may also help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension that can result from a cold or flu.

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to calm 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

Chest rubs containing eucalyptus oil are available to buy online.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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 may not be advisable in children younger than 8 or people who are pregnant.

4. Oregano essential oil

Oregano essential oil contains a high level of a 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.