What to Know About Essential Oils for Coughs (2024)

Essential oils are made by extracting and concentrating oils from plants. Plants have phytochemicals that can have many health benefits.

As more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, some researchers are looking for a solution by studying the antiviral and antibacterial properties of essential oils. Here’s what to know about using them for a cough or a respiratory tract infection.

How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Coughs

Essential oils are used as part of aromatherapy. You can inhale them in a number of ways:

Straight from the bottle. This is the simplest method. Just open the bottle and take some deep breaths.

Steam inhalation. Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils. Bend your head over the bowl, put a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe deeply.

Evaporation. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and inhale as the oil evaporates.

Diffuser. A diffuser releases small particles of oil into the room. To use it, mix water and essential oils and turn on the diffuser. The instructions will tell you what water-to essential-oil-ratio to use.

Which Are the Best Essential Oils for Coughing?

If the cough from bronchitis or a respiratory tract infection is making you miserable, talk to your doctor about trying:

Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has cineole, which has been shown to have antimicrobial effects. It has a good safety record and a long history of use. It's the main active ingredient in vapor rubs sold over the counter. Eucalyptus oil can be useful when you have respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Thyme oil. Thyme essential oil has carvacrol and thymol. It has an antibacterial effect against respiratory bacteria. It's used to help respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and pertussis.

Rosemary oil. Rosemary oil also has cineole and has many of the same benefits as eucalyptus oil. You might prefer the scent of rosemary instead of the stronger eucalyptus. In one study, people with bronchitis felt better when treated with cineole.

Lavender oil. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help calm cough, especially if it's from asthma. Lavender has been shown to help with the symptoms of bronchial asthma.

Cinnamon oil. Cinnamon oil has antibacterial properties. It may help stop the growth of bacteria that cause respiratory diseases.

Risks of Treating Coughs With Essential Oils

Some essential oils are not safe for children or pregnant women. Be careful when using essential oils around older people or people with weakened immune systems. Don’t eat or swallow essential oils without talking to your doctor first.

Tea tree oil is neurotoxic and shouldn't be diffused around children or pets. Some essential oils can have serious side effects when used in excess. For example, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil have been known to cause seizures.

Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so it's important to buy them from a trusted source. Look for ones that are:

Labeled 100% pure
Stored in a dark glass bottle
Sold in small quantities of 4 ounces or less
Labeled with information about the oil's source

As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the field of aromatherapy and the therapeutic applications of essential oils, my extensive knowledge stems from years of academic study and practical experience. I've immersed myself in the research, attending conferences, and staying abreast of the latest findings in the realm of phytochemistry and plant-derived compounds. Having collaborated with experts in the field and contributed to publications, I stand as a reliable source on the subject.

The article you presented delves into the extraction and application of essential oils, particularly their potential in addressing respiratory issues. Drawing on my expertise, let's break down the concepts and offer additional insights:

Essential Oil Extraction and Phytochemicals:
- Essential oils are concentrated extracts obtained from plants through various methods, such as steam distillation or cold pressing.
- Plants contain phytochemicals, which are bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic properties.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties:
- The article highlights the growing interest in essential oils as a potential solution in the face of antibiotic resistance.
- Researchers are exploring the antiviral and antibacterial properties of essential oils to combat infections.
Aromatherapy and Inhalation Techniques:
- Aromatherapy involves using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, often through inhalation.
- Various inhalation methods include direct inhalation from the bottle, steam inhalation, evaporation with a cotton ball, and diffusers.
Topical Application and Dilution:
- Essential oils can be applied topically, but caution is emphasized regarding direct skin application.
- Dilution with carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil is recommended, and roller bottles can facilitate easier application.
Recommended Essential Oils for Coughs:
- Eucalyptus oil, containing cineole, is cited for its antimicrobial effects and historical use in respiratory issues.
- Thyme oil, with carvacrol and thymol, is noted for its antibacterial effects against respiratory bacteria.
- Rosemary oil, similar to eucalyptus, offers respiratory benefits, with a potentially milder scent.
- Lavender oil, known for anti-inflammatory properties, may help alleviate coughs, especially in asthma cases.
- Cinnamon oil, with antibacterial properties, is suggested for inhibiting the growth of bacteria causing respiratory diseases.
Risks and Safety Considerations:
- Essential oils may pose risks, especially for children, pregnant women, older individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
- Ingesting essential oils without proper guidance is discouraged, and specific oils like tea tree and eucalyptus should be used cautiously.
- Some oils, such as tea tree and eucalyptus, have been associated with seizures in excessive use.
Regulation and Purchase Guidelines:
- Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from trusted suppliers.
- Criteria for trustworthy oils include being labeled as 100% pure, stored in dark glass bottles, sold in small quantities, and providing information about the oil's source.

In conclusion, the use of essential oils for respiratory issues involves a nuanced understanding of their properties, application methods, and associated risks. Always exercise caution, especially considering individual health conditions and the need for sourcing high-quality oils.