Skip to content
There tend to be endless possibilities of treatment options for various medical conditions when it comes to essential oils. In this article, we’re going to cover the benefits and uses of the top 10 best essential oils for cough and cold. These oils are the herbal extracts that retain the essence of nature in them. These can prove to be highly effective in healing cough and symptoms related to it like difficulty breathing, scratchy throat, whooping cough, etc. For babies suffering from cough and congestion, diluted form of several essential oils like lavender and frankincense oils can be diffused into the air (aromatherapy) so that the oil can be inhaled slowly by the child without any difficulty. It is very crucial that all the oils that should be used for treating cough and cold must be 100% therapeutic grade oils. These oils are very powerful in nature and can show effective results in breathing problems by just using a little amount. To ensure that the oil is safe for your skin, a patch test should always be performed before putting the oil to use.
Performing A Patch Test
- Apply a little amount of the essential oil to the inside of the elbow.
- Let it on for some time on your skin.
- Continue using if no form of rash, irritation or discomfort is recorded.
How Essential Oils Help To Treat Cough
Essential oils possess antiviral, antispasmodic, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, decongestant, anti-rheumatic and many such powerful properties which can contribute to your well-being and majorly help with cough. These oils are suitable for aromatherapy as well as they work effectively when used topically in the form of massage oil or a vapour rub.
10 Best Essential Oils For Cough
Here’s a list of the 10 most effective essential oils for relief from cough and cold and how to use them.
1. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is a popular choice for treating congestion, cough and similar ailments naturally. It is a versatile oil made from the extracts of eucalyptus which is well known for its immune-boosting properties. The key component of this oil is the eucalyptol or cineole which is also found in over-the-counter vapour rubs available in the market for treating cough. This oil blends well with lavender, lemongrass, lemon and pine oils.
How It Helps
Eucalyptus eases any mucus in the lungs to reduce congestion and also alleviates inflammation in the respiratory tract. The compound eucalyptol present in the eucalyptus oil is used for its antimicrobial properties which helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and treats cough and congestion by fighting off the bacteria responsible for the flu-accompanied congestion. Apart from its use for cough, it also can be used for healing sinusitis, asthma, catarrhal conditions and throat infections.
Also Read : Precautions and Side Effects of Eucalyptus Oil that You Should Know About
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Put about 12 drops of the essential oil in 3/4th cup of boiling water.
- Inhale the infused steam.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
Topical Use
- Mix a few drops of the eucalyptus essential oil in one ounce of carrier oil.
- Rub the mixture on to the chest and throat.
ANVEYA EUCALYPTUS OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- HAIR & SCALP Health
- Helps to overcome ACNE & BLEMISHES
- Use during COLD COUGH & SORE THROAT.
- Antispasmodic and relieves STRAINED MUSCLES.
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil, also known as, Rosmarinus Officinalis has a calming effect on the trachea and respiratory tract. It can, in fact, be used as an immediate remedy for asthma. This oil also contains the compound cineole which helps in breaking up the mucus and depicts anti-inflammatory properties. It blends well with Peppermint, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lemongrass and Lavender. Use of this oil is not advisable during pregnancy, and for people with high blood pressure or epilepsy.
How It Helps
There is a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic properties of rosemary essential oil. Some of the characteristics of the oil include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, stimulant, astringent and nervine properties. It helps clear mucus from the lungs, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and as a stimulant, increases awareness and clarity of the mind thus eliminating the lack of focus faced during congestion. It can also be used for healing sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Add a few drops of the oil into a bowl of hot water.
- Inhale the infused steam.
Topical Use
- Mix a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil.
- Rub the mixture gently on the throat, chest and upper back.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a non-irritant and non-toxic oil with a menthol-like fragrance that is prepared by the steam distillation of peppermint herb. This oil consists of menthol and is used as an expectorant and decongestant for treating cough. The cooling sensation can be extremely helpful in easing an itchy throat. This oil blends well with Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender and Marjoram. The use of this oil is not recommended for pregnant women as well as children under the age of 7. It should not be used near the eyes as it may cause irritation.
How It Helps
This oil is an excellent choice for cough as it contains compounds like menthol and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It works as a decongestant by easing the nasal airflow and relieve an itchy throat. It is highly recognised for its anti-spasmodic and anti-tussive (or anti-cough) properties. This oil calms the bronchial muscles and also acts as an effective expectorant.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
Method 1:
- Diffuse a few drops of the oil at home or at work.
Method 2:
- Inhale directly from the bottle of oil.
Topical Use
Method 1:
- Apply 2-3 drops on your chest and back topically.
Method 2:
- Form a vapour rub by mixing a little amount of peppermint oil in coconut oil and eucalyptus oil and rub it on the throat, back and chest.
ANVEYA PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- COLD & CONGESTION: used as a decongestant
- HAIR & SCALP HEALTH: soothes the scalp, preventing dryness
- Good source of Vitamin E Benefits for SKIN
- A natural PAIN RELIEVER
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a great fix for asthma-related problems like congestion and cough. Lavender oil has got effective ingredients that can be used to clear the nasal passage and has a light and fresh scent. It can also be used for other respiratory ailments like bronchitis, cold and throat infections. This oil blends well with Clary Sage, Geranium, Nutmeg and Cedarwood. Although it is a completely safe oil to use but to ensure that the oil does not cause any kind of skin irritation, a patch test must be performed beforehand.
How It Helps
The lavender essential oil has multiple therapeutic properties like analgesic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, decongestant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Due to these properties, the oil is able to reduce the inflammation of the smooth bronchial muscles and clear the mucus and congestion.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Add a few drops of the essential oil in a bowl of hot water.
- Breathe in the steam.
- Chest Rub For Cough In Toddlers
- Melt 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a double boiler. After a while when it’s fully melted, take it off the heat and let it cool.
- Now add 2 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of basil oil and 5 drops of frankincense oil in the cooled shea butter while it is still in the liquid state.
- Refrigerate this mixture overnight.
- Rub a little amount of the vapour rub on to the child’s chest and throat.
The vapour rub can be applied once in the morning and once at night.
ANVEYA BULGARIAN LAVENDER OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- Its floral scent is great for RELAXATION & CALM SLEEP
- Use for Healthy HAIR & DANDRUFF RELIEF
- FACE CARE: Anti-inflammatory properties help Acne and Scars.
- MASSAGE & AROMATHERAPY: natural soothing oil for mind and body
5. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is one of the best essential oils for baby cough and congestion as it is very light and gentle. It has been used since centuries to treat asthma, shortness of breath, cough, cold, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. It loosens the mucus and regulates breathing. This oil is a pale yellow-green coloured oil with a pleasant woody scent that blends well with Lavender, Lemon, Sandalwood, and Bergamot oils.
How It Helps
Frankincense oil clears up the lungs of any mucus and promotes easy breathing by reducing congestion in the nasal passageway. It is a natural expectorant, astringent, cicatrizant and decongestant with antiseptic properties.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Put 1-2 drops each of frankincense oil, lavender oil and lemon essential oil in a diffuser.
- Diffuse in a large and open room so that it can be inhaled through the air.
6. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil is the extract obtained from the steam distillation of the flowers, leaves and stems of the geranium plant. This oil is considered as an essential herbal cough remedy that can quicken the healing process and thus shortens the duration of cough and cold. Geranium oil can be used to treat infections in the upper respiratory tract like bronchitis. It has a pleasant aroma that can uplift your mood when used in a diffuser or steam bath. This oil blends well with Cedarwood, Basil, Clary Sage, Lavender, Rosemary and Bergamot.
How It Helps
Geranium oil possesses antibacterial properties due to which it is able to combat various kinds of infections including respiratory infections like bronchitis. It also boosts the immune system of the body that reduces the frequency of falling ill. It can also be used for ailments like sinusitis, and tonsillitis.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
Method 1:
- Put a few drops of the geranium oil into a diffuser so that the vapours can be inhaled through the air.
Method 2:
- Put a few drops of the oil in a bowl of hot water and breathe in the infused steam.
Also Read : What is Aromatherapy - Benefits, Oils & more
7. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is the most effective and versatile essential oil used for medicinal purposes. Although it is a non-toxic and non- irritant oil, still one should be careful not to apply it near wounds, eyes, nose or ears. It is a highly potent oil with antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help in fighting off the bacteria causing cough and congestion. Tea tree essential oil blends well with Clove, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Lemon, and Lavender oils. It is not suitable for internal use and should not be used during pregnancy. A patch test should be performed to ensure the safety of the skin.
How It Helps
The tea tree oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and also works as a natural disinfectant which further helps in killing the infection causing bacteria or virus easily. Along with this, tea tree oil is an antiseptic and decongestant as well thus helps get rid of cough fast.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
Method 1:
- Inhale directly from the bottle.
- Diffuse 5 drops of the oil in the room.
Topical Use
- Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil in half a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Rub this mixture on to the chest, back and throat.
ANVEYA AUSTRALIAN TEA TREE OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- Works on ACNE, SCARS & PIGMENTATION due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Application in treating SKIN, NAIL & TOE INFECTIONS
- Great for HAIR. Fights against DANDRUFF with its antifungal properties
- Diffuse for fresh & CLEAN HOME
8. Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil ranges from a pale-yellow colour to colourless with a refreshing woody, yet spicy scent. It prevents the accumulation of fluids in the lungs and improves circulation, therefore is a suitable oil for treating cough and congestion. This oil blends well with Lavender, Rosemary, Marjoram, Sandalwood and all other citrus essential oils.
How It Helps
According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), the major constituent of the cypress essential oil is camphene (about 60-80%) which is known for eliminating nasal or mucosal congestions and prevents fluid accumulation in the respiratory tract. It also depicts anti-spasmodic, antiseptic and astringent properties.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
Method 1:
- Diffuse a few drops of cypress oil into the room.
Method 2:
- Add a few drops of the oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale the infused steam.
9. Thyme Essential Oil
This amber-coloured oil with a sweet herbal aroma is a great bronchial stimulant. It can be applied topically as a vapor rub mixed with other oils to help with cough and cold. In some cases, it may cause skin irritation thus a patch test should be performed to confirm that the oil is safe for your skin. It blends well with Lemon, Lavender, Bergamot, Pine and eucalyptus oils.
How It Helps
Thyme essential oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties as well as it acts as a natural expectorant that helps in inhibiting the growth of infection-causing bacteria and pathogens in the respiratory system. It treats cold, cough, congestion, asthma and bronchitis.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Diffuse a few drops of the oil into the air for a short period of time.
Topical Use
- Mix 2 drops of thyme oil, three drops of eucalyptus oil, one drop of pine oil, and one teaspoon of jojoba oil.
- Apply this mixture on the chest and back to get relief from congestion.
10. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon citrus oil is a pale greenish-yellow coloured oil with a sharp lemony fragrance and is known for treating throat infections effectively. Sourced from the Citrus Limon plant, lemon essential oil also boosts the immune system that reduces the chances of catching cold. It blends well with Rose, Sandalwood, Lavender, Geranium and Neroli. A patch test should be performed before applying this oil on the skin as it may cause skin irritation in some cases. It is a photo-toxic oil thus skin should not be exposed to the sun after applying this oil.
How It Helps
Lemon essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is a natural disinfectant which boosts the body’s immune system and also prevents bacterial growth. One of the constituents of this oil is camphene. Camphene eliminates nasal and mucosal congestions in the respiratory tract thus clearing out the nasal passageway.
How To Use
Aromatherapy
- Put a few drops of lemon essential oil in a diffuser or a steam inhalation device.
Topical Use
- Mix 4 drops of lemon oil, tea tree oil and lavender oil with 4 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Rub this mixture on to the chest and back to get relief from congestion.
Also Read: Dry Cough Remedies - All You Need To Know
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
