Last Updated on October 12, 2024
If you’re asking what essential oils are good for coughing and how to use them, then this guide is the one for you as we’re going to discuss everything that you need to know about them. Here, we’ll not only introduce you to some of the most ideal essential oils to use, but we’ll also teach you some safety precautions that you can follow before using them.
Table of Contents
What are Essential Oils?
To start, let’s discuss first what these essential oils are. To make it simpler for you, essential oils are natural products that are extracted from plants, though not all plants produce essential oils. These oils can also be taken from roots, leaves, stems, fruits, or flowers.
These essential oils are then used in a lot of ways, and one of the most popular methods of using these oils is through aromatherapy. Today, you can expect to see oils being used in spas and any wellness centers. You can also see oils being used in a lot of products as a part of the ingredient list, making essential oils very flexible.
Why Use Essential Oils?
There are lots of reasons why you should start using essential oils today. One of the most popular reasons why they’re frequently used is because of their health and wellness benefits. Here’s a list of them:
Improves Mood
As these oils are often paired in massages and are used in aromatherapy sessions, there’s only one thing that you can say about these oils – they definitely improve one’s mood. Essential oils have a powerful scent. Thus, they can stimulate the brain directly, triggering that emotional response, so you’re feeling much more optimistic and energized.
Aids Relaxation
There have been a lot of studies indicating that essential oils are very effective in treating several psychological-related issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Because of this, people who are exposed to essential oils become much more relaxed, thus improving their overall disposition.
Relieves Inflammation
Essential oils are also known to relieve inflammation though there are only certain types of essential oils for this. Because of some oils’ anti-inflammatory properties, when applied topically, you can already see a significant reduction in the inflamed area.
Reduces Pain
These oils are also great in reducing pain when absorbed in the skin after being applied topically. This is also a safe method, and it works quickly as well, so one can surely use this to relieve common pains in all parts of the body aside from the sensitive areas.
Boost Immune System
Because most essential oils have a lot of antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, when applied constantly, one’s immune system becomes stronger. If you have essential oils at home, you’ll definitely notice that you’re less likely to get illnesses.
Heals Skin Irritations
As mentioned above, as these oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, you can use them as a much more natural treatment for skin irritations. What’s more, is that they can target a wide range of skin irritations, so you can surely use certain oils without worrying if they’ll worsen your condition or not.
Ideal Essential Oils to Use for Coughing
Because there are a lot of active components found in essential oils, they’re great for wellness and healing in general. Also, as essential oils are made out of alcohols, terpenes, and ketones, these make them antiseptic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial, making them excellent in treating respiratory ailments.
If you’re wondering what essential oils are ideal for cough, below are some of the most effective ones:
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The most popular essential oil that’s used for cough is eucalyptus as it’s high in cineole, making it a potent anti-inflammatory oil that combats respiratory illnesses well. In fact, according to research, it can even lessen steroid dependency in asthmatics, clearing their airways effectively. Lastly, eucalyptus has monoterpenes in them, making them effective antibiotics that you can use to fight off respiratory problems like COPD and bronchitis.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is not just your soothing essential oil that’s often used to aid sleep and boost relaxation. Lavender is also effective when it comes to loosening phlegm and even relieving congestion. Using it is also great for treating flu, colds, coughs, sinus and chest congestion, laryngitis, and asthma.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lastly, lemon essential oil is great when it comes to relieving cough as it contains d-Limonene, an anti-inflammatory agent, and vitamin C, thus aiding your immune system and combatting infection right away.
Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils
If you’re planning to use essential oils for cough soon, it’s important that you know how to use them properly. If you don’t know how below are some safety precautions that you can do:
Don’t ingest the oils – As most essential oils are concentrated, you’re not supposed to ingest them as you might damage your digestive tract. You’re to apply them topically instead.
Dilute your oils – Use carrier oils before you apply them topically. Again, they’re very strong, so you need to dilute the oils first.
Check for sensitivities – There are certain people (pregnant women, infants, and even people with epilepsy and high blood pressure) who are not recommended to use oils as they might have a negative effect on the body. Skin allergies and sensitives could also be observed, so always have a skin test first by applying a small amount of oil on the skin.
Don’t have any sun exposure after applying the oils – Some oils like Bergamot, Angelica Root, or Orange and Lemon oils should not be used when you don’t have at least 6 hours of waiting time before sun exposure. These oils accelerate skin pigmentation, so be very mindful.
Conclusion
If you want to use essential oils to treat cough, the ones mentioned above are really effective. Just make sure that you follow the safety precautions so that you won’t have problems when applying them.
Did you enjoy reading this content? If you have questions regarding essential oils, do comment below.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.