If you’ve ever had a cold or another similar viral infection, you know how annoying it can be to be coughing at all hours. Not only is it irritating for you, since hacking and heaving can make your body expend a lot of energy that you don’t have while you are sick, but it is probably just as disruptive to the people around you who have to listen to you coughing up phlegm all day. This is especially embarrassing in public or at work, where people will try everything they can to avoid you.

Usually coughs take care of themselves over time, but you might want to do something about an especially persistent cough so that you can get on with your normal life while your sickness runs its course. One good way to soothe your cough is to use essential oils.

How to use Essential Oils for Cough

You can use essential oils for cough either by inhaling the vapor so they enter the body through the nose and lungs or diluted with a carrier oil and applied on the skin of the neck, chest and back for quick absorption.

Inhaling steam with essential oils can help soften and break up the phlegm, and can also relieve irritation and inflammation. Using essential oils for cough is a simple and effective home remedy that can relieve a cough caused by several different kinds of irritants, whether it common cold, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and allergies.

How to make a steam inhalation

Take a boiling water and pour into a large bowl.
Add a few drops of essential oil into the hot water.
Now drape the towel over your head, while your head is directly above the bowl. Take deep breaths.

Top 10 Essential Oils for Cough

Thyme essential oil (Thymus Vulgaris): contains compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing (antispasmodic) and also opens up airways. Contains thymol, a volatile oil component that has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Listerine or a similar mouthwash also contain thymol.
Add some drops to boiling water and inhale the resulting fumes.
Add 5 drops of thyme essential oil in a cup of olive oil and massage this into your neck and chest.

Peppermint essential oil ( Mentha Piperita): Menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. Also has antibacterial properties.
Add 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with every 150 milliliters (ml) of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep breaths directly above the water.

Eucalytptus Radiata essential oil: commonly known as Black Peppermint Oil has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains cineole that acts as an expectorant. Boosts immune system. Suitable oil to use with children.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Add 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil in a cup of olive oil and massage this into your neck and chest.

Bergamot essential oil (Citrus Bergamia): Has antiseptic and antibiotic properties inhibits the growth of viruses and infections. It’s an analgesic that relieves pain. Acts as an anti congestive to relieve congestion and respiratory problems. It works as an expectorant to loosen up phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tracts. Acts as an antispasmodic by relaxing muscles and nerves. The high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity, keep away from sunlight.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula Angustifolia): has antibacterial, expectorant and antispasmodic properties. Suitable oil to use with children.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Can be rubbed directly on the chest, neck or back or be diluted first using a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil

Lemon essential oil (Citrus Limon): has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. Also acts as an expectorant. Boosts immune system. Excellent air purifier. Note that cold pressed Lemon Essential Oil is phototoxic but steam distilled Lemon Oil is not phototoxic.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.

Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia): has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic: inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is also an expectorant and can work as an anti-inflammatory. It is an excellent air disinfectant. Also helps reduce inflammation and boosts the immune system.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.
Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil in a carrier oil such as olive oil and massage gently on chest and back.

Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis): has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Acts as a decongestant: clear chest congestion. Has anti-microbial effects that may be helpful for lung infections. Has antispasmodic properties so relaxes spasms in the bronchial tubes.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.

Pine essential oil (Pinus Sylvestris): acts as an expectorant and antimicrobial loosens phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tracts and fight against sinus infections. Has anti-inflammatory effects. Boost the immune system.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.

Silver Fir needle essential oil (Abies Alba): acts as an antitussive, expectorant and decongestant helping to break down mucus. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral properties. Suitable oil to use with children.
Add a few drops (up to 4-6) of the essential oil into a bowl of hot water, and inhale up to 10 minutes.

Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils