If your symptoms are recurrent, or increase in severity, be sure to get it checked by a doctor.
There are different stages and seriousness of coughing. For many of us, coughing is a very common reflex that happens on a regular basis. It helps to clear our throats air passages, usually to help expel any mucus. This kind of coughing only happens on occasion, and there is nothing to be worried about.
Coughing also tends to happen when we are down with a cold or flu. Bacteria and viruses may cause a respiratory tract infection that triggers coughing.
However, acute and chronic coughs are at a more serious level, and professional medical help should be sought. There might even be an underlying condition that could be causing the cough.
Coughing becomes more serious when:
– You have coughing bouts
– You feel pain or soreness in the chest when coughing
– You cough our blood, or there is a barking sound as you cough
– There is an ongoing cough for a few days
– You are having a long-term cough
If your cough is not too severe, you may consider naturally treating it with essential oils.
Coughs resulting from virus infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, unlike bacterial infections. In both cases, a doctor should prescribe you the proper medication if necessary.
Relieving Discomfort from a Cough with Essential Oils
There are natural ways to soothe your throat and relieve the discomfort from a cough using essential oils.
1. Dry Coughs
If you are having dry coughs, anti-infectious and analgesic essential oils will be helpful for some relief.
Choose either 1 of the 2 following methods:
– Topical (application on the chest)
– Steam inhalation
a) Topical Method
Preparing the Oil (Topical Method)
First, blend the essential oils in the following proportions
|
Essential Oil |
Amount |
|
Eucalyptus radiata |
3 drops |
|
Thyme linalol |
2 drops |
Dilute with Carrier Oil (Topical Method)
After blending together, dilute them according to the following proportions:
For every 10ml of carrier oil, add 10 drops of the blend. Mix well.
Application (Topical Method)
After diluting with the carrier oil, apply on the chest and back in a circular motion. Do this twice a day, or more if required.
b) Steam Inhalation Method
Preparing the Oil (Steam Inhalation Method)
First, blend the essential oils in the following proportions
|
Essential Oil |
Amount |
|
Eucalyptus radiata |
3 drops |
|
Lavender |
3 drops |
Preparing for Steam Inhalation
Heat up water enough till you see some steam, but do not let it come to a boil. For every bowl of water, add 6 drops of the blend. Make sure you also prepare a towel that is large enough to cover your head according to the application process I will be explaining next.
Application (Steam Inhalation Method)
– Place the bowl of water on a table and take a seat in front of it.
– While the water is still hot, get into a comfortable position and lean over your head above the bowl of water, while using the towel to drape over your head, covering the bowl as well.
– Remember to close your eyes during this process to protect yourself from the steam and essential oils entering into your eyes.
– Stay in that position and breathe as you would normally for around 10 minutes.
Other Effective / Alternative Essential Oils for Dry Coughs
You may also add a small amount of the following essential oils to the blend that could be helpful in treating this ailment:
Chamomile roman, tea tree, oregano, sandalwood, frankincense, ginger, niaouli, elemi, cajeput, ravensara
2. Wet Coughs
If you are having wet coughs (coughs with mucus), essential oils that are expectorant and mucolytic will be helpful for treatment and relief.
Choose either 1 of the 2 following methods:
– Topical (application on the chest)
– Steam inhalation
a) Topical Method
Preparing the Oil (Topical Method)
First, blend the essential oils in the following proportions
|
Essential Oil |
Amount |
|
Eucalyptus radiata |
2 drops |
|
Thyme linalol |
2 drops |
|
Tea tree |
1 drop |
|
Geranium |
1 drop |
Dilute with Carrier Oil (Topical Method)
After blending together, dilute them according to the following proportions:
For every 10ml of carrier oil, add 12 drops of the blend. Mix well.
Application (Topical Method)
After diluting with the carrier oil, apply on the chest and back in a circular motion. Do this twice a day, or more if required.
b) Steam Inhalation Method
Preparing the Oil (Steam Inhalation Method)
The steam inhalation treatment for dry coughs as described above, is the same for wet coughs. For your convenience, here are the procedures again.
First, blend the essential oils in the following proportions
|
Essential Oil |
Amount |
|
Eucalyptus radiata |
3 drops |
|
Lavender |
3 drops |
Preparing for Steam Inhalation
Heat up water enough till you see some steam, but do not let it come to a boil. For every bowl of water, add 6 drops of the blend. Make sure you also prepare a towel that is large enough to cover your head according to the application process I will be explaining next.
Application (Steam Inhalation Method)
– Place the bowl of water on a table and take a seat in front of it.
– While the water is still hot, get into a comfortable position and lean over your head above the bowl of water, while using the towel to drape over your head, covering the bowl as well.
– Remember to close your eyes during this process to protect yourself from the steam and essential oils entering into your eyes.
– Stay in that position and breathe as you would normally for around 10 minutes.
Other Effective / Alternative Essential Oils
You may also add a small amount of the following essential oils to the blend that could be helpful in treating this ailment:
Niaouli, frankincense, cajeput, elemi, avençara, palmarosa, cypress, ho wood, basic linalol
Keeping the Air Clean
If you or someone else is sick or down with a contagious infection, it is good to keep the air clean so that other family members at home have a lesser chance of falling sick too and continue to be in a healthy state.
A great way is to disinfect our air to keep it clean. Store-bought commercial air disinfectants may be a little too harsh for some due to the artificial chemicals used in them. A handmade DIY natural room disinfectant spray is a great alternative, especially for families with children, elderly and those sensitive to certain chemicals.
For a recipe on our natural room disinfectant spray, visit our article here: https://arupe.com/how-to-make-a-natural-disinfecting-deodorising-room-spray-with-essential-oils/
Important Notes
Essential oils are potent and powerful especially due to their concentration.
Be sure not to apply undiluted essential oils to your skin whenever applying topically, unless you are certain that it is safe to do so. Else, always dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil or other carrier oils.
Also, make sure essential oils are safe to be ingested or applied on open wounds before doing so.
Some essential oils should not be used when pregnant or breast-feeding. Always check with your doctor when unsure. It is also good practice to do a skin patch test on your inner arm to ensure you do not have any reactions to the oils.
