10 Best Essential Oils for Cough and Sore Throat Relief + Blend Recipes!

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Essential Oils for Cough and Sore Throat Relief Plus Blend Recipes!

If you are looking for the best essential oils for cough, you will find my selection here very helpful.

Cold and cough are pretty common health concerns that affect most of us once in a while especially during seasonal changes.

Surprisingly, many people are not really aware of how easy it is to tackle them with natural remedies, particularly essential oils.

I was introduced to essential oils a couple years back and I have fallen in love with them. They have become a staple in my natural medicine cabinet. And the reason is quite simple.

There is an essential oil for virtually any health condition. Moreover, aside from using essential oils to alleviate health issues, I also use them for diy skin creams, cleaning and many other household uses.

From minor headaches and mood swings to insomnia and even high blood pressure – essential oils help with them all, without nasty side effects (in most cases).

And when it comes to cough in particular, essential oils have been found to be very helpful there too!

Top 9 Essential Oils for Cough and Sore Throat

#1. Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the top-rated oils used for cold and cough. It contains menthol and powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help your immune system fight the infection more effectively.

It also contains menthol, which helps to unclog the sinuses and improve airflow. If you’ve got a scratchy throat, peppermint oil can really provide the relief you need.

That’s not just it – studies have found that peppermint can relax the

muscles of the lungs and improve your ability to breathe. This explains why athletes often use it to improve their athletic performance.

Keep peppermint essential oil away from young children, especially those under five years of age. It can be neurotoxic to them! Take care when using for children between five and ten years of age.

A lot of the listed essential oils are not recommended for children, or pregnant, or nursing women. Some are not handled well by asthmatics. It is important look up safety information when using essential oils.

I like using Plant Therapy essential oils because they have “kid safe” listed on their products!

#2. Geranium

The extracts of geranium have been found to be effective particularly against the infections affecting the upper respiratory tract, including even severe ones such as bronchitis.

Researchers have found that the use of geranium helped the study participants experience relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.

It was also found to help shorten the duration infection as well as reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

#3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another great essential oil for cough. It works as an expectorant and helps stimulate the removal of phlegm from the chest, helping you tackle cough effectively.

It can also help dilate the blood vessels and help your body get more oxygen. This EO also has powerful antimicrobial effects, which helps to protect your body against the attack of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Just applying it topically can help reduce the severity of cough as well.

#4. Oregano

Oregano contains two powerful ingredients called carvacrol and thymol which have antifungal and antibacterial actions. It can also be used as a natural antibiotic – that’s just how effective it is.

When it comes to treating infections that affect the respiratory tract, oregano can be amazingly potent.

Not only does it fight the actual cause of the infection, but it also helps you experience relief from the symptoms, including cough.

#5. Thyme

Thyme is a potent essential oil that helps to fight infections and inflammation. As a great respiratory supporter, thyme reduces coughs, offers relief for sore throat and eases pain. It also helps to clear sinus congestion and soothes allergies.

Thyme supports your health, energy and emotion, which can help restore your spirit and optimism especially when you are sick. This goes a long way to help you heal better and faster!

#6. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the best essential oils for cough in particular because it tends to help relax the muscles of the trachea.

In fact, a study shows that rosemary, when combined with eucalyptus, peppermint and oregano oils, was effective in relieving the symptoms of those suffering from ailments affecting the upper respiratory tract.

The study participants noticed a much-reduced severity of soreness, cough and hoarseness in the throat.

Rosemary may also be helpful to asthma patients as it could help them breathe better.

#7. Lemon

Lemon essential oil has been well-known for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system.

It can also induce lymphatic drainage and thanks to its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actiont it can present a strong front when there’s a battle between the infection-causing agents and your respiratory system.

When used in combination with eucalyptus oil, it can also help reduce cold and cough in a much better way than any of your cold medications.

#8. Ginger

This essential oil encourages warmth and boosts circulation. Ginger tea has been used for centuries for treating common colds, cough an sore throat, so it’s no surprise that its essential oil can be as effective too.

It has natural expectorant properties that relieve cough and chest congestion.

#9. Tea Tree

In the ancient times, the leaves of the tea tree were crushed and used as a treatment for wounds, cold and cough.

Its antimicrobial action is what makes it effective against the bacteria and viruses that lead to infection of the respiratory tract.

What’s best is the fact that tea tree oil also has a very refreshing scent, which helps clear nasal congestion (if any), ease cough, relieve sore throat and tackle any other symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

#10. Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil has been found to relieve congestion almost as effectively as medications do.

It contains a molecule known as camphene, which has been found to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the respiratory tract.

Use it in combination with cypress and nutmeg essential oil, and it will work almost twice as effectively, whether diffused or inhaled.

How to Use Essential Oils for Cough and Sore Throat

Now that you know the best essential oils for cough, let’s discuss how to put these oils to use.

You can use a diffuser to diffuse the essential oils and take advantage of their healing properties. If you don’t have a diffuser you can inhale the scent of the oil directly from the bottle.
An aromatherapy inhaler such as this one is another great way to get the benefit of the essential oils without having to worry about those around you (even the four legged ones!). Using a small bowl place 12 to 15 drops of the essential oil (or blend) on the cotton wick that came with inhaler. Using clean tweezers move cotton wick around to soak up all the oil in bowl. Put inside the aromatherapy inhaler. Snap lid on securely. Use several times a day as needed – at least three to five times a day.
Another effective way to inhale the vapors of these powerful essential oils is to add about 1 or 2 drops (yes, this is plenty – even 3 drops can be too much!) of the essential oil (or a blend you have made) into ¾ cup of hot water and then inhale the vapors. You can do this three to five times a day. (Especially when you feel a cold coming on!)
If you’re experiencing chest congestion and severe cough, you can dilute these oils with carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil) and rub on your chest and back.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:

Essential Oil Blend Recipe for Dry Cough

What You Need

Directions

Blend the essential oils and carrier oil together in a glass bottle. Apply a small amount on your chest and back two times a day.

Essential Oil Blend Recipe for Cough with Mucus

What You Need

Directions

Mix the essential oils and carrier oil in a glass bottle. Apply a small amount of the blend on your chest and back every night before bed.

Essential Oils Dry Cough

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose or treat any disease. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.