11 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Dry Cough

Herbal essential oils for dry cough are natural, plant-based extracts used to alleviate the symptoms of coughing, often resulting from respiratory issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or allergies.
These oils offer numerous benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the throat and calm the respiratory system, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of coughing.
Examples of herbal essential oils used to treat dry cough include Eucalyptus oil, which helps to open airways and reduce congestion, Peppermint oil, which provides a cooling sensation and relieves coughing spasms, Thyme oil, which has antibacterial properties that combat infections, and Ginger oil, which reduces inflammation and eases coughing.
Additionally, other herbal essential oils such as Oregano, Clove, and Rosemary oils can also be used to treat dry cough due to their antiseptic and expectorant properties, helping to loosen mucus and promote coughing relief.
According to "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", essential oils for dry cough may be effectively relieved by using essential oils derived from medicinal plants such as Zataria multiflora, Portulaca oleracea, Ferula assa-foetida, and Nigella sativa which have anti-inflammatory, anti-antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects.
Below there's a list of the 11 best herbal essential oils for dry cough.
- 1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 2. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 3. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 4. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
- 5. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 6. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils
- 7. Mentha x piperita essential oils
- 8. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 9. Sambucus nigra essential oils
- 10. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 11. Cinnamomum verum essential oils
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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils

Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, possess decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties that help to treat dry cough.
This herbal preparation works by reducing inflammation in the throat and bronchial passages, relieving congestion, and promoting the removal of mucus, thus providing quick and effective relief from dry cough.
The bioactive constituents of eucalyptus globulus essential oils, including eucalyptol, limonene, and pinene, are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which help to soothe the respiratory tract and alleviate cough symptoms.
The benefits of using eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat dry cough include rapid symptom relief, improved respiratory function, and a reduction in the need for over-the-counter medications.
Related Study
According to "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils for dry cough may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis, which can reduce mucin content and MUC5ac expression in the airway epithelium, thus alleviating the symptoms of dry cough.
2. Thymus vulgaris essential oils

Thymus vulgaris essential oils, also known as thyme oil, have been traditionally used to treat dry cough due to its soothing and expectorant properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat dry cough by reducing inflammation in the throat and airways, thereby relieving congestion and coughing.
The bioactive constituents of thyme oil, including thymol and carvacrol, exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat respiratory infections and alleviate cough symptoms.
The benefits of using thymus vulgaris essential oils to treat dry cough include quick relief from coughing, reduced risk of respiratory infections, and a soothing effect on the throat, making it a popular natural remedy for this common ailment.
Related Study
According to "Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils, particularly thymol contained in the volatile thyme oil, exhibit spasmolytic and antimicrobial properties that may help alleviate dry cough symptoms.
3. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant, have been traditionally used to treat dry cough ailments due to their expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The bioactive constituents present in rosemary essential oils, such as camphor, bornyl acetate, and 1,8-cineole, help to ease congestion and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, thereby relieving dry cough symptoms.
By promoting the clearance of mucus and reducing throat irritation, rosemary essential oils help to provide relief from dry cough and promote a smoother respiratory function.
The benefits of using rosemary essential oils to treat dry cough include natural pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved respiratory health, making it a popular alternative remedy for this common ailment.
4. Echinacea purpurea essential oils

Echinacea purpurea essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dry cough ailments due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe and calm the throat.
This herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives that have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the respiratory tract.
The benefits of using Echinacea purpurea essential oils to treat dry cough include reduced symptoms, improved respiratory function, and enhanced overall well-being.
By harnessing the natural properties of Echinacea purpurea essential oils, individuals can alleviate dry cough symptoms and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable respiratory system.
Related Study
According to "The Cochrane database of systematic reviews", Echinacea purpurea essential oils for dry cough may be effective in treating dry cough due to the majority of available studies reporting positive results.
5. Zingiber officinale essential oils

Zingiber officinale essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dry cough due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to reduce congestion and promote the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.
The bioactive constituents of Zingiber officinale essential oils, including gingerols and shogaols, possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
By acting as an expectorant, Zingiber officinale essential oils help to thin and clear mucus, providing relief from dry cough and promoting easier breathing.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat dry cough include natural and non-addictive relief, reduced inflammation, and improved respiratory health.
Related Study
According to "Recent patents on biotechnology", Zingiber officinale essential oils may have potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions, including dry cough.
6. Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils

Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dry cough ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to soothe the irritated throat and loosen mucus, thereby providing relief from coughing.
The bioactive constituents, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and terpenoids, possess antimicrobial and antitussive properties that contribute to its therapeutic effects in treating dry cough.
Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils help to reduce inflammation and alleviate coughing by stimulating the production of surfactant in the lungs, making it easier to expel mucus and other irritants.
The benefits of using Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils to treat dry cough include rapid relief from coughing, reduced inflammation, and improved respiratory function, making it a popular natural remedy for this common ailment.
Related Study
According to "Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry", Glycyrrhiza glabra essential oils may help alleviate dry cough due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can modulate the immune system and inhibit virus growth.
7. Mentha x piperita essential oils

Mentha x piperita essential oils, also known as peppermint oil, have been traditionally used to treat dry cough due to its decongestant and expectorant properties.
The menthol content in peppermint oil helps to thin mucus and relieve congestion, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
The bioactive constituents of peppermint oil, including menthol, menthone, and limonene, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to soothe the throat and reduce the severity of dry cough.
By using peppermint oil as a natural remedy, individuals can experience relief from dry cough symptoms and enjoy the benefits of a non-invasive, chemical-free treatment option.
Related Study
According to "BioMed research international", Mentha x piperita essential oils may have therapeutic activity for respiratory disease, including dry cough.
8. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils

Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dry cough due to their soothing and calming properties, which help to ease the irritation and inflammation of the throat.
The herbal preparation of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils contains bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
This allows for easier breathing and provides relief from the discomfort associated with dry cough.
The benefits of using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils to treat dry cough include reduced inflammation, improved respiratory function, and a soothing calming effect on the nervous system.
9. Sambucus nigra essential oils

Sambucus nigra essential oils, extracted from the elderberry plant, have been traditionally used to treat dry coughs due to their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, help to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
The antiviral properties of these bioactive constituents also help to combat the underlying viral infection that may be causing the dry cough.
The benefits of using Sambucus nigra essential oils to treat dry coughs include natural relief from symptoms, reduced risk of complications, and a decrease in the need for over-the-counter medications.
10. Salvia officinalis essential oils

Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dry cough ailments due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm the respiratory system and reduce irritation.
The herbal preparation's mucilage content, which includes bioactive constituents such as triterpenoid saponins and phenolic acids, helps to form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, alleviating cough and discomfort.
This helps to treat dry cough by reducing inflammation, promoting expectoration, and relieving congestion, ultimately providing relief from the symptoms associated with this ailment.
The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils to treat dry cough include natural relief, reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, and a soothing effect on the respiratory system.
11. Cinnamomum verum essential oils

Cinnamomum verum essential oils, extracted from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree, have been traditionally used to treat dry cough.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of this herbal preparation help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating the symptoms of dry cough.
The bioactive constituents, including cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, act as expectorants and help to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Regular use of Cinnamomum verum essential oils has been shown to provide relief from dry cough, reduce the severity of symptoms, and promote overall respiratory health.
Related Study
According to "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Cinnamomum verum essential oils may be effective in treating dry cough due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, which can help alleviate respiratory issues associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.