10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Cough

Herbal essential oils for cough are concentrated plant extracts that help alleviate and soothe coughs naturally.

They work by opening airways, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. Examples of herbal essential oils for cough include Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme, which have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Using these oils in a diffuser or through inhalation can greatly improve lives by providing quick relief from coughs, promoting better sleep, and enhancing overall well-being.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for cough, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, essential oils helps with cough because of its decongestant and expectorant properties.

The oil's primary active compound, eucalyptol, breaks down mucus, making it easier to expel. This leads to rapid relief from congestion and coughs.

Additionally, eucalyptus oil's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in the airways, allowing for better airflow and a smoother breathing experience, providing temporary relief from coughs and congestion caused by colds and flu.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus essential oils that help with cough.

• Eucalyptol: This terpene acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up.
• Α-pinene: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways, relieving cough and congestion.
• Limonene: This terpene has a bronchodilatory effect, which means it helps to relax and widen the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the frequency and severity of coughs.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, a key compound responsible for their decongestant and expectorant properties.
• Buds: Buds are also widely used as they contain a high concentration of eucalyptol and other volatile oils that help to relieve cough and congestion.
• Stems: While less common, stems are sometimes used for essential oil production due to their lower cost and still significant eucalyptol content.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for cough.

1. Harvest 250g of fresh or dried eucalyptus globulus leaves from a healthy plant.
2. Dry the leaves in a low-temperature oven at 50c for 2 hours.
3. Chop the dried leaves into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
4. Mix 50ml of high-proof vodka with 250g of chopped leaves in the jar.
5. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily, then strain and discard the solids.

2. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, essential oils helps with cough because of its natural expectorant properties.

The oil's high menthol content helps thin mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel, thus providing relief from congestion. Additionally, its cooling and decongestant properties help to soothe the throat and calm the cough reflex. As a result, peppermint essential oil can be a valuable natural remedy for relieving coughs and other respiratory issues.

Its invigorating scent also helps to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita essential oils that help with cough.

• Cineole: This monoterpenoid helps with cough by acting as a bronchodilator, thereby relieving congestion and making it easier to breathe.
• Menthol: This monoterpenoid helps with cough by providing local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce coughing spasms and discomfort in the throat.
• Linalool: This terpenoid helps with cough by exhibiting expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Mentha x piperita due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which are key compounds responsible for the oil's decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stems: Stems are also widely used, as they contain a significant amount of menthol and other volatile compounds that help to soothe and calm the respiratory system, making them effective in relieving coughs and colds.
• Flowers: Flowers are used to create a more subtle and delicate essential oil, which is often used to help alleviate coughs and congestion in a more gentle and soothing manner, while also providing a pleasant aroma.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for cough.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh leaves from mentha x piperita plants in the morning when oil content is highest.
2. Steam distill the leaves and flowers at 100-110°c for 1-2 hours to release the essential oil.
3. Collect the distilled essential oil and separate it from the water using a separatory funnel.
4. Filter the essential oil through a paper filter to remove any remaining impurities and particles.
5. Store the herbal mentha x piperita essential oil in a dark glass bottle at room temperature for up to 6 months.

3. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, essential oils helps with cough because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.

The oil contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help combat respiratory infections and reduce inflammation in the airways. As a result, thyme essential oil can help loosen and clear mucus, relieving cough and congestion, and promoting easier breathing.

It's also known to soothe the throat and calm coughing spasms, providing relief from cough and cold symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris essential oils that help with cough.

• Bornyl acetate: This monoterpene helps with cough by exhibiting expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways.
• Thymol: This phenolic compound acts as an antitussive, helping to suppress coughing by reducing inflammation and relieving irritation in the respiratory tract.
• Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene has antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate cough caused by respiratory infections by reducing the growth of bacteria and viruses in the airways.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: Leaves from the Thymus vulgaris plant are commonly used to make essential oils for cough due to their high thymol content, which has decongestant and expectorant properties.
• Flowers: Thymus vulgaris flowers are used to make essential oils for cough relief because they contain thymol and other compounds that help soothe respiratory issues.
• Stems: Thymus vulgaris stems are often utilized in making essential oils for cough due to their rich content of thymol, which aids in reducing inflammation and congestion in the throat and lungs.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for cough.

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves from organic gardens at dawn when dew is still present.
2. Steam distill the leaves for 2 hours at 100 degrees celsius to extract essential oils slowly.
3. Collect the distilled essential oil and separate it from water using a separatory funnel carefully.
4. Store the extracted essential oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid safely.
5. Label the bottle with the date and contents clearly and store it in a cool dry place.

4. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, essential oils helps with cough because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil contains compounds like cineole and terpinen-4-ol, which have been shown to soothe irritated throat tissues and combat bacterial and viral infections. When inhaled or applied topically, tea tree oil can help ease coughs by reducing inflammation and congestion, providing quick relief from colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

Its expectorant properties also help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils that help with cough.

• Cineole: It helps with cough by acting as an expectorant, thinning mucus and making it easier to cough up.
• Alpha-terpinene: It helps with cough by reducing inflammation in the airways and relieving congestion.
• Viridiflorol: It helps with cough by displaying antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce the presence of pathogens that may be contributing to the cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: They are the primary source of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil due to their high concentration of cineole, which is known for its decongestant and expectorant properties.
• Stems: Stems of Melaleuca alternifolia are also used to produce essential oil, which is rich in cineole and has been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues, such as cough and congestion.
• Buds: The buds of Melaleuca alternifolia are another source of essential oil, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in soothing coughs and sore throats.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for cough.

1. Harvest the leaves of melaleuca alternifolia from mature plants in the wild or in a controlled environment.
2. Dry the leaves in a warm and well-ventilated area for 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried leaves with 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
4. Steep the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse into the water.
5. Strain the mixture and discard the solids to obtain the herbal tea.

5. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, essential oils helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The oil's active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion. Additionally, the oil's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, providing quick and effective relief from coughs.

Its soothing aroma also promotes relaxation, further alleviating cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils that help with cough.

• Linalool: A terpene compound found in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, linalool has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, and promote the clearance of mucus, thereby alleviating cough symptoms.
• Linalyl acetate: A terpene ester present in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, linalyl acetate has a soothing and calming effect on the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and inflammation, and thus providing relief from cough and congestion.
• Caryophyllene oxide: A sesquiterpene compound found in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, caryophyllene oxide has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, and also exhibit antimicrobial activity, preventing the growth of bacteria and other pathogens that can contribute to cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: They contain high amounts of camphor, a compound that helps in reducing cough and congestion.
• Flowers: Rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, the flowers provide a soothing and calming effect, which can help alleviate cough symptoms.
• Stems: The stems of Lavandula angustifolia contain a combination of camphor and linalool, making them a good source for essential oil production to treat cough.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for cough.

1. Harvest 1 kg of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers in the early morning when dew is present.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place for 7 to 10 days with minimal disturbance.
3. Steam distill 500 grams of dried flowers in a still under low pressure for 2 hours.
4. Collect the essential oil in a separate container as the distillation process yields 20 ml.
5. Filter the essential oil through a paper filter to remove any impurities and achieve clarity.

6. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, essential oils helps with cough because of its decongestant and expectorant properties.

It helps to relieve congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier to cough up mucus and phlegm. The oil's antimicrobial properties also help to combat infections that can cause coughs. Additionally, rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm irritated airways, providing quick relief from coughs and congestion.

This makes it a popular natural remedy for coughs and colds.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils that help with cough.

• Caryophyllene oxide: A sesquiterpene present in Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil, it helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate cough symptoms by exerting anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties.
• Camphene: A monoterpenic hydrocarbon found in the essential oil, it acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby relieving cough.
• Bornyl acetate: A monoterpenic ester present in the essential oil, it possesses anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and open up airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis are commonly used to make essential oils for cough relief due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis are also used to make essential oils for cough relief, as they contain compounds that help to reduce inflammation and soothe the respiratory tract.
• Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are sometimes used to make essential oils for cough relief, as they contain oils that can help to ease congestion and reduce coughing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for cough.

1. Harvest rosmarinus officinalis leaves in the early morning after the dew has evaporated to prevent contamination.
2. Clean and dry the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris using a food dehydrator at 35-40 degrees celsius.
3. Steam distill the dried leaves for 2-3 hours to extract the oil using a copper still at 100-110 degrees celsius.
4. Collect the distilled oil and separate it from the water using a separator or a centrifuge for 30 minutes.
5. Filter the essential oil through a paper filter to remove any impurities and store it in a dark glass bottle for up to 2 years.

7. Piper nigrum

Piper nigrum, also known as black pepper, essential oils helps with cough because of its expectorant properties.

The oil contains compounds like piperine and beta-caryophyllene that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These properties help in loosening and clearing mucus from the airways, reducing congestion and coughing. Additionally, the oil's decongestant properties also aid in reducing the thickness of mucus, making it easier to expel, thereby providing relief from cough and other respiratory issues.

This natural remedy offers a soothing solution for cough relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper nigrum essential oils that help with cough.

• Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, thereby alleviating cough.
• Α-pinene: As a terpene, α-pinene exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough out.
• Germacrene d: This sesquiterpene has antimicrobial properties, which help combat infections that may be causing cough, such as bacterial or viral infections in the respiratory tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of black pepper used to make essential oils for cough.

• Seeds: Piper nigrum seeds are often used for their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, relieving cough symptoms.
• Leaves: Piper nigrum leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing.
• Fruits: Piper nigrum fruits, also known as peppercorns, contain compounds that have natural expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating cough and congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic black pepper for cough.

1. Harvest fresh piper nigrum berries in late summer or early fall when they are fully ripe and fragrant.
2. Clean the berries thoroughly by washing them with water and drying them with a clean towel.
3. Steam distillation is used to extract the essential oil from the berries for 2-3 hours.
4. The distilled oil is then separated from the water using a separatory funnel for 30 minutes.
5. Store the extracted essential oil in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat.

8. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, essential oils helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The oil's active compounds, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, have been shown to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and congestion associated with coughs. By promoting a healthy immune response and protecting against infections, Echinacea purpurea essential oils can help alleviate cough symptoms and support overall respiratory well-being.

Its decongestant properties also help ease congestion and promote easier breathing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea essential oils that help with cough.

• Cichoric acid: A phenolic compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of coughing.
• Cichorin: A phenolic compound with expectorant properties, which can help to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up.
• Iridoid glycosides: A type of terpene that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat and airways, making it less uncomfortable to cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make essential oils for cough.

• Roots: They contain compounds that have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and fight off infections.
• Leaves: They have antimicrobial properties that help to soothe and calm irritated respiratory tissues.
• Flowers: They are rich in flavonoids and alkylamides, which have been used to boost the immune system and alleviate cough symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for cough.

1. Harvest fresh or dried echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in late summer or early fall season.
2. Dry the plant material in a single layer at room temperature for 2-3 weeks or with a desiccant for 1 week.
3. Steam distill the dried plant material in a still at 100-110°c for 2-3 hours or until 20-30 milliliters of oil is collected.
4. Filter the essential oil through a coffee filter or centrifuge to remove any plant debris and impurities.
5. Store the echinacea purpurea essential oil in dark glass bottles sealed tightly with a dropper cap at room temperature for up to 6 months.

9. Gaultheria procumbens

Gaultheria procumbens, also known as wintergreen, essential oils helps with cough because it contains methyl salicylate, a natural salicylate that mimics the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin.

This makes it effective in reducing inflammation in the throat and airways, helping to alleviate coughing caused by respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma. The oil's decongestant properties also help to clear mucus from the airways, providing quick relief from coughs and congestion.

Its antitussive properties also help to soothe the throat.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gaultheria procumbens essential oils that help with cough.

• Bornyl acetate: This sesquiterpene acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax the airways and reduce coughing.
• Bornyl formate: Another sesquiterpene, bornyl formate has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate coughing.
• Gaultherin: A phenolic compound, gaultherin has expectorant properties, meaning it helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wintergreen used to make essential oils for cough.

• Leaves: They are rich in methyl salicylate, a compound responsible for the oil's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps alleviate cough and sore throats.
• Roots: Roots of Gaultheria procumbens contain a high concentration of methyl salicylate, similar to its leaves, making them a valuable source for essential oil production.
• Stems: Stems of Gaultheria procumbens, although less commonly used, are also a source of essential oil with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used to treat cough.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wintergreen for cough.

1. Harvest 10-20 pounds of fresh gaultheria procumbens leaves and stems when they are in full growth.
2. Steam distill the plant material at 100-110°c for 2-3 hours to release the essential oils.
3. Separate the essential oil from the distilled water using a separator funnel or a centrifuge.
4. Filter the essential oil through a coffee filter to remove any impurities and debris.
5. Store the gaultheria procumbens essential oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature.

10. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, essential oils helps with cough because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil's apigenin and chamazulene compounds have natural expectorant qualities that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. This helps to reduce coughing spasms and makes it easier to breathe.

Additionally, chamomile's calming effects can help to alleviate stress and anxiety that can exacerbate coughing, promoting a more peaceful and restful recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla essential oils that help with cough.

• Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene lactone acts as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, helping to calm the throat and reduce coughing.
• Α-bisabolol acetate: Similar to α-bisabolol, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate cough and sore throat.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to relax the muscles in the throat and reduce coughing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make essential oils for cough.

• Flowers: The flowers are the most used part due to their high content of apigenin and bisabolol, which provide anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to soothe coughs.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their camomile leaves oil, which contains chamazulene, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and ease cough symptoms.
• Seeds: The seeds are occasionally used for their oil, which contains sesquiterpenes that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate cough discomfort.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for cough.

1. Harvest 20-30 dry flower heads at dawn or late afternoon to minimize oil content loss.
2. Dry the flower heads in a single layer at room temperature for 7-10 days.
3. Steam distill the dried flower heads at 100-110°c for 2-3 hours using a ratio of 1:5.
4. Separate the essential oil from the distillate by decanting it into a separate container within 30 minutes.
5. Store the resulting matricaria chamomilla essential oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool dry place.

What is the best combination of herbal essential oils to use for cough?

The best combination of herbal essential oils that help with cough is a blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Thyme.

Eucalyptus oil's decongestant properties help relieve congestion, while Peppermint oil's anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and soothe the throat. Thyme oil's antimicrobial properties combat infection and promote healing. This synergy of oils can be diffused or added to a warm bath to provide quick relief from coughing and congestion, promoting a speedy recovery.

Use 5-7 drops of each oil in your diffuser or bath for optimal results.

What ailments similar to cough are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to cough/essential-oils.html">cough/essential-oils.html">cough that are treated with herbal essential oils are bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma.

Eucalyptus oil is commonly used to relieve congestion and ease respiratory issues, while peppermint oil helps to reduce inflammation and open up airways. Thyme oil has antibacterial properties that aid in fighting infections, making it effective against sinusitis and bronchitis.

These essential oils can be inhaled directly or added to diffusers for relief from these conditions.