Eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme and lavender essential oils, for example, have properties that help relieve coughs and can be used to complement the treatment recommended by your doctor.
Aromatherapy is a natural therapy that uses essential oils to treat various problems in the body. Since all oils can be inhaled, this therapy is excellent for treating respiratory problems. Learn more about aromatherapy.
Although they are natural, essential oils should always be used under the supervision of an aromatherapist or other healthcare professional, as in some cases, especially in children or people with greater sensitivity, symptoms may worsen.
Main options
To combat coughs, some of the most scientifically proven essential oils include:
- Eucalyptus;
- Pepper mint;
- Tea Tree, Melaleuca or Tea tree;
- Thyme;
- Rosemary
- Lavender;
- Oregano.
This therapy can be used to complement medical treatment because, in addition to treating coughs and calming the upper respiratory tract, it also has an antiseptic effect, preventing the development of viruses and bacteria in the lungs, which can develop into pneumonia, for example. example.
How to use cough oils
To take advantage of the medicinal properties present in each plant, the following strategies can be adopted:
1. Inhale the oil bottle
Inhaling directly from the essential oil bottle is the most complete way to treat the body, as in addition to the oil particles coming into direct contact with the lung muscles, they can also quickly reach the brain, leading the body to rebalance itself. .
To inhale correctly, you must take a deep breath with your nose close to the mouth of the bottle, hold the air for 2 or 3 seconds and then exhale through your mouth. Initially, you should take 3 to 5 inhalations, 10 times a day, then increase to 10 inhalations, 10 times a day. Before going to sleep, you can also do 10 minutes of inhalation, especially if your cough is interrupting your sleep.
2. Putting drops on the pillow
Just add 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil you want to use directly to a pillow, or to a small scent bag that can be placed under the pillow to enjoy its aroma while you sleep.
3. Use an essence diffuser
Another way is to use an essence diffuser so that the aroma spreads through the air. Just add 1 or 2 drops directly to the equipment, which can be a good strategy to use both during the day and at night.
4. Use a basin with hot water
Another way is to use a container with boiling water and add the essential oils, which will evaporate with the hot water, aromatize the room and will penetrate the coughing person’s lungs through breathing.
5. Chest massage with oils
Mix 2 drops of the essential oil you intend to use with 1 tablespoon of a vegetable oil, such as sesame or coconut oil. Chest massage helps to decongest the nose, making it great to apply after bathing and before going to sleep.
To complete this natural treatment, try drinking ginger and cinnamon teas, for example. Check out other home remedy options for coughs.
Bibliography
- UENO-LIO, T. el a.. Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma. Life Sciences. Vol.108, n.2. 109-115, 2014
- HORVATH, Gyorgyi; CARPENTER, Kamilla. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. n.30. 331-341, 2015
- FABIO, A et al. Screening of the antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on microorganisms responsible for respiratory infections. Phytotherapy Research. Vol.21, n.4. 374-377, 2007
