Ah, the dreaded cough. It strikes at the worst possible time and is often a lingering symptom after a cold or respiratory illness. Yes, coughing can help cure illnesses — it helps clear mucus from the lungs and irritants from the throat — but it can also be a nuisance (not just to you, but to those you spend your day with).
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Some people turn to essential oils as a natural way to soothe a cough. But just because something’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Jessica Ruff, MD, a physician in wellness and preventive medicine, shares some things to watch out for.
Essential oils for coughs: what you need to know
“There isn’t enough scientific evidence to say definitively that essential oils are effective for cough suppressants or any other medical purposes,” says Dr. Ruff. “There are a lot of unknowns.”
For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils, “so there’s no way to know how concentrated or potent an oil is,” she continues, “and it’s possible that you won’t get the benefits that are stated on the label.”
What essential oils are good for a cough?
If you’re using essential oils for cough relief, Dr. Ruff recommends proceeding with caution and trying only eucalyptus or peppermint oil, as these oils are primarily known for opening up nasal passages and making breathing easier, which may soothe a cough.
- Eucalyptus oil It may have anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve sinus congestion.
- Peppermint oil Contains menthol to decongest nose.
You may have heard of other essential oils that can help with coughs, such as cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg, and bergamot, but Dr. Ruff warns against using them because they haven’t been studied in humans as a cough suppressant.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t use essential oils for a cough?
Little is known about the safety and risks of essential oils, so the following people should not use essential oils:
- Infants and young children: Do not use essential oils (either for aromatherapy or applied to the skin) on children under 6 years of age.
- For those undergoing surgery: Eucalyptus oil may affect blood sugar levels during and after surgery.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Peppermint and eucalyptus are likely safe to use as food ingredients due to their small amounts, but there is no safety data regarding the use of these essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How do I use essential oils for a cough?
If you do try essential oils for a cough, you should do so with caution. Essential oils are very concentrated and must be mixed with another oil (called a carrier oil) or water before use. Diluted, less potent essential oils are less likely to cause an adverse reaction.
Diluting essential oils properly can be tricky — “how many drops of essential oil you use will depend on the concentration of the oil,” Dr. Ruff points out — and labels may not be accurate.
Children over 6 should not mix more than six drops of essential oil per fluid ounce of oil or water. Adults can mix 20 to 30 drops per fluid ounce. “We recommend using fewer drops to reduce the risk of complications,” she says.
There are several ways to use essential oils for a cough.
- Apply essential oils to your skin. Mix essential oils with a carrier oil (usually coconut or avocado oil) and apply to your chest. The carrier oil dilutes the essential oil and helps distribute it evenly on your skin. It also keeps the essential oil from evaporating too quickly.
- Inhale the essential oils. Place a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser. The diffuser releases tiny molecules of the essential oil into the air as a mist so you can inhale the oil’s scent. This is a form of aromatherapy. You can also add essential oils to a steaming pot on the stove or to water in your bath.
Risks of essential oils for coughs
Essential oils, especially in their purest and most complete concentrations, can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.
The risks of essential oils include:
- Respiratory problems: Children under the age of 6, especially infants, may develop respiratory problems when exposed to peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
- Fatal poisoning: Essential oils can be life-threatening if swallowed. Coated peppermint oil capsules, which some people take to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are safe when taken in recommended amounts. Taking too much of the oil can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s safest not to swallow essential oils unless directed by a doctor.
- Seizures: Exposure to eucalyptus or peppermint oils (through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact) can cause seizures and neurological problems in infants and young children.
- Skin burns and rashes: Even after dilution, essential oils can irritate the skin when applied topically. Some people may develop blisters or a rash that requires medical attention.
- Allergic reactions: You may be allergic to certain essential oils, which is why it’s important to first take a small sample, known as a patch test.
Testing the Safety of Essential Oils as Cough Remedies
If you want to apply diluted eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to your chest to soothe a cough, Dr. Ruff explains how to test a small area of skin for an allergic reaction first.
A patch test is an allergy test that is usually performed in a medical facility. To test specific areas of your skin at home, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry a small area of skin on your forearm (lower arm).
- Dilute the essential oil in coconut oil or another carrier oil.
- Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to clean forearm.
- Cover the skin with gauze.
- After 24 hours, remove the gauze and check for signs of irritation, such as redness or a rash.
- If there are no signs of a reaction, it may be safe to apply the same amount of diluted essential oil to your chest to soothe a cough.
A Safer Alternative to Essential Oils
If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe a cough, Dr. Ruff says essential oils probably aren’t the answer. Instead, he recommends safer alternatives like honey (for ages 1 year and older) and peppermint tea, which is made from the leaves of the plant and contains small amounts of safe peppermint oil. “Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” Dr. Ruff reiterates. “Caution is advised when using essential oils as medicines.”
