A cough often accompanies the common cold or flu, seasonal allergies, asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. Smoke or other irritating substances in the environment can bring on a cough. GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) may cause a cough. Medicines that control high blood pressure have been known to produce coughing.
You should not be too concerned if you have an occasional cough but if you have a chronic cough there should be concern because it may indicate the presence of a disease or an infection. The most common causes of a chronic cough are respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, or digestive disorders such as heartburn.
Aromatherapists suggest that aromatherapy essential oils for coughs and essential oils for colds can be an effective treatment. Essential oils and their uses can be issued through topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a desired response.
Aromatherapy Essential Oil Uses for Coughs
A list of essential oils and their uses recommended for treatment of a cough:
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Angelica has antispasmodic properties which soothes the cough.
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Black pepper has anti-bacterial properties in clearing congestion and helps prevent sinusitis.
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Cajeput (relative to tea tree) has anti-bacterial properties that helps fight infections of the upper respiratory system.
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Cedarwood has expectorant properties so it removes mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract. It also relieves headache and other symptoms of coughs and colds.
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Cyprus has expectorant properties and facilitates the removal of phlegm amassed in the respiratory tracts and the lungs.
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Eucalyptus has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties which makes it a good ingredient in many medicines that treat respiratory problems.
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Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties which helps relax the breathing passages and has antiseptic properties that boost the immune system.
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Lavender has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which loosens up the phlegm and relieves congestion.
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Lemon has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which make it especially effective in treating infections of the throat.
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Myrrh has antimicrobial and anti-viral properties so it tends to reduce the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.
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Peppermint has antibacterial and antiviral properties which are helpful in treating coughs.
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Rose has antibacterial properties so it helps in reducing coughs.
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Rosemary has antiseptic and anti-spasmodic properties which appear to relieve throat congestion.
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Sandalwood has expectorant properties and is particularly effective in treating coughs.
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Tea tree has antiviral and expectorant properties that can be effective in the treatment of infections that may be responsible for coughs and helps clear bronchial congestion.
