Essential oils for coughs

November 19, 2025

Essential oils - Natural relief for the respiratory system

A cough can rob us of sleep, weaken our voice, and significantly impair our well-being, especially if it proves persistent. Besides expectorant herbal teas, warm compresses, and other home remedies, essential oils can also gently support the respiratory system, loosen mucus, and make coughing easier. Their scent alone conveys a feeling of comfort – which also aids in recovery! Oils containing cineole, such as eucalyptus, thyme CT linalool, or the gentle Atlas cedar, have proven particularly effective – concentrated plant powers whose properties benefit our respiratory system.

How do essential oils work against coughs?

Essential oils can be used in various ways to treat coughs. support them, because they have, for example,

Expectorant properties: Some oils help to loosen trapped mucus in the bronchi and make coughing easier.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Due to their natural ingredients, they can alleviate inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Antispasmodic properties: Some essential oils relax the bronchi and thus make breathing easier.
Antibacterial and antiviral properties: Their germ-inhibiting mechanisms of action can support the natural immune system.

Oils containing cineole – loosening and liberating

Cineole is a secondary plant compound found in many essential oils and is responsible for the characteristic medicinal scent of many cold and flu oils. It is particularly known for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties. Some of the most important cineole-containing oils include:

Eucalyptus globulus and radiata: Strong expectorant, promote coughing and provide a fresh feeling in the air.
Ravintsara: Wonderful for supporting the respiratory system as well as strengthening the immune system.
Cajeput: Gentler than eucalyptus, ideal for chesty coughs, due to the Antispasmodic properties. When used correctly according to the dosage table, also suitable for children.

Silver fir, rosemary, and other plants also contain cineole. These essential oils help open the bronchi, promote expectoration, and contribute to faster recovery of the respiratory tract. It's best to use these expectorant oils during the day and for calming relief at night.

Cave

Cineole-containing essential oils, such as eucalyptus, cajeput, or ravintsara, have many beneficial properties for colds, but should not be used (or only with caution) by sensitive individuals, young children, and people with asthma or COPD. Especially for children, gentle application to the soles of the feet can be an alternative.

Thyme CT Linalool – gentle relief for irritated airways

In contrast to oils containing cineole, thyme linalool is characterized by a particularly mild, child-friendly effect:

Gentle even during sensitive phases of life: In contrast to the often intense cineole oils, thyme linalool does not irritate the airways and is therefore also suitable for younger children.
Antispasmodic: It relaxes the bronchi and thus makes coughing easier.
Immune-boosting: Thyme linalool supports the immune system without burdening the respiratory tract.

Atlas cedar – calming and strengthening for the night

Atlas cedar is a gentle aid for coughs and congested bronchi. Its warm, woody scent conveys a sense of security and simultaneously strengthens the respiratory system. Its properties:

They slowly loosen stubborn mucus: Ideal for dry, barking coughs.
They are antispasmodic and strengthen the bronchi: particularly pleasant in the evening to ease breathing and prevent coughing fits.

Atlas cedar can be effectively combined with other cough oils such as ravintsara or thyme linalool during the day and, due to its skin-friendly properties, is very suitable for rubbing in according to the dosage table. In the evening, the combination with benzoin Siam is very helpful. For children, often just one drop on a handkerchief placed next to the bed is sufficient.

Uses of essential oils for coughs

1. Inhalation – water vapor for the respiratory tract

The classic method for using essential oils to treat coughs is inhalation. Here's how:

Fill a bowl with hot water.
Add 2-3 drops of a cineole-containing oil or thyme linalool to 1 tablespoon of sea salt.
Hold your head over the bowl, wrap a large towel around your head and bowl to trap the steam, and breathe deeply through your nose.

Alternatively, a nebulizer or diffuser can be used to gently distribute essential oils into the room air.

2. Chest and back balm – soothing warmth

A gentle rub can support and relax the airways:

10 ml almond oil or jojoba oil
2 drops of thyme linalool
2 drops of Ravintsara or Cajeput

Gently massage this mixture into the chest area or back to specifically utilize the effects of the essential oils.

3. Aromatherapy bath – Soothing warmth from within

A warm bath with essential oils can be beneficial for the respiratory system and relax the body. For this:

3-4 drops of an essential oil (e.g., cajeput, eucalyptus radiata) plus 2-3 drops of lavender, or simply the aroma blend "Winter Protection" or "Respiratory Relief" emulsify in 3 tablespoons of DIY bubble bath or salt and add to the bathwater.
Relax for at least 15 minutes and breathe deeply.

4. Scent stick – support on the go

For quick relief on the go:

Prepare a smelling stick with 5 drops of ravintsara, cajeput or other essential oil.
Smell it as needed to support the respiratory system.