Ravintsara, Tea Tree, Thyme, Eucalyptus… Essential oils with antiviral, expectorant and decongestant properties help soothe coughs, whether dry, oily or nocturnal.
“In naturopathy, cough is linked to inflammation of the vagus nerve, most often linked to digestive disorders or poor digestion, immediately explains Lucille Delaplace, naturopath. That provokes a fall in the immune system and we become more vulnerable to viruses, for example. Essential oils (EO) are an excellent way to soothe a cough, but as an accompaniment, it is very important to monitor the diet and the digestibility of foods between them”. Ravintsara, Thyme, Eucalyptus… Which are the best? For the dry cough? Grasse? Nocturne? How to use them safely?
What is the benefit of ravintsara essential oil against cough?
Ravintsara essential oil can relieve wet cough in case of bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis or common cold. “It is antiviral, anti-infectious and calms the inflammation of the mucous membranes which can cause excessive secretions. It is therefore also expectorant. indicates our interlocutor. It also promotes sleep in case of insomnia or persistent or even dry cough.
► Usage tips : “In case of infection of the respiratory tract, put a few drops in friction on the upper chest and upper back in synergy with other essential oils (Eucalyptus radiata, Inule, Laurel noble)”.
► Contraindications: Warning: The HE of Ravintsara should be avoided for asthmatics!
What is the benefit of tea tree essential oil for cough?
Tea tree EO is recommended in the treatment of most ENT infections at the origin of episodes of wet cough: sinusitis, cold, bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis. “Antibacterial, it can be used to avoid bacterial superinfection, especially in cases of bronchitis or nasopharyngitis., notes Lucille Delaplace. The tea tree is one of the most common plants in aromatherapy.
► Tips for use: “Prefer dermal application. Use a few drops of tea tree essential oil in massage on the skin, 3 times a day for 5 to 6 days.
What is the interest of eucalyptus essential oil against cough?
There are two types of eucalyptus HE.
“The EO of eucalyptus radiata (radiated) is expectorantvery antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, continues the therapist. It is used in case of nasopharyngitis, flu, otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, cough associated with fatigue and chilliness.. It also helps prevent contagion.
“Eucalyptus globulus EO is very indicated in case of bronchitis, wet cough, asthmatic bronchitis, flu and colds”. The decongestant and expectorant properties of the plant make it possible to eliminate bronchial secretions more quickly.
► Tips for use:
- Bronchial and pulmonary infections: as an anointing on the chest, back, throat, neck, diluted in vegetable oil (20% max.)
- Flu, winter infections: practice inhalations 2 to 3 times a day, between 10 and 15 minutes each, with Eucalyptus globulus (2 drops) associated with Melaleuca quinquenervia (Niaouli, 2 drops) and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine, 2 drops)
► Contraindications: “Eucalyptus globulus has substantially the same properties as eucalyptus radiata, but be careful because it is not suitable for children”.
What is the interest of essential oil of thyme against cough?
The active ingredients of essential oil of thyme have expectorant properties that help clear the airways and soothe coughs. “Prefer thyme to thujanol or linalool, insists our interlocutor. It is an excellent anti-infective and antibacterial acting in all ENT infections”. This EO is immunostimulant. “the wild thyme thyme (Thymus serpyllum) can also act in allergic coughs, asthma. It is antihistamine, antibacterial and antiviral“.
► In infusion: 1 to 2 grams of plant in a cup of boiling water, several times a day.
► In syrup: refer to the instructions. The quantity and the frequency of absorption depends on the concentration of thyme syrup in active ingredients. Note: clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of thyme syrup in reducing the intensity of wet cough. The WHO confirms and recognizes the use of thyme in the treatment of infection.
► By inhalation: a drop of thyme essential oil in a bowl of hot water.
What is the benefit of peppermint essential oil?
“In my opinion, Peppermint essential oil is not one of the essential oils to be preferred in case of cough”, emphasizes Lucille Delaplace.
What is the best EO against wet cough?
“Against wet cough, I recommend Hyssopus officinalis var. decumbens (Hyssop lying down) and Myrtle (Myrtus Communis), because they are anti-catarrhal and expectorant, recognizes the naturopath. If the congestion is very strong, it can be associated with Eucalyptus radiata, Niaouli and Hyssopus Off var. Decumbens“.
► Usage tips : In case of congestion of the bronchi or non-allergic asthma, 2-3 drops in friction on the chest and upper back, diluted in a vegetable oil, associated with other essential oils.
► In diffusion or 2-3 drops to inhale on a handkerchief, in case of congestion of the sinuses and bronchi or in case of anxiety. “Either you ask your pharmacist for a preparation, or you rub the thorax, chest and soles of the feet with 2 to 3 drops of each in a tablespoon of Nigella vegetable oil, for example”.
► If the cough is productive, here is an inhalation recipe with anti-infective and expectorant properties. “For an inhalation, pour into the bowl of hot water: 3 drops of radiated eucalyptus HE + 2 drops of fine lavender HE + 1 drop of pine HE + 1 drop of myrtle HE“.
What is the best HE for dry cough?
“Against dry cough, I suggest HE Inula helenium (Elampane) and/or HE Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) applied to the chest and back”.
► Externally: 1 to 2 drops diluted on the chest
► Inhaled: 1 drop in a bowl of hot water to renew if well tolerated.
► If the cough is dry, here is an anti-inflammatory, antitussive and antispasmodic inhalation recipe. For an inhalation, pour into the bowl of hot water: 3 drops of radiated eucalyptus EO + 2 drops of fine lavender EO + 1 drop of cypress EO + 1 drop of niaouli EO”.
► Contraindication : Warning: cypress is not recommended in case of mastoses (estrogen-like)
What is the best EO against nocturnal cough?
“L’HE Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora ct cineole) is effective against nocturnal cough, replies Lucille Delaplace. In application by cutaneous route with a vegetable oil, in the evening on the solar plexus and the soles of the feet. It can be associated with HE of Helichryse (Helichrysum bracteiferum), which is calming and comforting. In local frictions or anointings and/or in olfaction or wet inhalation.
What is the best EO in diffusion against cough?
“L’Radiated Eucalyptus EO is the most effective in diffusion against cough, continues our therapist. Either in micro-diffusers, diffusers by ventilation, misting or soft heat”.
► In your diffuser or on a handkerchief, you can put 1 to 2 drops of HE Scots pine + Eucalyptus radiata + Tea tree + Niaouli.
► Warning : this essential oil can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics.
What is the best EO inhaled against cough?
“Eucalyptus globulus EO is most effective in inhalation against cough“, continues Lucille Delaplace.
► Either in an inhaler stick (available in pharmacies or specialized shops). “Many models are supplied with wicks. Prefer those with large and large cotton wicks. To use it, simply unscrew the lower part of the stick, place a few drops of HE on the wick, insert it and then screw it back on”.
► Either by wet inhalation by steam : Pour a few drops of essential oils in an inhaler (or in a bowl) over simmering water (90°C). Make sure you lay the inhaler flat. Wait 2-3 minutes, close your eyes (it is important to protect your eyes well) and bend over the inhaler without burning yourself, a towel on your head, so as to breathe in as much vapor as possible”. Keep your head under the towel for ten minutes.
► Precautions: Please note that this essential oil is not suitable for babies. “As a reminder, EOs are not taken NEVER pure, on sugar, on breadcrumbs, in water, in herbal tea or even less on honey (Risk of burning the mucous membranes). They are taken on an oily excipient (vegetable oil) or alcohol at 90°C, disperser, labrafil, papain syrup, tixosil or suppository.. Ask your pharmacist for advice on the choice of excipient.
Thanks to Lucille Delaplace, naturopath, specialist in micronutrition and chrononutrition in Brive la Gaillarde and Charleville Mézières, and member of the Médoucine network.