A dry cough can be an uncomfortable and irritating experience, often associated with a tickly throat and respiratory irritation. If you're looking for a natural remedy to relieve a dry cough , essential oils may be an effective option to consider. In this article, discover which essential oil to use for a dry cough and all our tips for naturally relieving symptoms.

Causes of dry cough

A dry cough is characterized by a cough that does not produce mucus. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Irritations : Inhaling irritating particles, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution or allergens, can cause a dry cough;
• Viral infections : Viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu, are common and can cause a dry cough;
• Allergic rhinitis : Seasonal or environmental allergies can cause a dry cough by irritating the airways;
• Medications : Some medications, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a dry cough as a side effect.

How to Get Rid of a Dry Cough? Our Top 6 Essential Oils

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is well known for its decongestant and expectorant properties. It can help open airways, clear mucus, and relieve dry coughs. Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be used for inhalation or diffusion.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint has soothing properties for the respiratory tract and can help reduce feelings of irritation in the throat. It also has a cooling effect that can make breathing easier. You can add a few drops of this essential oil for dry coughs to a diffuser or apply it diluted to the chest.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve dry coughs by reducing airway irritation. This essential oil for dry coughs can be used as an inhalation or diluted in a carrier oil for topical application.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is known for its relaxing properties, but it can also be useful for calming dry coughs. It can help soothe throat irritations and promote restful sleep, which is essential for recovery. You can diffuse this essential oil for dry coughs in your bedroom at night.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help reduce respiratory irritation and calm dry coughs. It can be used as an inhalation or diluted in a carrier oil for topical application.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon has antiseptic and stimulating properties. It can help strengthen the immune system and fight viral infections that can cause a dry cough. You can add a few drops of this essential oil for dry coughs to warm water to inhale the vapors.

Essential Oil and Dry Cough: How to Use Aromatherapy?

There are several ways to use an essential oil to relieve a dry cough:

• Inhalation : Fill a bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil (e.g., eucalyptus, peppermint, or Roman chamomile). Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel to trap the vapors, and inhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes;
• Diffusion : Use an essential oil diffuser to disperse the aromas throughout the room you are in. This can help soothe dry coughs and improve your breathing comfort;
• Topical application : For topical application, dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil. Gently massage the blend onto your chest, back, or the soles of your feet;
• Aromatic bath : Add a few drops of essential oil to your warm bath. Aromatherapy baths can be soothing and comforting.

It is essential to take precautions when using essential oils, as they are highly concentrated! Be sure to follow the recommended dosages and consult an aromatherapist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about which essential oil to take in winter for cough relief .

Essential Oil and Dry Cough: Why Choose a Natural Solution?

A dry cough, characterized by a lack of mucus, represents an irritation of the respiratory tract that, if not properly treated, can develop into bronchitis. Using an Essential Oil for a dry cough is a well-known practice since it is versatile. Essential oils act as antiviral agents (interrupting the virus replication cycle), expectorants (facilitating the evacuation of mucus from the respiratory tract), decongestants (clearing the airways), and soothing agents. Some of them are even known for their antispasmodic property , which makes them effective in alleviating spasms associated with conditions such as bronchitis. These characteristics make Essential Oils a preferred choice for the treatment of mild dry coughs .

How to stop a coughing fit?

Herbal teas and infusions

Coughing fits are often associated with a dry, persistent, and sometimes paroxysmal cough, which can even make breathing difficult. To relieve this chronic dry cough , consider herbal teas and infusions made from plants such as horehound, white broth, licorice, or thyme. They are known for their antiseptic properties, ideal for clearing the respiratory tract . Add a spoonful of honey to your soothing drinks or let it melt gently in your mouth several times a day. Honey is an effective remedy for calming the pain and irritation associated with dry coughing fits.

Chocolate, propolis and royal jelly

Another surprising remedy is chocolate, thanks to its theobromine content, which is said to have an immediate soothing effect on irritating coughs. Finally, also consider taking a course of beehive extracts. Propolis , rich in powerful antiseptic active ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties, is particularly effective in cases of respiratory infections and throat irritations. As for royal jelly , it is full of vitamins and trace elements, known to strengthen the immune system.

How to relieve a dry cough at night? Our other tips

Relieving a dry cough at night can be essential for a restful night's sleep. Here are some additional tips to soothe a dry nighttime cough:

• Hydration : Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep mucous membranes hydrated. A dry throat can worsen a cough at night ;
• Humidifier : Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. Dry air can irritate the throat and airways, causing a dry cough ;
• Head elevation : Slightly elevate the head of your bed by placing a pillow under the mattress or using extra pillows to support your head. This can help reduce acid reflux, which can worsen nighttime coughs.
• Avoid irritants : Avoid smoking and stay away from cigarette smoke or other environmental irritants that can aggravate coughs;
• Consult a health professional : If a dry cough persists for a prolonged period, is accompanied by other severe symptoms, or does not improve with home remedies, consult a doctor .

Essential Oils for Dry Cough: DIY Synergy for Adults

Blend

To relieve a dry cough, prepare your empty bottle and add the following elements to make your DIY synergy:

• 30 drops of Tarragon Essential Oil;
• 45 drops of Provence Cypress essential oil;
• 15 drops of Fine Lavender essential oil;
• 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil;
• 120 drops (6 ml) of Nigella Vegetable Oil .

Close the bottle, mix thoroughly, and then label it. Your synergy is now ready to use!

Instructions for use and precautions

Apply 3 drops of this blend to the chest and 3 drops to the upper back, 4 times a day. Repeat this application for 5 days. This synergy can be used by adults and children over 6 years old. However, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under 6 years old.

Essential Oils for Dry Cough: DIY Synergy for Children

Blend

If you are looking for a solution to soothe your child's dry cough, prepare your empty bottle and add the following ingredients to make your DIY synergy:

• 30 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil;
• 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil;
• 15 drops of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil;
• 200 drops (or 8 ml) of Apricot Kernel or Jojoba Vegetable Oil

Close the bottle, mix thoroughly, and then label it. Your synergy is now ready to use!

Instructions for use and precautions

Apply 5 drops of this blend to your child's solar plexus. Repeat this application 3 times a day for a period of 5 days. This synergy can be safely used by pregnant women over 3 months, breastfeeding women, and children over 3 years old.