How to soothe a dry cough with essential oils?

Relieve dry coughs and get rid of coughing fits with the precious help of essential oils. As cough suppressants, antispasmodics and gentle anti-infectives, essential oils are real everyday allies in soothing sore throats, calming irritated mucous membranes and reducing dry coughs.

Follow our experts' advice and choose natural remedies to reduce the sensation of a scratchy throat and help you breathe healthily without discomfort.

By The Aroma-Zone editorial team

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What causes a dry or chronic cough?

What causes a dry or chronic cough?

A dry cough, also known as an irritation cough, is generally linked to inflammation of the trachea (tracheitis). However, if this inflammation makes its way down into the bronchi, it becomes bronchitis, accompanied by a hacking cough, for which other essential oils are needed to soothe the discomfort. The cough is therefore only a symptom. A dry cough is generally due to:

  • a respiratory infection (asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.)

  • ENT problems (colds, laryngitis, sinusitis, etc.)

  • certain diseases: cardiac, digestive, etc.

  • smoking

  • certain medicines

Whatever the cause, don't hesitate to consult a doctor if the cough persists. Would you like to find out more about the best natural anti-inflammatories?

Why use essential oils to treat coughs?

A dry, mucus-free cough is an inflammation which, if not properly treated, can migrate to the bronchi and cause bronchitis. Essential oils are known to be antiviral (they disrupt the virus replication cycle), expectorant (they help the respiratory tract to clear mucus), decongestant (they clear the respiratory tract) and soothing. Some are even known to be antispasmodic, which means they can combat spasms in the event of bronchitis, for example. These are all major advantages, making essential oils the treatment of choice when you have a minor touch of dryness.

Top 4 essential oils to soothe dry coughs

My baby has a dry cough. What should I do?

My baby has a dry cough. What should I do?

Anatural defence reflex, coughing allows babies, like adults, to defend themselves against germs and other infections. To prevent the infection from reaching the bronchial tubes, take simple steps on a daily basis to help your baby breathe more easily:

  • Air the bedroom and maintain a temperature of 19°C.

  • Also air the living areas of the house at least once a day for around 15 minutes.

  • Have your baby drink water regularly to keep them hydrated and limit throat irritation.

  • Feed them several small meals if the cough makes them lose their appetite.

  • If you smoke, remember not to smoke in the presence of your child.

Consult a doctor if your baby develops symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, worsening cough or difficulty breathing.

Find out more

Is Tea tree good for coughs?

Tea tree is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and expectorant properties. Although its exact effectiveness in relieving coughs can vary from person to person, some studies suggest that it can be beneficial in calming dry coughs. To use, you can dilute a few drops of Tea tree essential oil in a plant oil such as Coconut or Sweet almond oil, then gently massage the mixture into your chest and upper back. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to inhale the soothing vapours.

How do you use peppermint for coughs?

Peppermint is renowned for its refreshing and soothing properties. It can be beneficial for relieving dry coughs due to its antispasmodic effect, which helps to calm the muscle contractions responsible for coughing. To use it, you can dilute a few drops of peppermint essential oil in hot water to make an inhalation. You can also add it to a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the room to benefit from its soothing effects. Be careful not to apply peppermint essential oil directly to the skin without diluting it, as it can be irritating.

Expert advice

Maintaining a good immune system is essential for preventing coughs. Take a course of vitamin D, which is ideal for kick-starting the immune defence process. To get rid of dry or irritating coughs, think about reflexology: use your thumb to massage the curved area at the bottom of the toes under the foot to stimulate the reflex point corresponding to the lung area. To prevent night-time coughs, make sure the air in your bedroom is humid, especially in winter.

Aude Maillard

Doctor of Pharmacy, graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Tours.