Aromatherapy is natural therapy that uses essential oils to treat various problems in the body without causing side effects. Since all oils can be inhaled, this therapy is excellent in treating respiratory problems.
To combat cough, the following essential oils are indicated:
- Rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender;
- Magerona, niauli, and peppermint;
- Juniper, oregano, tea tree.
This therapy can be used to supplement medical treatment because, in addition to treating coughs and calming the upper respiratory tract, it also has an antiseptic effect, preventing the development of bacteria in the lungs, which can progress to pneumonia, for example.
Thus, these oils can also be used during the treatment of respiratory infections, since they are mostly all antiseptic, eliminating bacteria. However, it is best to always consult an aromatherapist before starting any treatment.
5 Ways to Use Aromatherapy Against Cough
To take advantage of the medicinal properties present in each plant you can adopt the following strategies:
1. Inhale the bottle of oil
Inhaling directly from the flask of the essential oil is the most complete way to treat the body, because in addition to the oil particles come in direct contact with the muscosa of the lung, they also reach the brain quickly, causing the body to rebalance .
To make inhalations correctly one should inhale deeply with the nose near the mouth of the flask, hold the air for 2 or 3 seconds and then blow the air out through the mouth. At first, one should make 3 to 5 inhalations, 10 times a day, 1 then increase to 10 inhalations, 10 times a day. Before bedtime, you can also take 10 minutes of inhalation, especially if the cough is disrupting sleep.
2. Put drops on the pillow
Simply add 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil you want to use directly on a pillow, or a small smelling bag that can be placed under the pillow to enjoy its aroma during sleep.
3. Use a diffuser or essence burner
Another way is to use a diffuser or burner of essences for the aroma to spread through the air. Simply add 1 or 2 drops directly to the device, which can be a good strategy to use both during the day and at night.
4. Use a bowl of hot water
Another way is to use a container with boiling water and add the essential oils, which will evaporate with hot water, flavor the room and will penetrate the lungs of the person with cough through the breath.
5. Chest massage with oils
Mix 2 drops of the essential oil you want to use in 1 tablespoon of a vegetable oil such as sesame or coconut oil. The chest massage helps to decongest the nose, being great to be applied after the bath and before going to sleep.
To complete this natural treatment try taking ginger tea with cinnamon, for example. See more recipes like these here.
If you prefer teas, syrups or cough juices, see the following video:
