Will A Diffuser Help With Coughing?

Will a diffuser help with coughing?

Will A Diffuser Help With Coughing

Unfortunately, there’s not a single easy answer to this question. Diffusers can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of coughs and respiratory distress, but in people with asthma they can sometimes make the symptoms worse. 

As you diffuse essential oils into the room, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air. These can include substances such as terpenes, benzene, and toluene. In addition to the organic oil compounds themselves.

Terpenes have been shown to increase breathlessness at night alongside other respiratory issues. 

Diffuser types and what to know

There are 4 main types of essential oil diffusers:

  • Heat
  • Ultrasonic
  • Evaporative
  • Nebulizers

Heat diffusers

Heat diffusers warm the oils until they evaporate into the air much like a warm mist humidifier. They emit very powerful scents but have fewer aromatherapy benefits as the compounds tend to be damaged by intense heat.

Examples of heat diffusers are lamp rings, warming candle diffusers, and steam type diffusers. 

Evaporative diffusers

Evaporative diffusers send oil molecules into the air, allowing them to naturally disperse and evaporate. An example of this is a reed diffuser, where the oil is just left to do its thing.

They’re really good for small areas and a great alternative to chemical air fresheners

Ultrasonic diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers combine water and ultrasonic vibrations to send a fine mist of essential oil into the air. This effectively disperses the molecules, making the emissions safe to inhale.

These types work as a humidifier too, further helping with respiratory problems like dry throat or dry sinuses. Resinous and citrus oils cannot be used in these diffusers. 

Nebulizer diffusers

A nebulizer diffuser uses an electrically powered atomizer to send a fine mist of essential oils into the environment. This is the preferred method used with essential oils for aromatherapy.

It gives you a lot of essential oil meaning that it is very effective.

This kind can be difficult to clean and a bit expensive to purchase. The higher concentration of oil emitted means that they are also more expensive to run.

What type of diffuser is best to use for coughing?

It’s a good idea to purchase an ultrasonic or nebulizer diffuser if you’re dealing with coughing. To use your diffuser, pick a suitable location like a flat surface that’s relatively close to a power source.

How to use a diffuser

Add some water to the tank on your diffuser, and then add in between 3 and 10 drops of your chosen essential oil. Most people think that 6 drops is the sweet spot. Return the cap to the top of your diffuser and switch it on.

Your diffuser will likely have some time settings after which it will automatically shut off. Take care to clean it properly in between uses.

If you have pets in your home be sure to keep them away from it as some essential oils aren’t safe for pets.

Does peppermint oil help coughs?

does peppermint oil help coughs

Yes, peppermint oil has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of a cough. It appears to be more of a psychosomatic response though as there’s no hard evidence to back the science up at the moment.

Peppermint oil has menthol in it which has long been used as a holistic way to relieve congestion. A good way to use peppermint oil for coughs is to add a few drops to a bowl of boiling water.

Place your face above it and cover your head with a tea towel to trap the steam. Sit here and inhale the peppermint steam for 15-30 minutes. 

What oil should I diffuse for a cough?

what oil should i diffuse for a cough

Bergamot

Bergamot oils have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of congestion. This is due to the molecule known as camphene that’s found in bergamot. 

Camphene

Camphene has long been used in aromatherapy as an antispasmodic and bronchial stimulant. It also has bactericidal, antiviral, antifungal, expectorant, anti-edematous, and atmospheric antiseptic properties.

Camphene helps to clear congestion and has been used to treat bronchitis and other respiratory problems. An expectorant is something that stimulates the secretion of sputum by the airways.

An anti-edematous product is something that reduces swelling within the body. Camphene is found in bergamot and cypress oils. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has long been used as an essential oil to help with the symptoms of bronchitis. If inhaled as a gas, cinnamon can reduce and even stop the progression of pathogens in the airways.

It helps to prevent bacteria from reproducing and can be useful when treating a cough. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great oil to help with coughs, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The essential oil has immune-enhancing effects. It is currently being studied as an anti-TB drug as it’s so widely used to alleviate the symptoms of congestion.

When used in a diffuser you also can take advantage of the germ-killing properties of eucalyptus.

It’s a common ingredient in many non-prescription aids for coughs and colds such as Vicks VapoRub. 

The oil acts as an efflux pump inhibitor in the body meaning it stops the action of efflux pumps on the bacteria in your body. This allows antibiotics to stay trapped within the bacteria and work to eliminate the bacteria from your body. 

Geranium

Geranium has been linked to upper respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. Many different studies have shown a correlation between the inhalation of geranium essential oil and a reduction in coughs.

They have also shown that geranium extract can help to reduce the duration of a common cold. Lavender can help to reduce coughs associated with asthma. Studies suggest that inhaling lavender oil inhibits resistance in your airways that is caused by asthma. 

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has been proven to decrease the fluid found in the respiratory tracts of rabbits. This suggests that it can help people suffering from coughs and other respiratory issues.

Nutmeg is also an expectorant meaning that if your sinuses are congested this can help loosen and empty them. 

Rosemary

Rosemary has been linked to asthma treatment and is commonly combined with a neutral carrier oil and applied topically to the skin.

You can also inhale it through a diffuser to calm the muscles found in your trachea. 

Thyme

Thyme has been shown as an effective antimicrobial agent for respiratory issues. Studies suggest that it is most effective when diffused quickly in a high concentration for a short time.

Grant Williams

About the author

Grant is a professional engineer by trade and has experience with both maintenance and do-it-yourself home projects. He enjoys sharing his expertise & ideas with others to help them improve their comfort and quality of life. Read more »

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