How to Treat Cough? What Is Good For Cough Treatment? What Is Good For Cough?
Cough is among the most important symptoms of colds, flu and other respiratory system ailments. The resulting cough becomes more severe at night and adversely affects the sleep quality of the person. Many patients may choose to use prescription or over-the-counter medications. However, there are natural ways to treat or reduce coughing. For example, various essential oils can be used to relieve cough as they have expectorant, antiviral, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants have no benefits for children and adults, according to a study published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association. However, it is recommended not to be used in children under the age of six due to the chemicals it contains. {one*}
Patients often resort to drugs containing codeine to relieve their cough, but studies show that codeine and antihistamines have no effect on coughing . In addition, the use of codeine more than usual makes the body dependent on the drug, so it is inconvenient to use it frequently.
Oils Used for Cough Relief
Essential oils used for cough relief kill any problem-causing toxins, bacteria or viruses in the body and help relieve cough by loosening mucus and muscles. When the mucus and muscles relax, more oxygen enters the lungs from the respiratory system. Thus, the patient can breathe more easily.
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Essential oils used for cough relief include:
1-Udi Turkey Oil
Udi turkey plant, which has a woody structure, is a plant that has been used since ancient times and is effective in upper respiratory tract diseases. It strengthens the immune system and increases body resistance. For this reason, Udi turkey oil , which has strong effects against coronavirus, has recently been used frequently.
You can drink a teaspoon of turkey udi herb in the morning by mixing it with a teaspoon of honey. In the evening, you can mix a tablespoon of honey and a quarter teaspoon of ginger and consume it. Applying this recipe regularly for three days will help relieve dry cough and phlegm problems.
You can consume Udi turkey oil by dripping a few drops into a glass of water and strengthen your immune system.
2-Eucalyptus Oil
It is a very effective oil for cough. Acting as an expectorant, it purifies the body from microorganisms and toxins that make it sick. It widens the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to go to the lungs. Thus, the patient can breathe more easily. In addition to these, cineole, the main component of eucalyptus; It has antimicrobial properties against viruses, bacteria and fungi. {2nd*}
To relieve cough; 5-6 drops can be dripped in different parts of the house, applied to the chest and neck areas, or massaged by adding eucalyptus oil into a massage cream. Use alone is not recommended. It is recommended to be mixed with any carrier oil.
3-Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an essential oil containing menthol and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Since the menthol it contains has a cooling effect, it relieves sinus congestion and improves airflow in the nose. It also helps relieve cough by soothing the throat. {3*}
Peppermint oil relaxes the bronchial muscles and facilitates breathing. Due to these effects, it is frequently used by athletes to increase their exercise performance. {4*}
The easiest way to see the miraculous effects of peppermint oil is to drop 5-6 drops of peppermint oil in different parts of the house. At the same time, this oil can be applied on the skin and applied to the temples and neck. Peppermint oil should not be used alone during application. It can be used on the skin by adding coconut and eucalyptus oil to a massage cream or simply combining it with carrier oils.
Peppermint oil should not be used in children under 2 years of age, as it can irritate the skin. When applying on the skin, you can first drop a few drops into the elbow to find out if it will cause an allergic reaction.
4-Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil helps to relieve cough as it has a relaxing and relaxing effect on the trecheal muscle. Cineole in its content reduces the frequency of coughing attacks in patients with asthma and sinusitis. Rosemary oil helps strengthen the immune system as it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. {5*}
In a study published in 2011, individuals in an experimental group who inhaled essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary showed improvement in the symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases. However, researchers have found that these oils also improve conditions such as cough, hoarseness and sore throat. Participants began to see the effects 20 minutes after inhaling the essential oils. {6*}
Rosemary oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the chest area. At the same time, 5-6 drops can be dripped in different parts of the house. However, it is inconvenient for children under the age of 4 and pregnant people to use it.
5-Lemon Oil
Lemon oil strengthens the immune system and promotes lymphatic drainage. Thanks to these properties, it helps to relieve cough and cold. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also reduces swelling in the lymph nodes by improving blood flow. This allows the lymphatic system to better protect the body from external factors. {7*, 8*}
For relief of cough, 5-6 drops of lemon oil can be dripped into different parts of the house. To help the lymphatic system drain, 2 drops of lemon oil and half a teaspoon of coconut oil can be mixed and applied to the neck area.
Lemon oil also helps to clean toxic substances, bacteria and viruses in the house. For this, 20 drops of lemon oil and some white vinegar are added to a spray bottle filled with water. Kitchen and bathroom surfaces can be cleaned with the natural cleaning product.
6-Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains thymol and carvacrol, which have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Research suggests that the oil can be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics used in respiratory system diseases due to its antibacterial effects. {9*}
To relieve cough, 5-6 drops of thyme oil can be dripped to different points at home or at work. In addition, 4 drops of thyme oil can be mixed with an equal amount of coconut oil and applied by massaging the chest, back and neck areas. In bacterial cases that cause cough, 1-2 drops of thyme oil should be added to a glass of water twice a day and consumed.
Direct use of oregano oil may cause it to interact with some medications. Therefore, a healthcare professional should be consulted before use and should be used for a maximum of two weeks.
7- Tea Tree
Tea tree was first used in Northern Australia to treat coughs, colds and sores. The treatment took place when the Bundjalunk people crushed the tea tree leaves and then inhaled them.
Tea tree has antimicrobial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It destroys bacteria and viruses in the respiratory system that cause respiratory system diseases. Thanks to its antiseptic feature, it helps to relieve congestion and reduce coughing. {10*}
Tea tree oil can be inhaled directly from the bottle to relieve cough, 5-6 drops can be dripped into different parts of the house, or 1-2 drops of oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the chest and nape areas.
8-Steam Oil
Frankincense is a traditionally used essential oil that has a positive effect on the respiratory system. It is used in steam inhalations, baths, massages, and cough relief, in addition to relieving the symptoms of colds, asthma, bronchitis. {11th*}
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Precautions to Take When Using Essential Oils
When using essential oil for cough, care should be taken that it is in the therapeutic oil class. Essential oils used for cough relief for pregnant women and children should not be used without consulting a specialist.
If essential oils are used for the skin, they should be tested on a small area of the skin first. If the test result does not show a skin reaction, oil can be used. If it needs to be used on the skin, the oil should not be used directly. It is recommended to mix and apply with an oil that nourishes the skin, such as coconut oil.
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