A wet cough is a defense mechanism of the body that aims to expel mucus. The wet cough allows, in fact, to eliminate secretions and thus, bacteria and viruses contained in the mucus. It helps our body to evacuate mucus, present in too large quantities when we suffer from a cough or bronchitis.
It clears the lungs and bronchial tubes, and unlike a dry cough, it is a productive cough. Certain signs can be used to distinguish between a wet cough and a dry cough: if the cough is accompanied by sputum, it is said to be "wet"; but if there is no secretion, it is a dry cough, which is irritating and tiring. The dry cough alternates with a wet cough as the disease progresses. And the dry cough often turns into a wet cough.
How does a wet cough manifest itself and what can be done to relieve it?
A wet cough is a congestion of the airways. Cough medicines are not intended to stop it, but to facilitate it. As a defense mechanism, the body evacuates pathogens through the hypersecretion of mucus, in order to protect the bronchial tubes and the trachea. There are several tips to follow to soothe a wet cough, starting with :
- Use saline twice a day. In case of cold, spray 3 times per nostril, morning and evening.
- You should also remember to hydrate more often, air out your home, wash your hands after coughing, and humidify the air around you.
- You can also raise your head if you cough at night, and avoid exposure to tobacco.
If you suffer from oily cough and you have difficulty to evacuate secretions, naturopaths recommend to turn to essential oils, for a natural and effective anti oily cough remedy. It will thus be advisable to opt for E.O. supporting the expulsion of the mucus and germs, and thus to clear the respiratory tracts.
Choose essential oils with antitussive, expectorant and antispasmodic properties to thin secretions and soothe a sore throat. Several E.O., such as green myrtle, radiated eucalyptus, sweet woodruff or niaouli, will help you to relieve persistent cough and find a respiratory comfort.
The most effective essential oils for wet coughs
There are many essential oils against wet cough, starting with 4 of them, validated and approved to free the respiratory tree and stop coughing fits: green myrtle / eucalyptus radiata / inule odorant / niaouli.
Green myrtle oil
Green myrtle essential oil has an expectorant action, promotes bronchial secretion and protects the respiratory tract thanks to the alpha pinene, 1,8-cineole and limonene molecules it contains.
→ Caution to be taken: not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for children under 3 years of age, and for people suffering from asthma (in diffusion or inhalation) and epilepsy. It can be irritating for the skin and must be avoided in the event of hormone-dependent pathologies. Dermocaustic in its pure state, it should be diluted in vegetable oils for a cutaneous application. It can be nephrotoxic if ingested in high doses over a long period.
The oil of eucalyptus radiata
Its 1,8-cineole content promotes the stimulation of the glands responsible for mucus secretion and thus acts as a mucolytic and expectorant.
→ Precautionary note: not recommended for pregnant women (the first 3 months of pregnancy), breastfeeding women, babies under 3 months of age, and asthmatics (in diffusion or inhalation). Irritant, the essential oil of eucalyptus radiata must be diluted with vegetable oils in skin application.
The essential oil of sweet woodruff
Rich in terpenes, sweet woodruff essential oil has decongestant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and can soothe cough spasms.
→ Caution: not recommended for pregnant (first 3 months of pregnancy) and breastfeeding women, and for babies under 3 months of age. Prefer external use and seek medical advice for ingestion. Can cause allergic reactions. Beware of the risk of "inula shock", an impressive coughing fit if consumed in too large quantities.
Niaouli oil
Mainly composed of 1,8-cineole, alpha terpineol and limonene, essential oil of niaouli Has powerful antiviral and expectorant properties.
→ Caution: do not use during pregnancy, or in nursing women and children under 3 years of age. It can be irritating to the skin and should be avoided by people with mastosis or hormone-dependent cancers. It is not recommended in case of asthma and epilepsy.
In case of doubt with the use of essential oils, consult an aromatherapist.
Precautions to take
Other essential oils against oily cough: you can also opt for essential oils of Siberian fir, rosemary verbenone, ravintsara, turpentine, dill, eucalyptus globulus, cypress, tea tree, thujanol thyme, rosemary cineole and cardamom. They will save you in case of chronic cough or bronchitis.
Contra-indications of essential oils: most of them are not recommended for children, as well as for pregnant and breast-feeding women. They are generally not recommended for asthmatics, epileptics, or people suffering from a hormone-dependent disease. It is strongly recommended to test an essential oil in the hollow of the elbow 24 hours before use, to ensure that no allergic reaction occurs. If it does, discontinue use and seek medical advice. If you are taking a cortisone treatment, they should not be used simultaneously.
Treatment with essential oils
On air:
The essential oils against fatty cough can be used in diffusion. You will fully enjoy their benefits, while perfuming your home. There are 4 main categories of diffusers: by nebulization, by misting, by gentle heat or by ventilation. All have their own particularities, and some will be more adapted than others for you (color, shape, design...). It's up to you to find the one that suits you best and that fits well with your decorating style!
For your information: essential oil diffusers by ultra-boiling have the advantage of allowing you to benefit from all the healing properties of E.O.: their innovative technology offers a pure diffusion of essential oils (without adding water or heat) directly from the bottle. Micro-particles of E.O. are diffused in the atmosphere, and allow to cover spaces up to 60 m². On the other hand, they are rather noisy and their prices are rather high.
En inhalation :
There is a wide range of essential oils that can be used for inhalation. You can easily find an inhaler with a nozzle in a pharmacy, or you can simply do it in a container of hot water, making sure to cover your head to fully enjoy the benefits of the oils.
One will take care to use only E.O. which are suitable for the inhalation. Indeed, some can cause irritations at the level of the respiratory tracts. If you prefer dry inhalation, it is also possible to put a few drops of E.O. on a pebble, or even in a handkerchief, to be inhaled several times a day.
Synergy to be inhaled several times a day :
- 1 drop of green myrtle E.O.
- 1 drop of sweet woodruff E.O.
- 1 drop ofE.O. of eucalyptus radiata
Make this mixture and apply in a handkerchief, which you can breathe 5 to 6 times during the day.
Dermal:
On the skin: the application of essential oils anti cough fatty can be done by cutaneous way: these penetrate the skin in depth and are thus true therapeutic allies. Since it is a very powerful component, it is advisable not to use it pure on the skin, you can dilute it in vegetable oil or the vegetable butter of your choice.
Diluted in the bath: essential oils work wonders in the bath or under the shower. However, they do not dissolve in water. This is why it is advisable to mix them with a little shower gel or coarse salt before use.
Recipe for a massage oil to relieve oily cough:
- 15 drops ofE.O. of niaouli
- 15 drops of green myrtle E.O.
- 10 drops ofE.O. of eucalyptus radiata
- 10 ml of calophylla inophyle vegetable oil
Concoct this recipe and mix well, before applying to the chest, upper back and soles of the feet. To be used 3 times a day (max.), for 7 days (max.).
Essential oils by mouth:
Orally: essential oils to ease wet coughs can also be ingested. But beware, not all are intended for internal use, it is advisable to consult the chemotype of the essential oil you want to consume. The chemotype informs you about the characteristics and benefits of each essence. You will be able to consume essential oils in honey, in olive oil, on a sugar, on a neutral tablet, or even in infusion. Be careful with the dosages when taken internally.
Recipe for an anti-cough infusion:
- 1 drop ofessential oil of eucalyptus radiata
- 1 drop oftea tree oil
- 1 drop ofessential oil of niaouli
- 1 cup of infusion (ideally with thyme)
- 1 teaspoon of miel
Place the drops of essential oils in your spoonful of honey, then dip it into your infusion and stir well. Drink slowly, 1 cup a day for 5 days.
→ As a precautionary measure, this infusion is contraindicated in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as to young children and people with hormone-dependent pathology.