Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreat BronchitisTreat CongestionAntiviral OilsRisks
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Table of Contents
Treat Bronchitis
Treat Congestion
Antiviral Oils
Risks
Some of the most popular essential oils forbronchitisinclude eucalyptus, geranium, bergamot, and lavender oils. In addition to soothing the throat and providing relief from coughing, some essential oils have antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection.
When choosing anessential oilto treat bronchitis, pay close attention to how different essential oils should and should not be used. For example, eucalyptus oil appears to be most effective when diffused, while more fragrant oils like lavender could irritate the skin when applied topically.
This article explains which essential oils are beneficial for treating bronchitis. It also details best practices for using essential oils safely.
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Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oilhas traditionally been used to treat upper respiratory ailments like bronchitis,pharyngitis, and sinusitis, according to study authors who evaluated the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral potential of eight different species of eucalyptus.
Studies show that eucalyptus has a significant ability to open the upper and lower airways when breathed in, bringing rapid relief for symptoms of respiratory infection. Eucalyptus is also known to reduce mucus secretion and lung inflammation.
One study of 676 people with acute bronchitis found that people who took four capsules of the over-the-counter medication Myrtol per day for 14 days recovered from acute bronchitis faster than those who didn’t use the medication. The main active ingredient in Myrtol is cineol, a terpene extracted from eucalyptus.
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Geranium Essential Oil
A systematic review of 34 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that the geranium speciesP. sidoidesreduces cough symptom duration and severity without serious adverse effects in adults. Positive effects in children were less clear.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oilcan be diffused to help fight the infection causing your cough. The oil boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to strengthen the immune system. Diffusing bergamot oil may also improve sleep.
One study found bergamot oil with a concentration of 0.3% demonstrated 100% inhibition (inactivation) of H1N1 (influenza A virus) when consumed as a liquid. The study authors noted that oral consumption of oils is toxic, so they also tested antiviral activity with vapor diffusion of bergamot oil and it showed 95% H1N1 inhibition.
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Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender (linalool) oil may have a calming effect on your airways, and researchers say it could be useful as an alternative medicine for bronchial asthma.
A study done in mice demonstrated linalool’s activity in reducing inflammation related to experimentally induced bronchial asthma (acute lung injury) in young mice.A similar study found that nebulizing lavender oil decreased airway inflammation in mice when they passively inhaled it.
More research on the effects of pure lavender oil in humans with bronchitis is needed.
Essential Oils for Chest Congestion
A review study of randomized, placebo-controlled trials found strong evidence for using the main active ingredient of eucalyptus oil (cineole) for respiratory problems.
For one study, people with asthma took 200 milligrams of cineole capsules three times per day for 14 days.The treatment demonstrated a steroid-like effect that opened the airways, allowing participants to breathe more easily.
Also, a review of six studies revealed that the use of eucalyptus products effectively reduces cough related to bronchitis. Few side effects were noted, with the most common being mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. upset stomach).
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is made from volatile plant compounds, including thymol. You can find thymol (which is also a plant compound in other herbs) in over-the-counter cold and cough preparations. The Hazardous Substances Data Bank confirms that thymol is toxic to microorganisms but generally safe for humans in existing preparations.
Thymol has shown such promising anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that it is an active ingredient in the drug Bronchosol, which contains the extracts of thyme and primrose with the addition of thymol. Researchers say Bronchosol is comparable to synthetic ambroxol, and its safety has been proved.
Antiviral Essential Oils
Some essential oils offer a natural alternative in the fight against viruses. These oils are typically pungent, with strong aromas.
If you think you or a loved one might have a viral infection, talk to your doctor before reaching for the essential oils. That way, you can ensure you’re treating the right health concern with the best method.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil (TTO) is a well-known skin and beauty care ingredient in a range of products promoted to help reduce acne and blemishes.
TTOs' antiviral activity on surfaces has been well documented, but researchers also tested the oil, along with eucalyptus oil, in aerosol and vapor states to determine the range of its benefits. Both tested oils' aerosols possessed strong antiviral action and were capable of inactivating model viruses with an efficiency of more than 95% within five to 15 minutes of exposure.
A systematic review of essential oils in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 suggests that eucalyptus essential oil may be useful due to its well-recognized antiviral properties.
Researchers reviewed articles from peer-reviewed journals, books, theses, dissertations, various patents, and supplementary reports covering anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of traditionally used essential oils. They concluded that eucalyptus oil in vapor form, with its primary compounds citronellol and eugenol, has rapid-actingin vitro(in a test tube) antiviral properties againstinfluenza A.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil, like thyme oil, has significant concentrations of the antiviral plant compounds known ascarvacroland thymol. Onein vivostudy tested oregano oil against infected cells and found dose-dependent properties that stop the replication of HIV cells (inhibit their growth). Study results were consistent across several formulations (different brands) of oregano oil.
Research on essential oils (EOs) is promising, but keep in mind thatin vitroandin vivostudies (in a living organism including animals or humans) testing oils and their plant compounds in controlled lab settings do not fully represent real-world results. This means there are many other factors in your life (including your general health condition and sensitivity to plant compounds) that can contribute to whether EOs will be beneficial for your respiratory issues. Before trying any self-medication at home, talk to a doctor for a personalized recommendation.
Risks of Using Essential Oils for Bronchitis
Essential oils offer a natural alternative to cough medicines, but they are not without risks. Some of the very same essential oils used to help relieve cough and chest congestion, like eucalyptus or tea tree oil, can also be irritating to your skin, sinuses, and airways.
You may not always know the potential risks involved from reading the label because essential oil labeling is not regulated.
Good practices for using essential oils safely include the following:
Not every cough and cold will react the same to your treatment. If essential oils are not helping with your symptoms, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Research on the use of essential oils for bronchitis is limited. Always check with a healthcare provider before using essential oils to treat your symptoms. If someone accidentally swallows any amount of essential oil or a product containing essential oils, immediately call 911 or the Poison Center (800-222-1222).
Summary
Certain essential oils may be useful for treating cough, chest congestion, and other symptoms of bronchitis. For example, there is some evidence that eucalyptus oil may help open the airways and reduce mucus secretion, while bergamot oil may improve sleep and strengthen the immune system. Although related in vitro evidence is promising, more studies in humans are needed before essential oils can be fully recommended for medicinal use.
Do not use essential oil to treat bronchitis unless your healthcare provider gives you the OK. Essential oils should never be ingested. Some, like eucalyptus oil, are poisonous when swallowed.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C.A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genusEucalyptus.Phytomed Plus. 2021 Nov;1(4):100089. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089Horváth G, Ács K.Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review.Flavour Fragr J. 2015 May 26;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252Wagner L, Holger C, Petra K, Romy L, Florian G, Gustav D, and Jost L.Herbal medicine for cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis.CMR. 2015 Dec;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, et al.Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan;7(2):369-384. doi:10.1002/fsn3.903Vimalanathan S, Hudson, J.Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors.American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products,2014;2, 47-53.Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M.Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2014.05.018Juergens LJ, Worth H, Juergens UR.New perspectives for mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and adjunctive therapy with 1,8-cineole in COPD and asthma: review on the new therapeutic approach.Adv Therapy. 2020 May;37:1737–1753. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01279-0Her Ladda, Kanjanasilp J, Chaiyakunapruk N, Sawangjit R.Efficacy and safety of eucalyptus for relieving cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Integr Complement Med. 2022 Mar;28(3):218-226. doi:10.1089/jicm.2021.0226Hazardous Substances Data Bank.Thymol.Schönknecht K, Krauss H, Jambor J, Fal AM.[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections - the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol].Wiad Lek. 2016;69(6):791-798. PMID:28214817Usachev EV, Pyankov OV, Usacheva OV, Agranovski IE.Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour.Journal of Aerosol Science. 2013 May;59:22-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaerosci.2013.01.004Asif M, Saleem M, Saadullah M, Yaseen HS, Al Zarzour R.COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.Inflammopharmacol. 2020 Aug 14;28(5):1153-1161. doi:10.1007/s10787-020-00744-0Mediouni S, Jablonski JA, Tsuda S, Barsamian A, Kessing C, Richard A, Biswas A, Toledo F, Andrade VM, Even Y, Stevenson M, Tellinghuisen T, Choe H, Cameron M, Bannister TD, Valente ST.Oregano oil and its principal component, carvacrol, inhibit hiv-1 fusion into target cells.Journal of Virology. 2020 Jul;94(15). doi: 10.1128/JVI.00147-20Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Aromatherapy: essential oils.Poison Control.Essential oils: poisonous when misused.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C.A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genusEucalyptus.Phytomed Plus. 2021 Nov;1(4):100089. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089Horváth G, Ács K.Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review.Flavour Fragr J. 2015 May 26;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252Wagner L, Holger C, Petra K, Romy L, Florian G, Gustav D, and Jost L.Herbal medicine for cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis.CMR. 2015 Dec;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, et al.Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan;7(2):369-384. doi:10.1002/fsn3.903Vimalanathan S, Hudson, J.Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors.American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products,2014;2, 47-53.Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M.Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2014.05.018Juergens LJ, Worth H, Juergens UR.New perspectives for mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and adjunctive therapy with 1,8-cineole in COPD and asthma: review on the new therapeutic approach.Adv Therapy. 2020 May;37:1737–1753. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01279-0Her Ladda, Kanjanasilp J, Chaiyakunapruk N, Sawangjit R.Efficacy and safety of eucalyptus for relieving cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Integr Complement Med. 2022 Mar;28(3):218-226. doi:10.1089/jicm.2021.0226Hazardous Substances Data Bank.Thymol.Schönknecht K, Krauss H, Jambor J, Fal AM.[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections - the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol].Wiad Lek. 2016;69(6):791-798. PMID:28214817Usachev EV, Pyankov OV, Usacheva OV, Agranovski IE.Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour.Journal of Aerosol Science. 2013 May;59:22-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaerosci.2013.01.004Asif M, Saleem M, Saadullah M, Yaseen HS, Al Zarzour R.COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.Inflammopharmacol. 2020 Aug 14;28(5):1153-1161. doi:10.1007/s10787-020-00744-0Mediouni S, Jablonski JA, Tsuda S, Barsamian A, Kessing C, Richard A, Biswas A, Toledo F, Andrade VM, Even Y, Stevenson M, Tellinghuisen T, Choe H, Cameron M, Bannister TD, Valente ST.Oregano oil and its principal component, carvacrol, inhibit hiv-1 fusion into target cells.Journal of Virology. 2020 Jul;94(15). doi: 10.1128/JVI.00147-20Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Aromatherapy: essential oils.Poison Control.Essential oils: poisonous when misused.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C.A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genusEucalyptus.Phytomed Plus. 2021 Nov;1(4):100089. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089Horváth G, Ács K.Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review.Flavour Fragr J. 2015 May 26;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252Wagner L, Holger C, Petra K, Romy L, Florian G, Gustav D, and Jost L.Herbal medicine for cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis.CMR. 2015 Dec;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, et al.Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan;7(2):369-384. doi:10.1002/fsn3.903Vimalanathan S, Hudson, J.Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors.American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products,2014;2, 47-53.Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M.Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2014.05.018Juergens LJ, Worth H, Juergens UR.New perspectives for mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and adjunctive therapy with 1,8-cineole in COPD and asthma: review on the new therapeutic approach.Adv Therapy. 2020 May;37:1737–1753. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01279-0Her Ladda, Kanjanasilp J, Chaiyakunapruk N, Sawangjit R.Efficacy and safety of eucalyptus for relieving cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Integr Complement Med. 2022 Mar;28(3):218-226. doi:10.1089/jicm.2021.0226Hazardous Substances Data Bank.Thymol.Schönknecht K, Krauss H, Jambor J, Fal AM.[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections - the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol].Wiad Lek. 2016;69(6):791-798. PMID:28214817Usachev EV, Pyankov OV, Usacheva OV, Agranovski IE.Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour.Journal of Aerosol Science. 2013 May;59:22-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaerosci.2013.01.004Asif M, Saleem M, Saadullah M, Yaseen HS, Al Zarzour R.COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.Inflammopharmacol. 2020 Aug 14;28(5):1153-1161. doi:10.1007/s10787-020-00744-0Mediouni S, Jablonski JA, Tsuda S, Barsamian A, Kessing C, Richard A, Biswas A, Toledo F, Andrade VM, Even Y, Stevenson M, Tellinghuisen T, Choe H, Cameron M, Bannister TD, Valente ST.Oregano oil and its principal component, carvacrol, inhibit hiv-1 fusion into target cells.Journal of Virology. 2020 Jul;94(15). doi: 10.1128/JVI.00147-20Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Aromatherapy: essential oils.Poison Control.Essential oils: poisonous when misused.
Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C.A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genusEucalyptus.Phytomed Plus. 2021 Nov;1(4):100089. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089
Horváth G, Ács K.Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review.Flavour Fragr J. 2015 May 26;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252
Wagner L, Holger C, Petra K, Romy L, Florian G, Gustav D, and Jost L.Herbal medicine for cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis.CMR. 2015 Dec;22(6):359-368. doi:10.1159/000442111
Perna S, Spadaccini D, Botteri L, et al.Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations.Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan;7(2):369-384. doi:10.1002/fsn3.903
Vimalanathan S, Hudson, J.Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors.American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products,2014;2, 47-53.
Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M.Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2014.05.018
Juergens LJ, Worth H, Juergens UR.New perspectives for mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and adjunctive therapy with 1,8-cineole in COPD and asthma: review on the new therapeutic approach.Adv Therapy. 2020 May;37:1737–1753. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01279-0
Her Ladda, Kanjanasilp J, Chaiyakunapruk N, Sawangjit R.Efficacy and safety of eucalyptus for relieving cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Integr Complement Med. 2022 Mar;28(3):218-226. doi:10.1089/jicm.2021.0226
Hazardous Substances Data Bank.Thymol.
Schönknecht K, Krauss H, Jambor J, Fal AM.[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections - the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol].Wiad Lek. 2016;69(6):791-798. PMID:28214817
Usachev EV, Pyankov OV, Usacheva OV, Agranovski IE.Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour.Journal of Aerosol Science. 2013 May;59:22-30. doi:10.1016/j.jaerosci.2013.01.004
Asif M, Saleem M, Saadullah M, Yaseen HS, Al Zarzour R.COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.Inflammopharmacol. 2020 Aug 14;28(5):1153-1161. doi:10.1007/s10787-020-00744-0
Mediouni S, Jablonski JA, Tsuda S, Barsamian A, Kessing C, Richard A, Biswas A, Toledo F, Andrade VM, Even Y, Stevenson M, Tellinghuisen T, Choe H, Cameron M, Bannister TD, Valente ST.Oregano oil and its principal component, carvacrol, inhibit hiv-1 fusion into target cells.Journal of Virology. 2020 Jul;94(15). doi: 10.1128/JVI.00147-20
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Aromatherapy: essential oils.
Poison Control.Essential oils: poisonous when misused.
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