Cough

A cough is the natural process the body uses to clear the lungs or the passageways for breathing.  It can be a good thing or it may be a symptom of a number of possible problems. As mucus (phlegm or sputum) or other substances accumulate in the airways this reflexive action tries to facilitate unobstructed breathing. 

Causes of a cough include:

•  Colds or flu where mucus drains from the nose and throat areas

•  Pneumonia or bronchitis where there are infections in the airways

•  Smoking or COPD where irritations to these passageways triggers a cough

•  GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) where stomach acid irritates passageways

•  Allergies, dust, and fumes can trigger a cough

•  Asthma

•  Medicines (ACE inhibitors) that control high blood pressure are know to produce coughing

Typically light coughing associated with colds, etc are providing a beneficial function.  On occasion, with heavier coughing, there may be damage to the mucus membrane such that even after infectious agents are destroyed that thicker and more mucus may be produced as the body continues to try to protect the area. Dry, persistent, or chronic coughing are typically symptoms of underlying problems beyond the cough  that should be addressed.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:

For the cough: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint 

To reduce mucus: Citrus Bliss, Peppermint, White Fir

To eliminate infectious agents (bacteria, virus): Melaleuca, On Guard, Oregano 

Essential oils based products: On Guard Throat Drops

Also consider:  mucus: Grapefruit, Lemon; 
antibacterial/viral: Cinnamon, Clove, Marjoram, Thyme, Sandalwood 

Suggested Protocols:

Gargle:
1 or 2 drops of chosen oil(s) in an ounce (mouthful) of water. Swallow after gargling. (Be aware Oregano is a “hot” oil and may be too strong for some to use this technique.)
Try:

·  Cinnamon and Lemon (mild)

·  On Guard (strong)

·  Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint (mild 2,2,2 drops to strong with 2,2,4)

·  Oregano (very strong)

Inhale:
Use the chosen oils with one of the following methods:

·  Diffuse, an inhaler, or just breath deeply directly from the oil bottle

·  Make a steam tent

·  Cup and inhale (a few drops in a cup of hot water, breath vapors deeply)

Apply topically: Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Peppermint, and/or Cypress to chest and throat areas. Covering these with a warm compress will even make this topical application more effective.

Other great blends for coughs in general:

Brenda's TEXAS SMOKE

In 4 oz of virgin coconut oil add:

40 drops Breathe

7   drops Thyme

15 drops Oregano

40 drops Lime

This may be put in a jar and used as a chest rub, massage between shoulder blades, put on bottoms of feet, etc. This is a big enough batch that you can have several roll-ons and still have some to put in a small jar. For really stubborn respiratory cases with a stubborn cough I have added a few drops of Patchouli and Sandalwood to the blend and put in a capsule.

Brenda's blend for little people

2 drops Sandalwood

2 drops Myrrh

2 drops On Guard

2 drops Frankincense

In a capsule or on bottoms of the feet

Ame from Guatemala's blend
For her small children 3 years old and 4 months old:

Balance and OnGuard on their feet morning and night.

Breathe on the chest and back

Frankincense with coconut oil on the throat

Peppermint if there is a fever

Amelia's blend
Layered directly on the chest:

1-2 drops Breathe

then layer 1-2 drops Rosemary