Chambre aérée et lit douillet pour se reposer pendant une bronchite

Essential Oils for Bronchitis: What Helps and What to Avoid

Essential oils do not cure bronchitis, but some, such as eucalyptus radiata and ravintsara, can ease the cough and the feeling of a congested chest. Combined with rest and plenty of fluids, they can make those few weeks more comfortable. Here is how to use them safely, and when to see a doctor.

Acute bronchitis: what to know

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs, most often caused by a virus. It usually gets better on its own in about three weeks, and the cough is often the last symptom to go. Natural remedies aim to ease symptoms, not to “stop” the illness.

Natural steps that help

  • Rest as soon as symptoms start.
  • Drink regularly: water, herbal teas, warm broths.
  • A spoonful of honey in a warm drink to soothe the throat, for adults (never for babies under one).
  • Air the room every day and avoid tobacco smoke.

The most widely used essential oils

Eucalyptus radiata, as a steam inhalation

Add two drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe calmly for five minutes. Avoid in children under 6 and in people with asthma.

Ravintsara, massaged on the chest

Known as the winter oil, ravintsara is used diluted in a carrier oil, with a gentle massage on the upper chest or back. Never apply it undiluted.

Diffusion, in moderation

A short diffusion in a ventilated room can help freshen the air, but never around a baby or a person with asthma.

Airy bedroom with raised pillows to rest during bronchitis

Essential precautions

Essential oils are not suitable for everyone. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or epilepsy, take medication, and always before using them on a child. Do not swallow them and never put them inside the nose.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if:

  • your cough lasts more than three weeks;
  • your fever lasts more than three days;
  • you cough up blood or have chest pain;
  • you are over 65, pregnant or live with a long-term condition.

If you have trouble breathing, feel confused or your lips turn bluish, call emergency services straight away (911 in the US, 999 in the UK).

Go further

Ebook Treating flu, cough, bronchitis and the common cold with natural remedies, by Maryline Hourlier

In my ebook “Treating Flu, Cough, Bronchitis, and the Common Cold” (€9.90), I detail the plants, essential oils and good habits for each winter ailment, with their precautions.

Prefer to learn by video? Discover my online course on flu, coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Frequently asked questions

How long does bronchitis last?

Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own in about three weeks. The cough is often the last symptom to go.

Which essential oil helps clear the chest?

Eucalyptus radiata is the most widely used, as a steam inhalation: two drops in a bowl of hot water for five minutes. It is not recommended for children under 6 or for people with asthma.

Can essential oils replace medical treatment?

No. They can make you more comfortable, but they do not replace medical advice, especially if you have a lasting fever or trouble breathing.

When should I see a doctor for bronchitis?

If your cough lasts more than three weeks, your fever lasts more than three days, you cough up blood, have chest pain or trouble breathing, or if you are over 65, pregnant or have a long-term condition.

Read next

This article gives general information and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Sources: NHS, Bronchitis; Anses, Vigil'Anses no. 24, “Essential oils: use with caution!” (in French).

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