When a persistent cough strikes, finding quick relief is key to feeling better and getting back to your day. Among the natural remedies available, peppermint is a powerful, time-tested solution that offers multiple benefits for respiratory health. The cooling, soothing nature of peppermint makes it a great go-to when you're dealing with coughing fits or excess mucus. In this blog, we’ll dive into the incredible benefits of peppermint for calming coughs and how you can use it to breathe easier.
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What Causes a Cough?
Coughs occur when the body attempts to expel irritants, mucus, or foreign particles from the airways. Common causes of coughing include respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, or exposure to pollutants. Coughing is the body’s natural way of protecting the lungs and clearing out the airways, but it can become disruptive when it’s persistent or severe.
Common Symptoms of a Cough
Symptoms of a cough vary depending on the underlying cause. They can range from a dry, hacking cough with no mucus to a productive cough where excess phlegm is present. You might also experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, or a sore throat if your cough persists for an extended period. It’s essential to address these symptoms early to prevent further discomfort or complications.
Natural Remedies: Peppermint for Calming Coughs
Peppermint Tea for Soothing Coughs
Peppermint tea is a simple yet effective way to calm a cough and open up your airways. The menthol in peppermint helps to relax the muscles in the throat, making it easier to breathe while reducing coughing fits.
To make peppermint tea at home, steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves and enjoy the warm tea throughout the day. Drinking peppermint tea can also help reduce inflammation in the airways, providing lasting relief from your cough.
Peppermint Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam infused with peppermint oil can provide instant relief for a cough, especially when it’s caused by nasal congestion or respiratory irritation. The menthol in peppermint helps loosen mucus and soothe the respiratory passages, making it easier to clear your airways.
To try peppermint steam inhalation, boil a pot of water and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Lean over the steam, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes. This will help break up mucus and provide relief from coughing fits.
Peppermint and Honey Cough Syrup
A homemade peppermint and honey cough syrup combines the antimicrobial properties of honey with the soothing effects of peppermint. This remedy not only helps calm coughing but also coats the throat to reduce irritation.
To make this syrup, mix a teaspoon of peppermint essential oil with half a cup of honey. Take a spoonful of this mixture two to three times a day to soothe your cough. The honey will also work to suppress the urge to cough by calming inflammation in the throat.
Peppermint Chest Rub
Using a peppermint-infused chest rub can help soothe coughs and open up your airways for easier breathing. The menthol in peppermint helps clear congestion and reduce coughing, making it a great natural alternative to over-the-counter chest rubs.
To make a chest rub, mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Rub it onto your chest and throat before bedtime to reduce nighttime coughing and help you sleep more comfortably.
Peppermint Lozenges
Peppermint lozenges are a convenient and effective way to calm a persistent cough when you're on the go. The cooling sensation of menthol works quickly to soothe an irritated throat and suppress coughing.
You can make your own peppermint lozenges by combining honey, peppermint oil, and a small amount of sugar to form a thick mixture. Once the mixture hardens, shape it into small lozenges and let them dissolve in your mouth to provide relief from your cough throughout the day.
Peppermint Bath for Respiratory Relief
Taking a warm peppermint bath can help relieve coughing by opening up your airways and relaxing your respiratory system. The steam from the bath combined with the menthol in peppermint helps to break down mucus and clear your lungs.
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your bathwater and breathe in the steam as you soak. This method is particularly helpful if your cough is accompanied by nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
Peppermint Oil in a Diffuser
Using a diffuser to disperse peppermint oil in the air can help calm coughing fits, especially at night. The continuous release of peppermint oil into the air helps keep your airways open and reduce the urge to cough.
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and let it run for 30 minutes to an hour. Inhaling the vapors will help to break up congestion and make breathing more comfortable, particularly if your cough tends to flare up while you sleep.
Peppermint Vapor Rub
A homemade peppermint vapor rub can provide instant relief from a stubborn cough. Applying this rub to your chest or throat helps to loosen mucus and soothe irritation, reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.
To make a vapor rub, mix peppermint essential oil with a thick base like shea butter or beeswax. Rub a small amount onto your chest and throat to help open your airways and calm your cough.
Peppermint Gargle
A peppermint gargle can help reduce throat inflammation and clear mucus that may be causing your cough. The menthol in peppermint soothes the throat, while the act of gargling helps to loosen any mucus buildup.
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, being careful not to swallow the mixture. Repeat this remedy two to three times a day to relieve coughing and soothe your throat.
Peppermint Inhaler Stick
A peppermint inhaler stick is a portable and convenient way to keep coughing at bay when you're out and about. These sticks work by releasing the menthol in peppermint oil, which helps to clear your airways and calm coughing fits.
You can make your own inhaler stick by soaking a cotton wick in peppermint essential oil and placing it in a small inhaler tube. Inhale from the stick whenever you feel a cough coming on for immediate relief.
Precautions for Using Peppermint Remedies
While peppermint is generally safe and effective, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted before applying it to the skin or ingesting it. Using undiluted peppermint oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, so be sure to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil before use.
Additionally, peppermint oil should not be used on young children or infants, as the menthol can cause respiratory distress in some cases. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using peppermint remedies if you have preexisting conditions or are taking medications, as peppermint may interact with certain treatments.
General Carrier Oil Precautions
When using carrier oils, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure you're getting the best experience. Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using a new oil, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Some oils can go rancid over time, so make sure to store them in a cool, dark place. And while they’re gentle, it's still a good idea to dilute essential oils properly when blending them with carrier oils to avoid any irritation. Just a few small steps can make a big difference in how your skin responds!
For more Safety and Guidelines, click here.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint is a powerful natural remedy that can help calm coughing fits, clear congestion, and soothe your respiratory system. Whether you choose peppermint tea, steam inhalation, or a homemade cough syrup, these remedies provide gentle yet effective relief from coughs and other respiratory discomforts. There are so many natural remedies in this world and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future!
XO Zaya
What’s your favorite way to use peppermint for cough relief? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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About the Author
Leaza is a licensed cosmetologist and a natural enthusiast. The love of writing combined with the love of nature and wanting to help others has influenced her to write blogs and create natural home, bath and body products.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.