Bronchitis is, in my opinion, one of the most unpleasant colds you can catch during the winter months. Not only is dealing with the copious amounts of mucus an ordeal in and of itself, but the fact that the illness can last weeks puts the icing on the cake. It’s downright miserable for adults and even worse for young children who don’t yet understand how to properly deal with so much respiratory congestion.
Bronchitis is a respiratory illness that can be triggered by a virus or bacteria following a cold. Inflammation in the airways causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath along with lots of phlegm.
The best course of action is to expectorate the phlegm as much as possible and spit it out in order to help the body get rid of bronchitis faster. However, this can be difficult for children to do if the phlegm isn’t moving easily.
Essential oils, along with plenty of good hydration from consuming water and clear soups, can really help loosen things up.
Essential Oils for Children That Help Break Up Mucus
Essential oils are a great way to help support healthy expectoration since they can thin mucus, encourage productive coughs, and soothe the lungs.
Below are a few lists of essential oils you can use for specific age groups. If you have more than one child, use the oils appropriate for the youngest child since some essential oils are unsafe depending on age.
Children 3+ Months
Children 6+ Months
- Cedarwood atlas
- Fir needle
- Pine
- Ravensara
- Spruce
- Tea tree
Children 2+ Years
Children 6+ Years
Children 10+ Years
Essential Oil Recipes for Childhood Bronchitis
One of the best ways to use essential oils for bronchitis is through diffusion. Not only is it easy to implement, it’s the least invasive way to use the oils and still get good results.
You can also make these recipes into a personal nasal/salt inhaler for older children to use.
Children 3+ Months
For children 3+ months, simply add 3 drops each of lavender and roman chamomile to a diffuser and diffuse in the room for 20 minutes 1-2 times daily.
Children 6+ Months
Add 2 drops each of pine, ravensara, and spruce to a diffuser and diffuse for 20 minutes twice daily.
Children 2+ Years
Add one drop thyme linalool, two drops ravensara, and four drops tea tree to a diffuser and diffuse 20 minutes twice daily.
Children 6+ Years
This is one of my favorite bronchitis blends. It cuts through mucus and clears the lungs quickly!
Add 3 drops each of cajeput and peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and diffuse 20 minutes twice daily.
Children 10+ Years
Diffuse 6 drops eucalyptus radiata for 20-30 minutes twice daily.
You can also add 6 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil to 1 oz of carrier oil and massage a small amount onto the back and chest area before bed.
What have been your favorite essential oils that help with bronchitis in your household? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
Essential Oils for Bronchitis
20+ Effective Essential Oils for Cough
Top 3 Eucalyptus Oil Uses for Health and Well-being
Sources:
Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care: A Randomized Study Using Aromatic Herbs
Efficacy of cineole in patients suffering from acute bronchitis: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial
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