Plant power: the secret to sorting spring coughs and colds?

Winter might be behind us, but coughs, sniffs and sneezes certainly aren’t! In fact, respiratory illnesses are incredibly common during the warmer spring months. It’s primarily down to the dramatic changes in the weather, coupled up with lower air quality - particularly indoors - which exposes us to more airborne contaminants. These include house dust mites, moulds, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

But how and why does this pose a problem, and what can we do to sort it, fast, especially with the news that many cough medicines will be removed from shelves because they contain the ingredient, pholcodine.

Indoor air pollution and allergens – bad news for our respiratory health

It turns out, many of us are in fact aware of the air around us. Real-world research from Puressentiel [1], the brains behind a range of 100% natural, evidence-backed essential oil solutions for everyday health and wellness needs, has revealed that almost half of adults (49%) are concerned about indoor air quality. Plus, almost half of us (47%) experience respiratory symptoms without knowing why and, without knowing that polluted indoor air could be the cause.

Dr Tim Bond, chemist and natural health specialist from Puressentiel explains: “Spring coughs and colds can be caused by allergens such as pollen which, if windows or doors are open, can impact indoor air quality too. Tree pollen, weed pollen and grass pollen are all common respiratory allergens in the spring and a significant cause of spring coughs, runny nose and congestion.”

Although they can really wreak havoc on our day-to-day life, coughs and colds tend to be illnesses that we treat ourselves. but there has been a significant shift to increasing self-care during recent years, a trend which will undoubtedly continue with growing challenges facing general practice and the wider NHS.

“Plant ingredients and plant-based remedies containing essential oils can be respiratory saviours for people struggling with spring coughs, colds, congestion and respiratory issues caused by spring pollens and indoor air pollutants. They also work well for infants and children,” explains GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel.

Nature’s answer to coughs and colds

“Many of the essential oils found in plants which have a history of medicinal use have been shown to have potent antibacterial and decongestant properties,” says Dr Tim Bond.

Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, lemon and geranium (pelargonium), to name a few, actually reduce the risk of respiratory issues by tackling common triggers for symptoms.  These triggers can include airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, house-dust mites and also pollen brought indoors on clothes or through open windows and doors. Essential oils also help to soothe symptoms like tickly or chesty coughs.

Plant extracts and essential oils with recognised benefits for respiration and symptom relief get Dr Tim Bond’s and Dr Nisa Aslam’s recommendation when it comes to warding off or soothing respiratory symptoms of all causes. What’s more, combining different essential oils can often lead to even greater results!

Essential oils 101 - the oils you need to know

Eucalyptus essential oil is an antiseptic and expectorant; it reduces mucus and helps open the airways and ease breathing. The European Commission has approved its use for respiratory tract infections.[2],[3] 

Camphor was used as a fumigant during the Black Death. It’s still widely used in cold and decongestant solutions thanks to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties and it’s been proven to reduce coughing. Its ability to penetrate the skin makes it particularly useful in balms for the chest.[4]

Clove essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and has long been used to help respiratory ailments such as sore throats, sinusitis and colds. A study with clove essential oil showed activity against bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections.[5],[6]

Menthol, another plant compound widely used because of its decongestant properties, has been proven to reduce nasal congestion and relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections[7]. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal last year found it also improves breathlessness in people with COPD.[8]

Echinacea has long been used to treat cold symptoms common for those that suffer from allergies and the European Medicines Agency has even confirmed that it “can prevent and improve the symptoms of cold more rapidly than placebo when taken early.[9]”