Soothing Bath Remedies for Stuffy Nose and Cough Relief

Relieving Stuffy Nose and Cough With Soothing Baths

Dealing with a stuffy nose and hacking cough can be downright miserable. That unrelenting nasal congestion and urge to uncontrollably clear your throat can make it difficult to get quality rest. When over-the-counter medicines don't seem to do the trick, you may find relief in natural home remedies, including therapeutic baths designed to open up nasal passages and calm coughs.

How Can Baths Help Stuffy Noses and Coughs?

Steamy and aromatic baths provide relief for stuffy noses and coughs in a few key ways:

• The steam from a hot bath can help clear mucus and open up nasal passages and airways for easier breathing.
• Certain essential oils added to bathwater may act as decongestants and have cough-calming properties.
• The overall relaxing sensation can ease sore throats and coughs caused by irritation.

Most Soothing Oils and Ingredients for Stuffy Nose and Cough Baths

Consider adding a combination of these soothing ingredients to your bath routine when stuffy nose and cough symptoms flare up:

Eucalyptus

This herb contains an active ingredient called cineole that can help break up chest congestion and act as a natural decongestant for stuffy noses. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steamy tub.

Rosemary

Rosemary contains antioxidants and essential oils that can help relax muscle spasms to calm coughs. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help open up nasal airways.

Chamomile

This daisy-like flower contains terpenoids and flavonoids thought to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic abilities to subdue coughs and clear up nasal congestion. Chamomile also promotes relaxation.

Peppermint

Menthol is the active ingredient in peppermint credited for its stuffy nose and cough-busting effects. Menthol is a natural decongestant that breaks up phlegm and mucus buildup while relaxing smooth muscles in airways.

Epsom Salt

Magnesium sulfate is the compound that gives Epsom salt its many health benefits. When absorbed through the skin in a bath, magnesium sulfate can reduce inflammation to clear up stuffy noses while also relaxing the bronchial tubes to relieve cough spasms.

Honey

This natural sweetener contains antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a longtime folk remedy for colds and coughs. Add a dollop of honey to a steamy soak for extra relief.

Other Soothing Stuffy Nose and Cough Bath Additions

For extra relief-boosting and aromatherapy benefits, also consider adding these items to relaxing baths:

• Lavender essential oil
• Thyme essential oil
• Oregano essential oil
• Vanilla extract
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground ginger
• Oatmeal

Tips for the Most Soothing Stuffy Nose and Cough Bath

To make your therapeutic stuffy nose and cough bath as beneficial as possible, follow these tips:

• Aim for a bath temperature between 92-98F to allow steam to comfortably open nasal passages without risking burns.
• Add essential oils, herbs, honey or other ingredients after you fill up the tub and turn the tap off first so beneficial compounds don't evaporate as quickly.
• Soak in the tub for at least 15-20 minutes; add more hot water if needed.
• Keep a towel nearby to place over your head and capture beneficial steam vapors.
• Breathe in steam slowly and deeply focusing on taking full belly breaths.

Precautions for Stuffy Nose and Cough Baths

While aromatic therapeutic baths can aid stuffy, congested respiratory symptoms, take these precautions:

• Avoid extreme water temperatures to prevent burns, lightheadedness or fainting.
• Use only high quality, pure essential oils; dilute first if skin is sensitive.
• Do not submerge head underwater.
• Avoid bath additives if pregnant unless approved by your doctor.
• Skip baths as a stuffy nose or cough remedy for infants and young children.

Finding Complete Stuffy Nose and Cough Relief

While steamy, aroma-enhanced baths can provide temporary congestion and cough relief, you may need other interventions for complete symptom relief. See your doctor if stuffy nose and cough persists for:

• More than 10 days without improvement
• Comes with fever, headache, chest pain or shortness of breath
• Gets worse instead of better
• Prevents you from getting adequate sleep

Your doctor can determine if an underlying infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia or sinusitis causes your stuffy nose and cough. If so, prescription antibiotic, antiviral or steroidal medication may be necessary. Breathing treatments or cough suppressants may also help resolve severe cough symptoms.

When to Visit Your Doctor

See a doctor right away if you or a child has cough and stuffed nose accompanied by:

• High fever
• Shaking chills
• Stabbing chest pain when coughing or breathing
• Thick yellow/green mucus

These signs could indicate a secondary lung infection or other complication requiring medical treatment.

Use Baths as Part of a Comprehensive Stuffy Nose and Cough Remedy Plan

While hot steamy baths can temporarily provide relief for congestion and coughing, use them as just one piece of a comprehensive plan to overcome stuffy nose and cough symptoms. Other strategies include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids like warm broth, herbal tea, juice and water.
• Using saline nasal sprays and drops to keep nasal passages moist.
• Taking fever-reducing/pain-relieving medications as needed.
• Sucking on medicated cough drops.
• Trying over-the-counter decongestants.
• Using cool mist humidifiers.
• Getting plenty of rest.

When to Call 9-1-1

Seek emergency medical care for symptoms including:

• Bluish color around lips or nails
• Severe wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion or lethargy
• High fever not controlled with medicine

These signs of respiratory distress indicate oxygen deprivation and the need for emergency assistance.

Use Baths as a Safe, Natural Congestion and Cough Remedy

Therapeutic steam baths enhanced with essential oils and other natural ingredients can be an effective temporary respite for stuffy noses and coughs. Avoid extreme temperatures, proceed with caution if pregnant, and see a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen instead of improving.

With the power of aromatherapy and steam on your side, you may find welcome congestion and cough relief in your very own bathtub!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.