Coughing is one of the most common symptoms that bring people to see their doctor. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from the common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia or lung cancer. Many people look for home remedies to help soothe a cough, like drinking warm liquids or using cough drops. One popular folk remedy is to heat up an orange and breathe in the vapors to help loosen congestion and relieve coughing. But does this orange trick really work? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What causes coughing?
Coughing is a reflex triggered by irritation or inflammation in the throat or airways. Specialized nerve endings detect this irritation and send signals to the brain, which then coordinates a cough to try to clear out whatever is causing the irritation.
Some common causes of coughing include:
– Viral or bacterial infections like colds or flu
– Allergies
– Asthma
– Smoking
– Acid reflux
– Environmental irritants like dust or chemicals
– Medications like ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure
In many cases, excess mucus production or postnasal drip from the sinuses can trickle down the back of the throat and trigger coughing as well. This is why coughs often worsen at night when lying down.
How could heating up an orange help?
The proposed mechanism behind heating up an orange is that the warm vapor releases aromatic compounds like limonene and pinene, which are natural chemicals found in citrus peels. When inhaled, these compounds may help:
– Loosen mucus and make coughs more productive
– Soothe inflammation and irritation in the throat and airways
– Relax airway muscles and ease breathing
– Deliver vitamin C and antioxidants to boost immunity
So in theory, breathing in the vapor as you hold a freshly heated orange near your nose and mouth could provide some symptomatic relief from coughing.
What does the research say?
There has not been much scientific research specifically looking at oranges and coughs. However, there are a few relevant studies:
– A 2020 review found inhaling lemon essential oil improved cough severity and other symptoms in people with upper respiratory infections. Lemon and orange oils have similar active compounds.
– A 2006 study had people inhale heated citrus fragrances like orange and lemon during radiation therapy for breast cancer. The citrus vapors helped decrease cough and improve quality of life.
– Several studies show inhaled menthol, eucalyptus, and other plant vapors can reduce coughs. The proposed mechanisms align with potential benefits of citrus vapors.
So while minimal research exists on heated oranges themselves, evidence does suggest that inhaling citrus and plant compounds like limonene may help relieve coughing.
Table 1. Summary of relevant research on citrus vapors and cough
| Study | Method | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 review on lemon essential oil | Meta-analysis of 8 clinical trials using inhaled lemon essential oil | Improved cough severity and other cold symptoms |
| 2006 study on citrus fragrances | 29 women inhaled heated citrus oils during cancer treatments | Decreased cough and improved quality of life |
| Multiple studies on menthol, eucalyptus | Inhaling plant-based vapors | Reduced coughs |
Are there any risks or downsides?
While breathing in warm citrus vapors is unlikely to cause harm for most people, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
– The heat could irritate airways and make coughs worse for some people.
– Citrus oils may trigger asthma symptoms or allergic reactions in those with sensitivities.
– Vapors alone won’t cure an underlying infection or condition causing chronic coughs.
– The warmth and humidity could create an environment for bacteria or mold to grow. Proper hygiene is important.
– There is a small risk of burning or irritation if the orange is heated too high.
So this remedy may not be suitable for everyone. Those with asthma, allergies, or chronic lung conditions should exercise particular caution or avoid heated citrus altogether.
Table 2. Potential risks of inhaling heated orange vapor
| Potential Risk | Who May be Affected |
|---|---|
| Airway irritation | People with asthma, chronic coughs |
| Allergic reactions | People with citrus allergies |
| Bacteria or mold risk | People with compromised immune systems |
| Burns | Anyone overheating the orange |
Tips for using this home remedy safely
If you want to test out this folk cure for yourself, here are some tips to stay safe:
– Start with just a wedge or slice of orange instead of heating a whole orange, which could get too hot.
– Zap the orange in short 10-second bursts in the microwave, until warm but not scalding hot.
– Check the temperature before bringing it too close to your face to avoid burns.
– Keep a glass of water nearby in case the vapors irritate your throat.
– Discard the orange after one use instead of reheating.
– Avoid this remedy if you have asthma or known citrus allergies.
– See a doctor if your cough persists more than a few days or worsens.
The bottom line
There is limited scientific evidence directly supporting the benefits of inhaling warm orange vapor for coughs. However, studies do suggest compounds like limonene can help soothe airways and relieve coughing. The risks of this home remedy appear low for most people when proper precautions are taken. Heating up an orange slice may provide modest relief for temporary coughs caused by colds or allergies. But chronic coughs, excess mucus, or coughing up blood should be evaluated by a doctor as these symptoms could reflect an underlying health condition needing proper treatment. While not a cure, the warm orange trick is unlikely to cause harm and may provide a soothing complementary therapy when used carefully.
References
Chang, J., & Cho, H. (2020). Inhalation of Lemon Essential Oil Improves Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2020, 6547508.
Cohen, B., Sava, W., Gibson, L., & Kimmel, H. (2006). Breast cancer patients’ experiences during radiation therapy: Outcomes of aromatherapy with Citrus Limon essential oil. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 10(6), 779–784.
Eccles, R. (2010). Mechanisms of the placebo effect of sweet cough syrups. Respiratory physiology & neurobiology, 174(1-2), 102–105.
Juergens U. R., Dethlefsen U., Steinkamp G., Gillissen A., Repges R., & Vetter H. (2003). Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Respiratory medicine, 97(3), 250–256.
Worth, H., Schacher, C., & Dethlefsen, U. (2009). Concomitant therapy with Cineole (Eucalyptole) reduces exacerbations in COPD: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Respiratory research, 10, 69.
Conclusion
While more research is still needed, the existing evidence suggests that inhaling warm orange vapors may help temporarily alleviate coughing by soothing inflammation and loosening mucus. This natural remedy appears relatively safe for most people when used carefully, providing a pleasant complementary therapy for colds and allergies. However, it is not a cure for chronic or serious coughs which require proper medical treatment. With sensible precautions, the age-old trick of heating up an orange wedge can offer a touch of sweet citrus relief.