Eucalyptus is an aromatic herb that has properties that provide great relief as a decongestant and an expectorant. For centuries Vick's which is made as a Eucalyptus rub is applied to the back and chest of a person who has a common cold or any other respiratory distress. It is known to loosen the mucus in the chest so that it can be coughed up and expelled.
Eucalyptus also has some antibiotic association with it. Eucalyptus has both internal and external uses. Internally it is the leaves that are used for herbal teas that are able to assist people by acting as a diuretic, an anti-diabetic and also has some anti-tumor properties. The Eucalyptus oils are almost never used internally or ingested but on rare occasion a doctor might use a miniscule amount for nasal congestion, bronchial disease and other respiratory problems.
Externally, Eucalyptus is used as a vapor rub and while it is recommended that it be rubbed on the chest and back area it is also good for inhalation in such ways as steam vaporizers. Some even boil water and drop a teaspoon of vapor rub into it so an ill person can breathe in the fumes which will help to break up the congestion in the lungs. Quite often people have used the very same rub for sprains, bruises, and muscle aches and pains.
Never underestimate the power of Eucalyptus oil as it can be beneficial for many reasons. First it is a very powerful antiseptic, it is used to treat pyorrhea which is a gum disease. It is often used to treat burns too. One thing you can bank on is that insects do not like Eucalyptus so if you mix some with water and put it in a spray bottle you can be sure that bugs will stay away. A small drop on the tip of the tongue is said to take away nausea. Many people will soak a cloth in Eucalyptus and put them in their pantries or closets to fend off bugs and roaches. Another quick tip is a few sniffs of Eucalyptus is said to help someone who has fainted and when mixed with cinnamon is known to alleviate the symptoms of the flu.
Eucalyptus is also commonly used for aromatherapy too because when mixed with other oils it is extremely beneficial. The effects of Eucalyptus are stimulating and balancing and the scent is very woody. For the purposes of aromatherapy it blends well with Juniper, Lavender, and Marjoram. Eucalyptus when used in aromatherapy does the body good as it helps to relieve mental fatigue, improves mental clarity and alertness, sharpens the senses, refreshes and revives, stimulating, energizing.
It also has great effects on the body as it feels cooling; it relieves pain and sore muscles, breaks up congestion, and reduces inflammation. Eucalyptus incorporated with aromatherapy offers pure enjoyment. Inhaling the fragrance of Eucalyptus can reduce stress and lessen depression. It makes for an overall sense of better well being. Eucalyptus is great for both bathing and also for massage oils.
The Enormous Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The leaves of the eucalyptus tree, when dried, offer an oil that comes with an expansive catalog of health benefits. Used to make medicines, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, a number of other products, eucalyptus essential oil is one of the most useful plants in the world.
Whether you're struggling with an ailment, looking to boost your hair's moisture and shine, attempting to soften your skin, cooking, or creating your own products, eucalyptus oil can help you out in some way or another. However, we've only just scratched the surface of how helpful this essential oil truly is.
What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Used For?
The eucalyptus leaf is used for a number of health problems first and foremost. A common ingredient in natural medicines, the uses of this plant span the full gamut. The following are just a few of the illnesses, ailments, and health problems this essential oil is used to treat, soothe, and improve:
Infections: An anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus can work wonders when it comes to nasty infections. It is also an analgesic (pain killer), an antibacterial, and it is anti-infectious, meaning it has all the makings of an effective medication for different types of infections that may plague the body. Of course, eucalyptus oil should never be ingested or applied to the skin in its absolute form. It should be diluted until safe. Most medications will do this for you, however.
Upset Stomach: As a pain killer, diluted eucalyptus oil can assuage upset and sour stomachs, as well as relieve any pain they may cause.
Coughs: Eucalyptus oil has been known to help loosen tight coughs and clear out phlegm following a cold. As an antiviral, it works well against colds and flus.
Respiratory Tract Infections and Problems: The leaf and oil are also used to treat respiratory tract infections, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and whooping cough. It can also be used as a preventative measure to maintain sinus health.
Acne: A natural astringent, eucalyptus oil is also used to treat acne and oil skin.
Burns: The clean, cooling effect of eucalyptus oil helps to soothe pain from burns and encourage healing of wounds.
Soreness and Inflammation: For sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis, eucalyptus oil is a lifesaver. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help it soothe and reduce pain. When added to a bath, it can soothe sore muscles and melt away stress, stiffness, and tenderness.
Fever: The pain killing properties in eucalyptus oil also work well with fevers and the symptoms they bring. Body aches, headache, weakness and tenderness can be reduced and improved with the help of this essential oil.
How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil can be applied a number of ways. Depending upon what you're using it for, how you use it could be different.
In the Bath: One of the main ways it is used is in the bath as a shower gel or soap. This means that the oil is already well diluted and ready for direct use. However, you can dilute the pure oil yourself using sweet almond oil or something similar, and add 10 to 14 drops directly to your warm bath.
Diffuser: An aromatherapy diffuser fills the air in a room with eucalyptus and is a wonderful way to gain its therapeutic value. Diffusers can be use in living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and even on your office desk.
Massage: Eucalyptus essential oil is also commonly used as a massage oil. It is great for sore muscles and relieving stress and can even help improve blood circulation to the brain, giving you the ability to think clearly and calmly.
Incense/Candle: Diffusing eucalyptus oil in an office, classroom, or in the home is a good way to improve the blood brain connection and encourage a clear thought processes.
Always make sure to buy only 100% pure therapeutic essential oil for best results.
Caution: Side Effects and Possible Poisoning
Eucalyptus oil should never be taken orally or applied directly to skin unless safely diluted. If, however, it has been ingested without being properly diluted, the following problems can occur:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Upset Stomach
Eucalyptus poisoning presents itself a little differently. Watch out for these symptoms:
Suffocation feeling/Difficulty breathing
Small pupils
Dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor straight away.
Russell (Rusty) Hart is the founder of the Health, Fitness & Sport Club, a website devoted to the promotion of health, fitness and wellness. The site encompasses a wide variety of health and fitness activities including general health matters, pilates, yoga, CrossFit, treadmill training, running, kettlebell, swimming, baseball, camping, hunting, HIIT, triathlons, extreme sports, equestrian and more. Should this subject matter be of interest you can visit the HF & S Club home site where you'll find over 1,300 quality posts with new posts being published daily. To quickly access those that are of interest you can select any of 20 Categories broken down by over 260 Sub-Categories for easy access.
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