Cough and cold season is on its way. While you’re using oregano oil to get rid of the infection, reach for eucalyptus oil to ease your wheezing, chest tightness and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil not only helps you breathe better, it also treats fatigue, soothes insect bites and more!
What is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil comes from pressing the leaves of native Australian trees that comes in many different shapes, sizes, and varieties. This volatile oil has been used by Aboriginal natives to treat a variety of ailments for hundreds of years.
How Oil of Eucalyptus Can Help You Breathe Better
Eucalyptus oil is a leading ingredient in chest rubs designed for colds and flu as it helps open breathing passages naturally. The active ingredient in eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve both sinus and chest congestion.
If a cold has got you wrapped up in blankets and knee-deep in tissues, try a natural eucalyptus oil remedy. You’ll need boiling water, eucalyptus oil, and a large bath towel. Place a pot of water on the stove and put in 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil. Once the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes. Place the pot on a heat-resistant surface on your kitchen table.
Next, place the towel over the back of your head and lean into the steam, taking care not to burn your face. Breathe slowly and deeply. The mixture of steam and oil of eucalyptus should open up your nasal passages and ease your chest congestion.
You can also use oil of eucalyptus directly on your chest to relieve congestion. Simply mix 10-15 drops of the pure essential oil with a carrier such as vitamin E or coconut oil and spread over chest and throat for quick relief.
Other Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
- Eases Muscle Pain
Eucalyptus oil has a natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory affect, making it a common active ingredient in many over-the-counter topical analgesic creams. The good thing about using pure eucalyptus oil is there are no chemical additives. To ease sore muscles, massage this essential oil directly on tight areas.
- Reduces Gingivitis
For a sore tooth or tooth infection, clove oil is best. However, swishing eucalyptus oil and water in your mouth before or after daily brushing can help prevent the infection and inflammation of gum disease. Using essential oils in your dental care regimen is especially important if you’re unable to get to the dentist regularly due to lack of dental insurance.
- Freshens Underarms
Got sweat? Millions of people just like you have overactive sweat glands, which can lead to embarrassment and chafed skin. Instead of trying to stop the sweat with heavy chemical-laden antiperspirants, which prevent your skin from breathing, try using a combination of crystal deodorant with a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
- Treats Fatigue
In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus can also give you a natural energy boost when used as an aromatherapy oil. Massaging a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your temples before a workout or test can help boost your energy levels and performance!
- Soothes Insect Bites
If you’re a trailblazer, carrying a small bottle of eucalyptus oil is a must. Just a few drops of this versatile essential oil eases the inflammation and itch associated with insect bites and stings.
- Improves Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation is the cause of a wide variety of health problems. Massaging eucalyptus oil into your hands, feet, arms, and legs can help improve overall blood circulation and provide lasting pain relief. Just inhaling the vapors of this powerful essential oil is enough to improve your circulation and overall feeling of vitality.
- Eases Sinus Problems
For chronic allergy sufferers, eucalyptus oil is a great essential oil to have on hand. Regularly breathing in the aroma of eucalyptus can help ease uncomfortable sinus congestion and treat post nasal drip.
- Treats Skin Disorders
Inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can be treated successfully with oil of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus not only relieves inflammation, it also has anti-bacterial properties that get into the skin and treat chronic infection.
Eucalyptus Oil Contraindications
Just because a remedy is natural, doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If you have an allergy to eucalyptus, do not use this essential oil on your skin. Also, oil of eucalyptus should only be used topically as it is toxic when taken internally. Pregnant or nursing women should not use this or any essential oil without first consulting their doctor.
Anyone with serious medical conditions, especially low blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorders or asthma should not use eucalyptus oil without talking with their healthcare provider. If you’re taking any prescription medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using any essential oils.
When you’re struggling with a chest cold or chronic allergies, eucalyptus oil can help you breathe better on a budget. Eucalyptus oil is a great essential oil to have around to deal with those aching muscles and insect bites after a long nature hike in the woods. So when you’re looking for natural pain relief and a boost of energy, reach for healing eucalyptus!
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