Eucalyptus oil is the generic name for distilled oil from the leaf of Eucalyptus, a genus of the plant family Myrtaceae native to Australia and cultivated worldwide. Eucalyptus oil has a history of wide application, as a pharmaceutical, antiseptic, repellent, flavouring, fragrance and industrial uses. The leaves of selected Eucalyptus species are steam distilled to extract eucalyptus oil (1).
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most widely tested antimicrobial oils around. It’s also a great home remedy for nose and chest congestion. Eucalyptus oils contains cineole, a terpenoid oxide, which has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and decongestant properties that helps to treat nasal congestion, cough and sore throat in addition to sinusitis.
Eucalyptus oil packs a powerful anti-inflammatory punch which helps clear up the mucus, leaving the airways clearer, which makes it easy for you to breathe. So basically, Inhaling steam from a few drops of eucalyptus oil is just the trick to get rid of sinus pain.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil
Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steaming bowl of water for some homemade aromatherapy. Place a towel like a tent over your head and inhale the scented steam. You can also rub an ointment with eucalyptus onto your chest before bed to clear nasal passages and ease chest pain.
Alternative Health Benefits of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has been used for centuries by Australian Aboriginals to kill germs. It has been used in ointments to relieve congestion, and when used in a steam inhalation, helps to loosen and relieve the congestion of coughs, bronchitis, and the flu. Aromatherapy advocates believe eucalyptus is good for the entire respiratory system and encourages deep breathing.
A study published in BMC Immunology found eucalyptus oil strengthened the immune system by boosting the response of macrophages, white blood cells that kill microbes and other foreign invaders.
BMC Conclusion: "Our data, demonstrating that Eucalyptus oil extract is able to implement the innate cell-mediated immune response, provide scientific support for an additional use of this plant extract, besides those concerning its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and stimulate further investigations also using single components of this essential oil."
Go to Recipes with Eucalyptus Essential Oil
This is Wonderful Scents go to recipe for clearing out blocked air passages and relieving congestion. This is a blend of Lemon, lime, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and clove. Diffusing these oils together will clear out blocked air passages and relieve congestion for all your loved ones in the house. One to two drops of each oil is more than enough.
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