Eucalyptus Oil use for Cough and Respiratory Relief
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia and is now cultivated worldwide for it’s medical value. In a review compiled in 2010, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, has been shown to have strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal action against respiratory problems caused by common cold and flu and has been traditionally used for respiratory ailments for centuries.
The highly concentrated essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus trees, originally used by the Aborigines in the dry outback of Australia for remedy against fever, which was later referred to as the Australian fever tea.
Since 1788, doctors noted the presence of oil and it was then used to treat chest problems and colic, later in the 1800’s it’s ability was discovered to promote sweating and clear out mucus led by prescribed doses for respiratory conditions including bronchitis, flu, asthma and coughs.
As word grew about the use of eucalyptus oil it was discovered to be beneficial as a liniment for tired, sore muscles and the ease of pain in arthritis. But it’s primary use remains the treatment of cough, bronchitis, relief of colds, and congestion of the upper respiratory tract.
What makes eucalyptus oil ideal to promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways is the main active ingredient, eucalyptol, which contains purifying properties that can also be beneficial for skin and cleansing surfaces, as well as the air in your surroundings. Eucalyptus oil can also be found in mouth washes to promote fresh breath and oral care.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), which rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence, shows strong scientific evidence that eucalyptus oil has quite as few proposed benefits.
Cold and Respiratory Relief
For many years Vicks vapo rub has been used to relieve and silence a cough in homes all over the world. This product contains about 1.2% of eucalyptus oil, along with camphor and menthol to promote respiratory relief. This is applied on the chest, throat and feet to relieve symptoms from the common cold and flu.
Eucalyptus oil is also effective in assisting the removal of mucus from the chest by inhaling a vapour remedy or steaming with eucalyptus oil. This assist to loosen the mucus and is then expelled by coughing thus clearing the mucus from the lungs. The mentioned methods have also shown to reduce spasms that can narrow the lungs airways and make it difficult to breath.
Bronchitis is also treated with eucalyptus oil, approved by the German Commission, an expert panel that evaluates herbal medicine as a treatment for bronchitis, it also reduces cough fits caused by inflamed airways that carry air to and from the lungs.
Early research shows that Asthma patients have also shown signs of mucus break up and relief, some have even reduced their dosage of steroid medication prescribed by doctors with the use of eucalyptol. Misuse of eucalyptol can be dangerous and should be monitored and prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.
Sinusitis
Eucalyptus may also speed the healing process of acute sinusitis brought on by a cold which then develops into a bacterial infection, in a study in 2004 with 150 patients, they displayed no need for antibiotics.
Eucalyptus oil fights respiratory infections killing bacteria, viruses and fungi, the oil is also found in nasal saline solutions as it assists with the movement of mucus and debris from the airways to and from the lungs and fights the infection.
How to use Eucalyptus Oil
To make a eucalyptus inhalant, simply add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water or a vaporiser and deeply inhale the steam vapour for 5 to 10 minutes (take care not to burn yourself), you can also add 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a hot bath just for getting in.
