Eucalyptus oil benefits

As the winters are in we all get suffered by Nose block, itchy throat and fever. What is the first step we take? We go to medical store and buy a medicine or cough syrup on recommendation of the chemist rather than even know the effects of the pills.

Why not first give our self an opportunity to try a natural remedy at home to help ease the situation.

The most famous remedy for cold and cough is eucalyptus oil( Its an evergreen tree also called the Tasmanian Blue green tree) which has numerous health benefits as it has powerful anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti septic, astringent, antispasmodic, analgesic(pain killing) and expectorant properties. It is native to Australia but can be cultivated worldwide.

Benefits of Eucalyptus oil :

• Firstly it increase the blood circulation in the body which increases the number of cells(phagocytes) that destroy the bacterial cells.
• Secondly it helps expel phlegm and decongests the airways.
• It has immune boosting properties, which helps the body to  react  more efficiently in infections.
• Last but not the least it keeps common infections away from your doorstep.

How to use in Blocked nose:

Step 1:Take a few drops of eucalyptus oil and add it to a vessel of boiling hot water and inhale the vapors through your nose and exhale through your mouth.This will help in reduction of inflammation of the mucosal linings, and expel the phlegm built up in airways and help make breathing easier.

Step 2:Make sure your head, and forehead are well covered after you finish the inhalation process.This will avoid further congestion, due to the sudden change in temperature. Make sure to do it at least three times a day in case of a severe cold and two times a day in case of a moderate one.

For easy breathing while sleeping:

• Take a  few drops of eucalyptus oil  on a soft cloth and placed just below the pillow cover. It’s gradual release of aroma will help to unblock the nose and make you feel better to breathe. Do this for at least three nights in succession.

To relieve a blocked nose during the day

Take a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your handkerchief and keep sniffing it throughout the day (do not put it on tissue it will not help as the oil will evaporate very quickly). To help the scent last longer you could seal the handkerchief in a zip lock bag and sniff it when you feel really uneasy. Do not use the same handkerchief to wipe your face and nose, eucalyptus oil tends to sting and can be quite uncomfortable if applied inside the nostrils.

The best part about eucalyptus oil is that it does not stain your clothes and evaporates really quickly, so you can use it safely without the fear of ruining your favorite clothes.

More Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil:

• It can be used as natural insect repellent: Add 15-20 drops of oil in distilled water and mix in a cobalt blue spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
• It soothes the muscular aches and pains: Add 15- 20 drops in bath water.
• It clears the Dandruff: Add 10 drops of oil in your shampoo.
• It can be used in mouthwash, toothpaste, detergents and liniments for arthritis pains.
• Eucalyptus oil can be placed in a humidifier.
• It can also be used to release sinus pressure.
• Gargling with eucalyptus tea may also treat bad breath.
• Gargling eucalyptus leaf tea may soothe throat inflammation or sore throat. To make Eucalyptus leaf tea steep a quarter to half teaspoon of fresh or dried eucalyptus herb in a cup of hot water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• It is also not advisable to drink eucalyptus herb tea, if you suffer from any digestive, bile or liver problems or diseases.

IMP: If you are pregnant, breast feeding or on medication such as taking diabetes medication, do not drink eucalyptus tea unless your doctor agrees to it.