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Things you will need:
- 2 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil- Small bowl with steaming hot water
- Towel
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Eucalyptus essential oil is a popular oil that comes from an evergreen tree that is native to Australia. Today, eucalyptus trees are cultivated around the world. In the past, the Aborigines drank eucalyptus tree as a cure for fever. Because of this, eucalyptus tea became popular as Australian fever tea.
The name eucalyptus came from the ancient Greek words, “eu” and “calyptos” which mean “well” and “covered.” This refers to the operculum or cap covering the flower buds. The eucalyptus tree is known as one of the tallest plants on Earth. It is also called “gum tree” because of the sticky, rubbery substance that flows from the tree’s injured bark.
Leaves of eucalyptus are rich in oil. Steam distillation of eucalyptus leaves to extract the highly concentrated oil started in the late 1700s. Eucalyptus essential oil has been used medicinally since then when doctors began using it to treat chest problems and colic. Later on, eucalyptus essential used was used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, flu, asthma, and coughs because of its ability to promote sweating and ability to clear mucus. Today, eucalyptus essential oil is also used as a liniment to ease sore and painful muscles. However, its primary and popular use remains the treatment of the symptoms of cold, cough, bronchitis and congestion of the upper respiratory tract.
The main ingredient of eucalyptus essential oil is cineole, also known as eucalyptol. It is known for its strong antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and aromatic properties. These properties explain why it is an effective treatment for respiratory ailments. Eucalyptus oil is commonly found in vapor rub products and liniments.
Steam inhalation is the most effective way to fight congestion. It can provide some temporary relief from the symptoms of the common cold, the flu, sinus infections, bronchitis, and nasal allergies. It is important to note the steam inhalation doesn’t actually kill the virus that causes the infection. However, it makes you breathe better and feel better as your body fights the infection.
Eucalyptus essential oil is often used with steam inhalation to help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Steam inhalation allows the oil to react with mucous membranes, in effect reducing mucus and loosening up congestion.
To use eucalyptus essential oil in steam inhalation, just do the following steps:
1. Place two drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a small bowl filled with steaming hot water.
2. Drape a towel over your head. Your head should be at least an arm’s width away from the bowl. This will help focus the steam on you.
3. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply, allowing the vapor to enter your nose.
Inhale the steam for five to ten minutes. The warm, moist air and the eucalyptus essential oil molecules will loosen the mucus in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Eucalyptus essential oil used in steam inhalation is also said to be a gentle expectorant and promotes drainage from congested sinuses.
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