Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus -

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world and used for their medical properties. The healing power comes from eucalyptus oil, which is made from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves.

The leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as a medicine.

The primary active constituent in the medicinal/aromatherapy eucalyptus species is cineol, also known as eucalyptol. Cineol's medicinal, camphoraceous aroma has antiseptic and expectorant properties. The brisk aroma is energizing.

For many years, eucalyptus oil has been used to relieve coughing. Today, some over-the-counter cough medications have eucalyptus oil as one of their active ingredients. Vicks VapoRub, for example, contains about 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil along with other cough suppressant chemicals.

The popular rub is applied to the chest and throat to relieve cough symptoms from a common cold or flu.

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis may be helped by inhaling steam with added eucalyptus oil. The oil reacts with mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough it up.

It’s also possible that eucalyptus contains a chemical that helps block asthma symptoms. On the other hand, for people who are allergic to eucalyptus, it may actually worsen their asthma. More research is needed to determine how eucalyptus affects people with asthma.

Mosquitoes and other biting insects carry diseases that can be dangerous to our health. Avoiding their bites is our best defense. DEET sprays are the most popular repellents, but they’re made with strong chemicals.

As an effective alternative for those who aren’t able to use DEET, many manufactures also make a botanical compound to repel the pests. Brands such as Repel and Off! use oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep the pests away.

The Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection. Today the diluted oil may still be used on the skin to fight inflammation and promote healing. You can purchase creams or ointments that have eucalyptus oil as an ingredient. These products may be used on minor burns or other injuries that can be treated at home.

Research suggests that eucalyptus oil may help to ease joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the-counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain the essential oil. The oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with these conditions. It may also be helpful to people experiencing back pain or recovering from a joint or muscle injury.

  

Emotional Benefits

  

Its aroma is more commonly known for it's support of the respiratory system and any issues involving it, as well as many skin related concerns. But aromatically, it has some interesting psychological benefits too. In particular, it relates to a person's willingness to be well. Many people may think that everyone desires to be well, but don't acknowledge the often underlying patterns that keep us perpetuating illness. It might be out of a lack of self-love, feelings of "selfishness", hypochondria, or even a lesson that many people learn that says illness is what gains you love and attention. Eucalyptus oil uses may then include helping a person regain their own health empowerment, self-approval and self-love, release patterns of neediness to those who can't or aren't willing to love or care for them, and even move past patterns that keep a person in a role of victim to people or circumstances.

  

Ideas:

  

Make shower melts to help support respiratory health:

• 2 Cups Baking Soda

• Water

• 10 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
Find Eucalyptus oil here!

• 10 Drops Peppermint Oil

• 5 Drops Rosemary Oil

• 5 Drops Lavender Oil

DIRECTIONS

Gradually add water to baking soda until just wet enough to stick together and form a very thick paste. Add in all essential oils and mix well to incorporate throughout. Place in mold of choice (recommend using smallish mold around 1”-2” in diameter. Allow to air dry overnight. Remove from mold and store in air tight container. Drop one in bottom of shower as needed for respiratory comfort.

Purifying Spray: In glass spray bottle; mix, 1 Cup water, 1 Cup Vodka (seriously, use the CHEAP stuff...don’t drink it!), 10 drops each Melaleuca(tea tree oil), Lavender, and Eucalyptus essential oils.

--------------------------------------------------------------------