Eucalyptus essential oil, your ally against a cold

The properties of the eucalyptus have earned him the fame of being a great remedy to decongest the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus vapors are a traditional remedy that we can make with the leaves or with the essential oil.

Here we will focus on the eucalyptus essential oil and its propertiesespecially useful in the coldest months of the year.

The eucalyptus plant

The eucalyptus, of scientific name Eucalyptus radiataIt is a tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It has almost 700 different speciesbeing much of them endemic to Oceania and some Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia

These huge trees were exported to Europe from the year 1847. The so-called red gum tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) was the first to put down its roots on European soil, extending from the Iberian Peninsula to the Costa Azul. However, it was the call blue gum tree (Eucalyptus globulus) which was most widely planted and exploited throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Other species were introduced in the 19th century and at the same time, for health reasons, eucalyptus trees were planted in swampy areas or stagnant waters to eradicate malaria.

essential oil properties

Today essential oil is extracted from various eucalyptus trees, although there are two that are most widely used in aromatherapy. To treat respiratory pathologiesare often used eucalyptus globulus and the eucalyptus radiata, although most eucalyptus essential oils can be used to care for the respiratory tract. Menthol eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives), the eucalyptus Smith (Eucalyptus smithii), eucalyptus camaldulensis are other available options.

But we also have a eucalyptus essential oil for pain relief! It is the blue eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), which can be useful, for example, to prepare this aromatherapy formula to relieve cervical pain.

All these essential oils so related to the respiratory system have in common a molecule responsible for characteristic smell of eucalyptus1,8-cineole, commonly called eucalyptol. The aroma of eucalyptus is clearly marked by this molecule that we can easily recognize by its freshness.

When we smell essential oils that contain eucalyptol, we notice how our respiratory system clears up, that freshness that we notice in the nose, throat and lungs we also perceive as a cleaning and recharging of the entire respiratory system. It is also frequent that it gives us more mental clarity and more energy.

Let us note, incidentally, that this molecule is very common in plants of the Myrtaceae family, such as the myrtle, the niauli, the cajeput and the fragoniafrom which valuable essential oils are also extracted.

Which essential oil to choose

Given so much variety, the question may arise: which of the eucalyptus essential oils should we opt for? As an aromatherapist I usually recommend the essential oil of eucalyptus radiatabecause it is suitable for the whole family and its use is safer than other eucalyptus essential oils.

Its aroma is also one of the most balanced and enjoyable and it stands out from the others for its discreet citrus touch (although blue eucalyptus beats it by far, which doesn’t even contain eucalyptol, by the way).

What is it for

Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is a great ally of the respiratory system, it is essential in winter to prevent or treat viral infections.

in diffusion it helps us clean our spaces of pathogens, especially in times of contagion.Topically applied It will allow us to strengthen our defenses and, in case of a respiratory infection, it will be useful for soothe cough, thin mucus and control feverin addition to maintaining our energy level.

How to use eucalyptus oil

Here you will find some formulas and tips for using eucalyptus essential oil in different ways, depending on the purpose:

To prevent colds or other viral infections

Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is a great antiviral that also strengthens your defenses. Use it in your diffuser and in topical applications.

In diffuser: 15 to 20 drops depending on the model you use, 30 minutes three to four times a day. Can combine it with lemon for an optimal synergistic effect.Topically: in the morning apply 2 drops of essential oil diluted with 4 drops of vegetable oil on the wrists and neck. Make another two applications throughout the day and whenever you are in crowded places.

For the flu or other respiratory viral infection

Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is a great ally in these cases:

By mouth (adults only): Take 2 drops with a little honey 3 to 4 times per day.In topical use: apply 5 pure drops on each foot and on each arm. Repeat five times a day.If you have sensitive skin dilute with 5 drops of vegetable oil.For children from 6 years: Apply 2 drops diluted with 5 drops of vegetable oil on the chest and back. Repeat four times a day.For babies from 6 months: Apply 1 drop diluted with 10 drops of vegetable oil on the back and feet. Repeat three times a day.

For nasal congestion or sinusitis

Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is fantastic for clearing the nose and thinning mucus.

Dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 2-3 drops of vegetable oil and apply around the nose and between the eyebrows. Be very careful not to touch the eyes. Repeat 3 to 4 times per day.

How to make eucalyptus vapors

Eucalyptus essential oil will also serve to steam in case of nasal congestion or sinusitis. Ideally we will use an rcontainer specially designed for vapors. They can be purchased at pharmacies.

Heat water and deposit 4 drops of essential oil. Breathe for a few 5 minutes.Repeat one or two more times throughout the day.

For stress and tiredness

Eucalyptus radiata oil may be helpful if you are stressed and a little tired, or if you notice that your memory fails you and you have trouble concentrating. It is, therefore, interesting to accompany those stressful times in which we feel more confused, tired and with low energy levels.

In those times it is also easier to suffer some type of infectionsince stress affects the defenses.

It will help us to use this essential oil in diffusion, but also applied to the skin.

In diffuser: Put 15 to 20 drops depending on the model, 30 minutes 3 times a day.In topical use: dilutes 4 drops of the essential oil with 4 drops of vegetable oil and apply on the lumbar area. Repeat one to two more times throughout the day.

Precautions and contraindications

There are no major contraindications when using eucalyptus radiata essential oil, but these precautions can be taken into account when using eucalyptus and, in addition, it must be Use wisely in people with asthma: they should avoid using it during crises, although it may be interesting for them when they are not having crises, since eucalyptol or 1,8-cineole has been shown to be a bronchial anti-inflammatory.

Pregnant women should avoid using it orally during pregnancy. first trimester of pregnancy.

Correctly diluted this essential oil can be used in babies from 6 months.