Take a Deep Breath with Eucalyptus

For the past two years I've been using eucalyptus oil as an alternative medicine for respiratory well-being and sinus issues. These two issues for me goes hand-in-hand some times, especially during the months of March, April, and May when pollen is extremely heavy in my area. Although, I've never had allergic reactions to pollen the heaviness of it growing each year has had its effect on my sinuses.

One of the methods I've mentioned in a previous article to use for sinuses is peppermint oil, but I must say that I've been using eucalyptus oil much longer, and it's just as effective as peppermint oil. Just for overall breathing health, eucalyptus is a wonderful alternative medicine.

According to Wikipedia, eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) is cultivated mostly in parts of Australia. Although, eucalyptus is widely known for purification uses as well as respiratory uses such as bronchitis and sinusitis, this amazing plant can also be used for repelling bugs and insects.

Eucalyptus oil isn't as strong as peppermint oil when it comes to the scent of it, however, it is just as potent. It has a woody, leafy scent to it that has a hint of a mint smell to it. This is only my description of how it smells mind you. But it is a light scent. However, whenever inhaling this oil precaution should always be taken as with any alternative medicine.

Quite often, I will use it in the form of steam inhalations. I will put 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil in a small saucepan of boiling hot water, place a towel over my head and inhale the scented steam for several minutes. The steam helps to loosen up mucus while the eucalyptus works on overall breathing. Another method of use for breathing is to rub a single drop of the oil in the palm of your hands, hold your hands a few inches from your face, and inhale the scent a few times from your hands.

I have often heard that eucalyptus is great for the skin as well, which is why I will had a few drops of the oil into my bath or to my sea salt scrub (see my Relaxing the Body, Cleansing the Skin article here on AC). For me, it adds a refreshing feel to my skin while purifying it very nicely. I feel as though my pores are open and revitalized and any impurities have been extracted from me just by how light and cleansed I feel after using eucalyptus oil.

I'd like to think of eucalyptus as one of those all-purpose type of essential oils, where it can be used for a variety of things. However, I must caution anyone from using eucalyptus oil internally as it could be harmful to you. I strongly advise that you use it for external use only.