I love finding natural home remedies that help my overall health and well-being. I am not anti-medicine (at all!), but I do think the organic world is chock-full of untapped or forgotten about resources that can help everyone in their overall health journey. One of my favorite natural remedies is eucalyptus. My mother always had eucalyptus in our home growing up, and I use the plant in my own family’s daily life also.
Personally, I suffer with sinus issues. Without any hyperbole, I contract a sinus infection at least once or twice a year. I began looking for more natural remedies when I became pregnant, and my search further continued after I was diagnosed with a minor heart condition that prevents me from using some over-the-counter medicines. Natural plants such as eucalyptus have been such blessings!
So, what are the benefits of eucalyptus? Let’s talk about them:
Reduces Stress
While lavender is often seen as the go-to stress-reducing herb, eucalyptus also has many benefits in this department. According to a 2014 article, eucalyptus helps reduce stress even in high-intense situations such as going in for surgery.
Reduces Inflammation
Evidence suggests that eucalyptus helps reduce inflammation. The article link I just posted discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant after knee-replacement surgery, but the same anti-inflammatory properties impact sinus inflammation, too! Reducing inflammation of the sinuses eases sinus pain, and helps with congestion.
Works as a Antimicrobial
…well that’s a big word! According to a 2010 study, eucalyptus contains the component 1,8-cineole, which has antimicrobial effects and can help reduce of spread and growth of certain bacterias, viruses, and fungi. (Check out this article to learn more!)
Helps with Seasonal Allergies
If you’re anything like me or my family, you are plagued by seasonal allergies! Once again, eucalyptus comes to save the day as it’s linked to helping alleviate allergies.
Helps Alleviate Headaches
…with the help of peppermint oil! But nonetheless, we are still talking about eucalyptus. According to a study published in Cephalalgia, eucalyptus may help reduce discomfort from headaches.
How I Use Fresh Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus Oil
I use the fresh plant and the essential oil in two main ways:
- Hanging in the bathroom
- When eucalyptus hangs in close proximity to steam (like from a shower) the natural essential oils are released into the air gently.
- In a diffuser
- Bottled essential oils basically cut out the middleman. In a diffuser, place a few drops of the desired oil with filtered water. As the steam is released from the diffuser, the oils are released into the air. (I use many essential oils in my diffuser.)
With all this being said, I hope that you give eucalyptus a try! I am by no means a medical doctor and every decision regarding one’s health is personal, but from my own experience, eucalyptus and essential oils have been awesome. These substances do not replace medicine for me, but offer a more natural and organic option.
Let me know how eucalyptus works for you!
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