Eucalyptus Oil for Colds and Flu

Recently I came down with a cold, flu, and some heavy chest congestion. My 8-year daughter also became sick. One of the Natural Remedies I used was Eucalyptus Oil, which helped to reduce the chest congestion and the symptoms of the flu. Herbalists use this oil to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory ailments. Eucalyptus helps to loosen phlegm and improve lung function.

Eucalyptus ointments are also used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people breathe in eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu.

According to a 2010 review, eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These properties have historically been used to treat the common cold. Inhaled or oral eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineole, may safely fight viruses and respiratory problems such as bronchitis

The active ingredient in eucalyptus oil is cineol or euclyptol. The oil is a fine decongestant and has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects. Some other uses for Eucalyptus are skin problems, muscle, and nerve pain. It has been used as diuretic, and to lower blood sugar.

Here’s how I use this oil to help me when I have a cold with cough and chest congestion. Just before bedtime, I rub the oil on my chest and throat. Then I wrap a cloth around my neck to keep it warm and to help the eucalyptus to penetrate the skin.

If you have EMU oil, you can add a drop or two of EMU to the eucalyptus oil to help it penetrate your skin faster and deeper. EMU oil has the property of penetrating the skin and moving deep into your tissues and to carry any other substances that are mix with it into the skin.

I use plenty of eucalyptus oil in the rub, but some of you might react to it so just rub a little to see it you will be ok with it. If you use eucalyptus oil with other oils, it becomes less irritating.

Eucalyptus oil can also be used in a steam inhalation to help with colds or flu.

You can also mix eucalyptus with tea tree oil and massage your chest and back when you have the flu.

You can also mix eucalyptus with thyme, rosemary and lemon and diffuse it into the room when you are sick with the flu or cold.