Eucalyptus is one of the most powerful natural antiseptics. It is widely used in baths, massage and inhalation during the cold and flu season. It is also excellent for treating fevers, bronchitis, sinus and allergy problems.
Eucalyptus aids the whole breathing process. It can help regenerate lung tissue and functions as a good expectorant and cough suppressant. It is a cooling agent and it can help stimulate thinking and increase concentration under emotional pressure.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Properties Include: analgesic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, decongestant, expectorant, deodorant, diuretic and stimulant.
Dried — Herb Usage
Tea – 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, crushed leaves. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups per day. We do not recommend making a tea infusion with essention oils. (See caution below). If you must, talk to a licensed herbalist for proper dosage amounts.
Bath – Place 1/4 cup of Eucalyptus in a small muslin bag or large teaball. Steep for several minutes and leave in bath with you. For maximum healing benefits, make an infusion (see recipe below) and pour it into the bathtub with you.
To Make a Simple Infusion – Steep 1/4 cup herb for 15 to 20 minutes in a quart of water that has just been boiled. Let cool. Never boil herbs because they will lose their volatile oils and much of their healing qualities. An infusuion will keep for up to 7 days, so it is easy to make up ahead of time.
Pure Essential Oil Usage
Disinfect – A couple of drops of Eucalyptus essential oil simmering in a pot of water purifies and disinfects the air in your home.
Massage – 1/2 teaspoon Eucalyptus oil and 1 tablespoon pure olive oil – very good for arthritis.
Steam Inhalation – For nasal congestion, pour boiling water into a bowl, add 3 drops Eucalyptus and 2 drops Peppermint. Place a towel over your head, close your eyes, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam.
Caution: When taken internally, eucalyptus oil is highly poisonous. Fatalities have been reported from ingestion of as little as a teaspoon.
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Recipes
Squeaky Clean Windows
Add 30 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to 8oz. of distlled water in a spray bottle.
Muscular Aches and Pains
Make a cold compress by adding 3 drops Eucalyptus, 3 drops Lavender, and 3 drops Rosemary to a bowl of cool water. Use a wash cloth or any soft cloth, wring out and apply. Repeat. Can also be used as a hot compress for muscle aches, sprains and flesh wounds.
Cold and Flu Bath Blend
Mix equal parts Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Calendula and Peppermint. Steep in hot bath water or make a simple infusion. (See instructions above.)
Ease The Stress
The Holidays are over and a fresh new year has just begun. Did December totally stress you out? Maybe it’s time to make a few New Year’s resolutions to bring you more balance and a healthier way of life.
Many folks say they just don’t have time to exercise, eat right and take time out for themselves. It can be challenging to find little moments of time to do these things. But look at it this way, if you don’t take time Now to do the things that will keep you fit and healthy, you may be forced to take the time Later to be sick. It seems it is a lot easier to do some preventive maintainence now rather than waiting and needing a complete overhaul! We only get one body and it will take care of us if we take care of it.
Here are a few ideas to remember when stress hits:
Breathe. This is the single most important thing you can do when you start getting stressed. Stress causes shallow breathing, which limits oxygenation of blood. To keep blood oxygen levels up, the heart strains to pump extra blood. But when you breath deeply, your blood becomes well oxygenated without straining your heart, and your mind and body relax.
Walk. Walking deepens breathing, lowers blood pressure, and stretches the arms and legs. In addition, going from one place to another sometimes provides prospective.
Listen to soothing music. Studies have shown that music relieves the stress experienced by surgeons while they are operating as well as the stress of those people whose daily lives include dealing with heart disease.
Relaxation tapes work. These tapes combine music and verbal suggestions that enhance relaxation, either with instructions to relax certain muscles or with descriptions of calming scenes.