Eucalyptus is an aromatic herb that has properties that provide great relief as a decongestant and an expectorant. Vapor rubs, which are applied to the back and chest of a person with a common cold or other kind of respiratory distress, is made from Eucalyptus. It works to loosen the mucus in the chest so that it can be coughed up and expelled.
Eucalyptus also has some antibiotic association with it, and has both internal and external uses. For internal uses, the leaves can be used in herbal teas to act as a diuretic and an anti-diabetic. It also has some anti-tumor properties. The Eucalyptus oils are almost never used internally or ingested but on rare occasion, a doctor might use a very small amount for nasal congestion, bronchial disease, or other respiratory problems.
Externally, Eucalyptus is used as a vapor rub and while it is recommended that it be rubbed on the chest and back, it is also good for inhalation through methods like steam vaporization. Some even boil water and drop a teaspoon of vapor rub into it so the sick person can breathe in the fumes; this will help to break up the congestion in the lungs. Due to its cooling properties, people have also used the rub for sprains, bruises, and muscle aches and pains.
Eucalyptus oil can be beneficial for many reasons. First, it is a very powerful antiseptic. It’s often used to treat pyorrhea (which is a gum disease), and burns. One thing to know is that insects do not like Eucalyptus, so if you mix some with water and put it in a spray bottle, you can be sure that bugs will stay away. A small drop of oil on the tip of the tongue is said to take away nausea. Many people will soak a cloth in Eucalyptus and put them in their pantries or closets to fend off bugs and roaches. A few sniffs of Eucalyptus is said to help someone who has fainted, and when mixed with cinnamon is known to alleviate the symptoms of the flu.
Eucalyptus is also commonly used for aromatherapy due to its beneficial properties when mixed with other oils. The effects of Eucalyptus are stimulating and balancing and the scent is very woody. For the purposes of aromatherapy, it blends well with Juniper, Lavender, and Marjoram. When used in aromatherapy, Eucalyptus can help to relieve mental fatigue, improve mental clarity and alertness, sharpen the senses, reduce stress, refresh and revive, stimulate, and energize the mind and body.