In reference to homemaker66's sinus problems

[PrairieRose]

I came across a great article in the Bottom Line Daily Health News-Newsletter that I get via email. I want to share it with you all and hear any feedback out there on using it. I'm always looking for more natural therapies for what ails me as medicine and side effects are always a concern of mine. Anyway maybe this will be useful or helpful. The only thing I have to add is I love the way it smells in my house .

Eucalyptus Oil for Winter Discomfort


Eucalyptus is one of my favorite scents... the clean, fresh, invigorating smell reminds me of a spa and I also find it offers relief for assorted common ailments. This essential oil is a wintertime must-have for me -- I keep products and sprays containing it in my medicine cabinet to spray into my shower and inhale when I have a cold. It can also be used topically to provide relief for sore and stiff muscles, sprains and strains, and can be soothing when applied to the temples for tension headaches. Simply put a drop of diluted eucalyptus oil on your temples and massage lightly.

For advice on how to use eucalyptus oil safely and effectively, I called herbalist and ethnobotanist David Winston, RH, AHG, author of several books on herbals including his most recent, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief (Healing Arts).

CLEARS THINGS OUT

According to Winston, two of the best ways to use eucalyptus oil are topically and in boiling water to form an inhalant, to break up chest and head congestion. To clear out congestion, drip a few drops of the essential oil into about an inch of boiling water and make a steam tent over your head with a towel. Or, you can buy vaporizers made to be used with essential oils as an alternative for inhalation. There's also the old cure-all Mom used to rub onto your throat and chest to relieve cough and congestion -- Vicks VapoRub, which contains lots of eucalyptus oil. Another idea is to make tea with eucalyptus leaves. Drink four ounces of tea three times per day.

Topically eucalyptus can be used to ease muscle aches and pains, sprains and strains. Put two or three drops of the pure essential oil in eight ounces of olive or sesame oil -- this is great as massage oil, in addition to being an effective topical analgesic. You might notice when you first apply it that the oil feels warm and then a cool sensation kicks in -- that is part of the oil's ability to down-regulate the sensation of pain, says Winston.

LOTS OF USES

Also try swishing a few drops of the oil in your mouthwash to ease bad breath or periodontal disease. Because eucalyptus is antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, it not only helps to mask the odor or discomfort, but also helps cure the core problem. Again, be sure to use only very diluted oil for this. Pastilles with eucalyptus oil as an ingredient can be an effective antidote to bad breath or a sore throat. Winston likes Olbas pastilles. For liquid body soap with eucalyptus oil, that has natural antibacterial properties, try Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps.

There are, of course, some precautions. Herbalists don't recommend eucalyptus for those with inflammatory or gastrointestinal diseases, kidney problems or liver disease because it can exacerbate symptoms -- though some experienced naturopathic physicians might use it for these problems. Most eucalyptus preparations are too strong for the tender skin of children under age four -- and be sure never to allow eucalyptus oil near their faces or noses either. Eucalyptus, like most therapeutic agents, can interact with some medications, herbal and dietary supplements so it's safest to only use after consultation with a doctor.


Source(s):

David Winston, RH, AHG, herbalist and ethnobotanist, author, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief (Healing Arts).

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[Edna_E]

I LOVE eucalyptus- I think my early life with a vaporizer with it has left an indelible impression that it is the epitome of "comfort" smell to me!

[homemaker66]

Thanks for the great information. Tomorrow I will go to the natural food store and get some. Boy the winter has bothered my sinus something fears. I can't waite until summer.