Eucalyptus oil and the medical benefits for our children. Guest blog by Ruth Watson of Watson Training Services
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are not as well-known as people think. A lot of the time mums look to “off the shelf ” branded products to help at times when children are under the weather, but Eucalyptus oil is a lifesaver for me and I have always taught this on my Paediatric First Aid Courses. Its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colourless and has a distinctive taste and odour.
The oil itself is not a popular aromatherapy oil as for years people have not understood it and its only now after intense research that the world now sees it and medical properties and benefits for what it is.
Eucalyptus is native to Australia and Eucalyptus essential oil comes from fresh leaves of the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree. Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol which is present in it’s make up, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes something many of you may not realise.
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil
Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, runny nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant in nature, which makes it a good ingredient in many medicines that treat respiratory problems. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are consistently effective in treating sore throats.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, it swells and inflames the airways making breathing difficult and there are many known treatments for the condition including inhalers and steroids something that has a huge benefit with no chemicals is eucalyptus essential oil. Simply massage 1-3 drops onto the chest and the soothing effect of the aroma and vapors will calm the throat and dilate the blood vessels, which will allow more oxygen into the lungs and normal breathing can be achieved. The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus essential oil also come into play in using it to get relief from asthmatic symptoms.
Open and closed wounds
Eucalyptus essential oil has antiseptic qualities upon exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-researched antiseptic. Therefore, eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also an effective salve for insect bites and stings. Furthermore, besides soothing the affected area, it also protects the open wound or irritated area from developing infections from microbial activity and exposure to the air.
Mental exhaustion
One very important reason that many people use eucalyptus oil is that it creates a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally, people suffering from certain conditions and disorders are slightly sluggish. Eucalyptus oil, a stimulant, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It can also be effective in the treatment of stress and mental disorders. This is why I teach to relax at home and have a hot bath windows doors shut and tip a kettle of boiling water into the skink with 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil, this creates a steam room and as you relax in the bath you will be reaping the benefits by inhaling the oil.
Nits/Lice
The oil is well-known qualities as a bug repellent and natural pesticide, it is frequently used as a natural treatment of lice. Some of the mainstream treatments of lice can be very severe and damaging to the hair, as well as packed with dangerous chemicals that you don’t want being absorbed into your skin, so combing a few drops of eucalyptus oil through a lice-infested head is a much better and healthier solution.
However there are some dangers of taking too much eucalyptus oil, because when taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil can be toxic. (ie ingested) It may also interfere with other homeopathic treatments. Also, for certain people with allergic sensitivities, eucalyptus essential oil might not be the product for you.
I have been using Eucalyptus oil for years as a mother and my mother before me I used to buy it as the brand Karvol but they have stopped making it now and it can be bought as a pure essential oil. As a professional Paediatric medical trainer I cannot recommend it highly enough especially for the use with children and the common cold. Having it around the bed at night will really help open the airways in children and aid breathing when they are all blocked up. Placing it in a oil burner with water and letting into the air you are breathing during g the day at home is another fantastic way to get it into the airways, this is something I do most days in winter prevention is better than cure as they say.
Ruth Watson
