As we saw in our last blog post it is possible to have a cough because mucous is dripping down the throat from the back of the nose and it is not enjoyable at all! When your body is pushing out fluids either from your lungs or sinuses, it means it is trying to move the virus or bacteria that is threatening it out of your body. Remember your lungs are one of the 5 eliminating (emunctorial) organs of your body, they are a means for your body to push out what it doesn’t want also.
Now let’s look at a simple and effective formulation to help you get over a stuffy nose if you have a cold:
Sinus Inhalation:
•5 drops Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
•1 bowl warm water
•1 towel
Bring water to boil, add essential oil. Then take off the stove. Place a towel over your head as you breathe the vapors in deeply for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes three times a day.
Contraindications: Do not use Eucalyptus in pregnancy, lactation, and children under 10 years old. For children from 3-8 years of age use 1 drop of Ravintsara in 1 bowl of warm water.
Let’s talk a bit more about the Eucalyptus genus essential oils and why they are so often recommended for the respiratory system.
Eucalyptus citriodora
This species has a different chemical composition from the E. radiata and E. globulus so therefore different medicinal properties. Its chemical composition is mainly formed of monoterpenic aldehydes (60-70%) such as citronellal, monoterpenols (15-25%) as in citronellol, and esters (3-5%): citronellyle acetate.
On the physical level, this species’ essential oil is preferred for its anti-inflammatory properties, it brings relief especially to the muscular and vascular system, as well as the joints. It is very calming and sedative for the central nervous system and is very useful as a mosquito repellent! On the emotional level it can be revigorating and balancing.
eucalyptus globulus
This species is highly recommended for all respiratory conditions but especially those of the lower respiratory tract (bronchopulmonary conditions), as it is expectorant (due to the presence of 1.8 cineole), it fluidifies pulmonary secretions, and therefore can be qualified of mucolytic (caused by the presence of monoterpenic ketones), antiseptic, antibacterial (useful against the staphylococcus aureus), tuberculosis, bronchial pneumonia. It is also efficient for ”drying up” hyperfunctioning asthma and bronchitis. It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, kidney drainer, good for reducing a high fever.
eucalyptus radiata
This species has high amounts of 1.8 cineole which is an oxide (65-80%) and the rest of its chemistry is composed of mono terpenes such as alpha-pinene, limonene and monoterpenols (alpha-terpineol).
It is highly recommended for colds, viral conditions, ear, nose & throat conditions, as it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant, mucolytic, decongesting. It is also useful for bronchitis, fever and is slightly antispasmodic. And for the mental body is invigorating and favorizes concentration.
want to learn more on how to treat a viral infection with such symptoms?
Join me for an exclusive Online Aromatherapy Application Class the first weekend of April, I will be Live from New Jersey! We will be making cough syrup, suppositories and more…
