Eucalyptus for Respiratory Problems

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Eucalyptus for Respiratory Problems

Posted On : Aug-20-2011 | seen (431) times | Article Word Count : 664 |

Eucalyptus has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes by Aboriginals, Chinese and Greeks, as well as in “Ayurvedic” medicine, and its use continues even today.

It began in Australia as the preferred cuisine of koalas, but the eucalyptus tree has now spread to subtropical regions all across the globe. There are many varieties, but the kind that is used in herbal medicine is “blue gum” or “Australian fever tree,” which can grow to a peak of 230 feet.
Eucalyptus has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes by Aboriginals, Chinese and Greeks, as well as in “Ayurvedic” medicine, and its use continues even today.
The essential oil, which contains “eucalyptol,” has been used as an antiseptic for ages, and also as a cure for respiratory ailments. Eucalyptus oil is often combined with other oils to treat respiratory problems, all of the ingredients coming from a family called “monoterpenes.” The leaves of eucalyptus contain “tannins,” essential oils, “flavonoids” and a natural antiseptic chemical called “cineole.”
Eucalyptus, like many herbs that are used in Chinese medicine, often goes unnoticed in health stores, hiding in the shadows beside more popular essential oils and herbs.
What It’s Used For
What’s true is that eucalyptus oil hasn’t been studied too fully. In that, though, it is hardly alone. Pages and pages of alternative remedies that are used throughout the world have been largely ignored by Western medical science. That said, eucalyptus appears to be promising in a few ways.
The first and easily most notable is its potential in treating the common cold and its symptoms. As a matter of fact, the oil is a frequent ingredient in lozenges, vapor baths and cough syrups here in North America and throughout Europe.
If you speak to a herbal practitioner, he or she might recommend taking fresh eucalyptus leaves and steeping them in tea, then gargling with the beverage to soothe a sore throat, treat sinusitis or even treat bronchitis.
But back to the common cold — one good study tested 200 milligrams (mg) three times a day of eucalyptol on people with colds. Researchers saw benefits in nasal congestion, overall sickness and headaches. This study helped affirm the herb’s potential in alleviating sinus congestion in those with sinusitis.1
In the respiratory world, herbalists believe that the oil loosens up phlegm, so they recommend that bronchitis patients inhale vapors. It’s been tested on asthma, as well, with patients who are dependent on steroids.
A study tested that same dosage of eucalyptol for three months on people with bad asthma. The oil allowed them to gradually reduce their dependence on steroids, something that (by the way) should only ever be done under the guidance of a doctor.2
The safest use is smelling the vapors of eucalyptus oil to clear up the sinuses. If you get sick with a cold, try taking supplements that are found at most health stores.
Safety & Dosage
Research suggests that if you’re using this herb, you should try to find eucalyptus-leaf oil that contains between 70% and 75% eucalyptol. If you are using it on the skin, use five percent to 20% in an oil-based formulation or five percent to 10% in an alcohol-based formulation. For aromatherapy purposes, you can use a tincture made of five percent to 10% eucalyptus oil.
You might have an allergic reaction on your skin if you use the oil topically. If you’re taking supplements, keep an eye out for adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, headache, fever, drowsiness or traces of blue on your lips or skin. These would suggest that your body is not responding well to the herbal treatment or that you are using too potent a dose.
Patients with heart disease, epilepsy, stomach or intestinal disorders or lung disease should avoid it entirely.
Use eucalyptus with your doctor’s permission if you happen to be taking any diabetic medications, sedatives, anti-anxiety pills, drugs for depression or are regularly putting “5-fluorouracil” lotion on your skin. As a matter of fact, it’s the best course of action to work with your doctor no matter what when using eucalyptus oil.

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<h1>Eucalyptus for Respiratory Problems</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_doctorshealthpress.aspx'>doctorshealthpress</a> It began in Australia as the preferred cuisine of koalas, but the eucalyptus tree has now spread to subtropical regions all across the globe. There are many varieties, but the kind that is used in herbal medicine is “blue gum” or “Australian fever tree,” which can grow to a peak of 230 feet.
Eucalyptus has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes by Aboriginals, Chinese and Greeks, as well as in “Ayurvedic” medicine, and its use continues even today.
The essential oil, which contains “eucalyptol,” has been used as an antiseptic for ages, and also as a cure for respiratory ailments. Eucalyptus oil is often combined with other oils to treat respiratory problems, all of the ingredients coming from a family called “monoterpenes.” The leaves of eucalyptus contain “tannins,” essential oils, “flavonoids” and a natural antiseptic chemical called “cineole.”
Eucalyptus, like many herbs that are used in Chinese medicine, often goes unnoticed in health stores, hiding in the shadows beside more popular essential oils and herbs.
What It’s Used For
What’s true is that eucalyptus oil hasn’t been studied too fully. In that, though, it is hardly alone. Pages and pages of alternative remedies that are used throughout the world have been largely ignored by Western medical science. That said, eucalyptus appears to be promising in a few ways.
The first and easily most notable is its potential in treating the common cold and its symptoms. As a matter of fact, the oil is a frequent ingredient in lozenges, vapor baths and cough syrups here in North America and throughout Europe.
If you speak to a herbal practitioner, he or she might recommend taking fresh eucalyptus leaves and steeping them in tea, then gargling with the beverage to soothe a sore throat, treat sinusitis or even treat bronchitis.
But back to the common cold — one good study tested 200 milligrams (mg) three times a day of eucalyptol on people with colds. Researchers saw benefits in nasal congestion, overall sickness and headaches. This study helped affirm the herb’s potential in alleviating sinus congestion in those with sinusitis.1
In the respiratory world, herbalists believe that the oil loosens up phlegm, so they recommend that bronchitis patients inhale vapors. It’s been tested on asthma, as well, with patients who are dependent on steroids.
A study tested that same dosage of eucalyptol for three months on people with bad asthma. The oil allowed them to gradually reduce their dependence on steroids, something that (by the way) should only ever be done under the guidance of a doctor.2
The safest use is smelling the vapors of eucalyptus oil to clear up the sinuses. If you get sick with a cold, try taking supplements that are found at most health stores.
Safety & Dosage
Research suggests that if you’re using this herb, you should try to find eucalyptus-leaf oil that contains between 70% and 75% eucalyptol. If you are using it on the skin, use five percent to 20% in an oil-based formulation or five percent to 10% in an alcohol-based formulation. For aromatherapy purposes, you can use a tincture made of five percent to 10% eucalyptus oil.
You might have an allergic reaction on your skin if you use the oil topically. If you’re taking supplements, keep an eye out for adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, headache, fever, drowsiness or traces of blue on your lips or skin. These would suggest that your body is not responding well to the herbal treatment or that you are using too potent a dose.
Patients with heart disease, epilepsy, stomach or intestinal disorders or lung disease should avoid it entirely.
Use eucalyptus with your doctor’s permission if you happen to be taking any diabetic medications, sedatives, anti-anxiety pills, drugs for depression or are regularly putting “5-fluorouracil” lotion on your skin. As a matter of fact, it’s the best course of action to work with your doctor no matter what when using eucalyptus oil.About the Author: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/subscribe/bb/index.php?sb=ewseh1&affid=wd147&subid=lc1">SIGN UP FOR THE DOCTORS HEALTH PRESS E-BULLETIN AND RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF TOP 12 BRAIN BOOSTING SUPER FOODS!</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Eucalyptus-for-Respiratory-Problems_75219.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Eucalyptus for Respiratory Problems_75219.aspx</a>

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