Eucalyptus oil: An elixir to all Allergic breathing problems

There are a plethora of different essential oils that are utilized to cure respiratory issues. Likewise, eucalyptus oil, along with menthol, has also proven to be a very potent agent for getting relief in several respiratory issues.

We use Eucalyptus Oil inadvertently through many balms and ointments, which are available commercially. Not just this, but this oil is the main ingredient of many other cough syrups due to its ability to protect the body from bacterial attacks.

The active chemical, in Eucalyptus EO, is eucalyptol and is mainly responsible for its healing properties. It is also known as 1,8 Cineole. This chemical has antibacterial and antiviral properties which are why Eucalyptus oil can also be used to inhale the steam for therapeutic purposes. In this way, it can help reduce several symptoms such as cold, cough, and congestion. Merely inhaling the eucalyptus oil results in reduced allergies and provides relief in throat infections. It is an excellent decongestant and has anti-septic as well as anti-inflammatory properties!

Let us take a look at how the active chemical in the eucalyptus essential oil helps in various respiratory problems:

Allergic Rhinitis

 According to researchers¹, the active chemical in eucalyptus essential oil which is also known as 1,8 Cineole helps to improve the disease-specific quality of life and reduces fatigue among adult patients with allergic rhinitis. This intervention has also exhibited a potential for improvement in sleep.

Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, v.2016; 2016, PMC4808543

Allergic Bronchitis

Interestingly, the active chemical in the essential oil of eucalyptus has also shown its effects in the treatment of bronchitis². In a study, it was seen that after four days of treatment, the patient group reported a significant reduction in cough frequency.

Efficacy of cineole in patients suffering from acute bronchitis: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial Cough. 2013; 9: 25, Nov 21. doi: 10.1186/1745-9974-9-25

Itchy Nose

Eucalyptus oil helps to relieve itching in the nasal cavity. This attributes to its anti-septic and expectorant properties which help to expel any clogged plugs of mucous which might have become bacteriated.

Sinusitis

According to several studies³, Cineole also poses as an alternative remedy for sinusitis and congestion. Continuous usage of eucalyptus essential oil helps in relieving the symptoms of colds and coughs, along with congestion and stuffiness.

Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial, Laryngoscope, volume 114, issue 4, April 2004

Another essential oil that eucalyptus oil is taken with is that of mint. The active chemical of peppermint essential oil is menthol. Menthol poses its use in treatment for the relief of nasal congestion and has shown a significant effect on the drive to breathe. It also has local anaesthetic⁴ and counter-irritant qualities which helps to relieve pain associated with any respiratory disease. Therefore, we can say that these essential oils exhibit anti-septic, anti-inflammatory as well as expectorant qualities which makes it an excellent natural alternative for respiratory problems.