One of the most useful oils when it comes to medical treatment and overall health maintenance is eucalyptus, and because of that, many people who prep for hard times ahead stockpile it for emergency use.
But it is also essential for homesteaders who are trying to live either off the grid or as independently as possible.
The use of the oil of eucalyptus dates back to the Aborigines – the native people of Australia – who crushed their leaves to use the herb/oil compound as treatment for health ailments, while using the tree’s wood to flavor food and clean the air, Off The Grid News reports.
These days eucalyptus essential oil, which is taken from blue gum trees, is distinct and stimulating in the way it smells. It can clear stuffed nasal passages and used often as a cold and cough remedy. What’s more, eucalyptus has been found to be a very strong antiseptic that can kill airborne germs. It has a cooling effect on the body, which helps soothe pain.
And when used in aromatherapy, eucalyptus oil works well as a decongestant, which helps treat and alleviate flu symptoms, sinus problems and fever, while the aroma stimulates the mind.
The oil has many uses, including:
— Deodorizing and disinfecting: You can diffuse essential eucalyptus oil into the air by adding an air diffuser, but you can also do so utilizing a vaporizer, humidifier, or by simply putting some into an oil burner.
If you’re looking to deodorize and neutralize smells, simply put five drops of eucalyptus oil on a cotton ball and put it in a dresser drawer, trash can, dirty laundry room or anywhere you have persistent odor problems.
You can even use this oil as a chemical-free underarm deodorant, put a few drops in the underarm seam areas of shirts and jackets. Deodorize gym shoes or work boots by rubbing about four drops of the oil into the shoes’ insoles.
— Treating chicken pox and measles: A common childhood disease, chicken pox causes reddened, itchy spots that cannot be scratched, lest they become infected and leave scarring. Eucalyptus oil can be a great help in reducing the itchiness and helping keep the pox themselves from becoming infected.
When adults get the disease – known as shingles – it can be excruciatingly painful. You can alleviate some of the pain by running drops of eucalyptus oil onto affected areas.
— Use it as an expectorant: Essential eucalyptus oil contains nearly 70 percent eucalyptol, which makes it very effective in relieving chest congestion and coughing associated with the flu, colds and bronchitis. In addition, it can relieve symptoms of runny noses and coughing caused by hay fever and sinusitis.
— Shower bomb: When you place drops of essential eucalyptus oil onto the floor of your shower or bathtub, they slowly melt in the warm water and then release tiny molecules of essential oils. The molecules are dispersed in the steam and aroma fills the air of your bathroom. This is a handy respiratory remedy that can also reduce anxiety.
— Foot bath: Eucalyptus essential oil can really offer relief to tired, sore, achy feet. Place some in steaming water to relax your feet while the oil helps improve blood flow, ease trapped nerves and soothe pain.
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