Got Eucalyptus?

Here we are on the cusp of Fall's beauty.  It's too bad that this time of year brings respiratory viruses as well.  The change in weather, the change in our routines and gatherings; whatever the cause for the spread of this misery, Eucalyptus brings some relief.  

My favorite species is Eucalyptus radiata.  It is mild yet powerful.  The mild part is reflected in a rounder aroma than that of the more common Eucalyptus globulous and the fact that it is more safe for use with children, elderly, or anyone in frail health. The powerful part is it's action as an antiviral agent with an affinity for the respiratory system.  You can find it in some of my more popular blends like Cold & Flu (diffuser blend or massage oil) and Bacteria Buster (diffuser blend).

Try one of these options for relief:

1. Use it in a diffuser to atomize the essential oil for rapid and effective absorption.  
2. Add 2 drops to 1 tsp of a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, coconut, olive) and rub into your chest and feet.
3. Place a couple drops on a passive diffuser or cotton ball and keep it near you.

For my fellow science geeks that are interested - The chemical constituent 1,8-cineole, found in Eucalyptus oils, has antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), viruses, and fungi (including Candida). Surprisingly for an antimicrobial substance, there are also immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects.  I'll save those discussions for another post.

Be Well!