Hooray! There finally seems to be a little hint of summer! Obviously being lucky enough to live on the wonderful island of Jersey, we do tend to get a little more than our fair share of sunshine, lollipops and rainbows (to coin a phrase), especially when compared to our mainland UK cousins.
However, this year, even we have been sulking about the somewhat limp start to our summer season. And one unfortunate consequence of this less than perfect weather has been a rash of yucky summer coughs. But never fear, Jersey Lavender is here – although, this time admittedly with a little bottle of our incredible eucalyptus essential oil which we are distilling right now whilst we wait for the lavender to come into full bloom.
Eucalyptus essential oil has long been used as a remedy for coughs and colds, as it acts to clear blocked sinuses and helps to dislodge mucus allowing you to breathe more easily. In fact, many of our most well-known cures for congestion such as Vicks Vapour Rub and Olbas Oil contain eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil has a number of properties that make it the perfect choice for treating your cold. It is:
1. Expectorant – this action causes the body to increase the number of mucus secretions, or increase the hydration level of existing secretions. This will both soothe the irritated respiratory tract and help to eliminate a build-up of mucus.
2. Anti-viral – this will help to kill the virus that is causing your cold in the first place.
3. Antiseptic and antibacterial – this will help to relieve any secondary infections that you may be more susceptible to as a result of the cold virus.
4. Anti-inflammatory – this will help to reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract, allowing you to breathe easier.
5. Astringent – this will help to shrink inflamed mucus membranes.
6. Anti-spasmodic – this will help to soothe any aching muscles and/or joints.
7. Analgesic (painkilling) – this will help to relieve any sore throats or headaches etc that are associated with a cold.
The best way to use eucalyptus to treat the symptoms of a cold is by inhaling the vapours of the pure essential oil, this can be done in a number of ways.
Firstly we recommend adding 2–3 drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of very hot water (straight from a kettle is good), cover both your head and the bowl with a towel and inhale the warm vapours for approximately 10 minutes 2 or 3 times a day.
Alternatively, you can inhale the vapours directly from the oil by applying a few drops off a handkerchief that can be sniffed throughout the day. Or at night slip a handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of eucalyptus inside your pillowcase, which will slowly release the vapours whilst you sleep.
However, there is also a growing body of anecdotal evidence championing the use of eucalyptus oil on the soles of your feet to help to clear your sinuses and combat the other symptoms of congestion.
The theory behind this is linked to the practice of reflexology. Reflexology is based on the application of pressure to different areas of your hands and feet to treat problems with certain corresponding parts of your body.
The area around the balls of your feet, especially the base of your three middle toes is said to have an impact upon your sinuses and so the practice of massaging eucalyptus oil onto your feet (especially those areas) seems to make sense if you follow the theory of reflexology.
Regardless of the true link between feet and sinuses, many people say that it works, so next time you have a stubborn cough that just won’t go or are feeling all bunged up and miserable, try mixing 2 drops of our eucalyptus oil into a spoonful of olive oil and massage into the soles of your feet.
At the very least the soothing effect of the massage and the fragrance of the eucalyptus is going to make you feel better!
CAUTION: Eucalyptus Oil should never be used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or on children. It should also never be applied neat to the skin or ingested.
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