Each season brings with it its own set of health issues and autumn and winter are no exception.
Drastic weather fluctuations are difficult for the human body to adjust to and coupled with stress this may lead to illness during the weather transitions. From the hot summer days to leaping cold nights in autumn and winter, we are exposed to the risk of acquiring disease.
Eucalyptus is a genus of over seven hundred species of flowering trees, shrubs or mallee’s in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Along with several other genera in the tribe Eucalypteae, including Corymbia, they are commonly known as eucalypts.
It’s a multifaceted forest scent and the different Eucalyptus oils, as you can see below, have hints of mint, honey, fruit and citrus. The minty aspect comes from terpenes, which are the main constituents of eucalyptus oil. It’s not as strong as peppermint, but eucalyptus certainly is well known for its crispy, cooling, minty aroma that is instantly refreshing!
The body is especially vulnerable to the wind and cold of autumn and dryness can occur causing symptoms like coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, a dry nose, sore throats, shortness of breath, bronchitis, asthma, dry skin, hair and scalp, a dry mouth and cracked lips and hard and dry stools.
Eucalyptus is also a powerful oil for disinfecting wounds, soothing cold sores, eases arthritis & joint pain, post surgery pain killer, calms pre-op nerves, polishes off plaque, freshens breath, suppresses oral herpes, eliminates head lice, keeps bugs away, controls blood sugar.
In autumn we need to stay connected to the natural rhythm of our breathe and with love, let go of any pain, discomfort and/or grief, embracing this energy to let go of that which no longer serves us. Emotionally we may feel depressed, or be stubborn (inability to ‘let go’), feel isolated and negative instead of tranquil, inspired, spontaneous and fresh!
Emotional imbalances include excessive grief and not coping with loss and change, feelings of alienation and prolonged sadness and not letting go.
If we observe and are in harmony with the season, we can see that Nature moves into a period of rest, as leaves shed and we too must be cautious not to overexert. The time for “putting it all out there” – the Summer – has passed. Now is the time to contain ourselves, acting and speaking only when necessary, exerting our will quietly and calmly.
Treating Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies often begin as the season changes and they don’t seem to go away, no matter what we try to do.
Sinus congestion is one a painful symptoms. A long, hot, steamy shower can help to give you some relief; add a few drops of eucalyptus to the base of the shower and let the water vapourize the oil, giving off the feeling and smell of a spa steam room. It will clear your inflamed airways and help you to breathe easier. You can also add a few drops to your chest for all-day relief. Keep a bottle of Eucalyptus essential oil in your shower, put 7 drops in your hand, and rub your hands together briskly and simply inhale from your hands.
Preventing Cold & Flu
No matter where you live, cold and flu season is inevitable, but you can take steps to prevent you and your family from becoming sick.
Eucalyptus Oil is effective for treating a range of respiratory problems including cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, nasal and lung congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis. This is due to it antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties. It will support you if you already have a cold, however if you’re using it regularly, it will work as a preventative, and ward off sickness altogether.
Beating Back to School Germs
As kids bet back to school and into a regular routine, they are exposed to more germs and carry these back into the home. One easy and cost-effective way to keep your house clean during this time of year is to fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to use for cleaning windows, sinks, toilets and everything else in-between.
The vinegar cuts through grease and kills bacteria, yeast, and mold. It smells fresh and clean and is antibacterial and antifungal.
Quick Ideas
Here is the extensive collection of Eucalypts in the All range. Order here.
Lemon Iron Bark for BALANCE | Uplifts, relaxes, balances breathing issues, has powerful antiseptic properties. Relieves tired muscles, aches and pains.
Lemon Scented Gum to REJUVENATE | Invigorates, energises, high antioxidant properties. Inhibits fungi and mould, helps colds with its antiseptic properties.
Gum Gully to PURIFY | Clears the mind, headaches, neuralgia and pain in joints and muscles. A potent decongestant, excellent for the respiratory system.
Eucalyptus Borealis to REJUVENATE | Fresh, reduces tension, effective for coughs, oral care and headaches. Strong decongestant for colds and flu, relieves pain.
Eucalyptus to PURIFY | Clears the head, aids concentration. Assists respiratory, immune, genito-urinary, muscular aches, nerve pain.
Blue Malley for BALANCE | Warms, soothes, clears the mind. Heals respiratory complaints, reduces fevers and congestion. Relieves muscular pain.
Eucalyptus Peppermint to ENERGISE | Clears and energises. Breaks up congestion in the respiratory systems, aids coughs and bronchitis, alleviates tired muscles.
Strawberry Gum to ENERGISE | Energises, steadies, supports colds and coughs with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Eases sore muscles.
Use them individually or blended or place on a tissue or personal inhaler and inhale.
Top 5 uses for Eucalyptus in Autumn and Winter:
- Add to your vaporizer, humidifier or diffuser and keep it running in bedrooms where we tend to get congested during sleep.
- Make a mist to soothe sinuses – add 12 drops to 100ml of water for an easy breathing mist/spritz.
- Add 1-3 drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel and breathe.
- Add 7 drops eucalyptus oil to ¼ cup Epsom salts. Use this in the bath for a quick soak for sore muscles.
- Add to a cream base for a simple and effective chest rub. Here is an easy recipe:
Eucalyptus Chest Rub
Ingredients
1 to 2 drops Eucalyptus
1 drop Eucalytpus Peppermint
1 Tbsp of unscented massage cream or skin care oil of your choice
Directions
Mix oils and cream together in the palm of your hand, and rub on before going to bed.
Eucalyptus is a very versatile essential oil and can be used for everything from diffusing the aroma to open the lungs and breathing to using it combined with bath salts to soothe an achy body during times of illness or stress. It’s awakening too – inhaling eucalyptus can help wake us up when we need to keep going.
Using a Personal Nasal Inhaler
Using a Personal Nasal Inhaler can help you deal with various emotional, mental and physical issues. They are a simple, safe, personal and fun way to use essential oils. Learn more
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