Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash

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To me, eucalyptus oil is one of the best essential oils you’ll ever find. It has so many uses.

If you don’t want a little bottle of this, I suggest using the plant leaves that are sold in a bunch. You can get them dried or fresh, and you can shower with them!

The compound that does the work in eucalyptus is called 1,8-cineole, and it breaks up mucus and reduces spasms in the respiratory tract. This compound has proven clinical efficacy for many diseases, including bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Did you know eucalyptus oil is one of the main ingredients in Vicks® VapoRub? That over-the-counter product also contains a lot of camphor, and it’s good for cough and muscle/joint pain, too. There are many other topical products sold online today that contain similar active ingredients.

As for the beautiful plant itself, you can buy a bundle easily from a florist or grocery store flower department. I received a eucalyptus bouquet from a friend with the suggestion that I hang it in my shower. The hot steam from the shower helps activate and release eucalyptus oil compounds, especially the helpful 1,8-cineole.

If this is too strong for you, or you find it unpleasant, you can still get the benefits of this breathing compound by putting 5 or 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a large bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and bend over the bowl to breathe in the aroma for about 10 minutes.

Or you can add 10 to 20 drops into a tub bath, or use a carrier oil like coconut oil to rub some directly on your skin.

Many helpful properties

The health benefits of 1,8-cineol found in eucalyptus may:

• Relieve chest tightness and congestion
• Promote feelings of relaxation
• Ease breathing
• Reduce sinus inflammation
• Help a stuffy nose
• Help with allergies
• Improve symptoms of asthma and bronchitis
• Reduce anxiety and tension

Aside from the respiratory benefits that are well documented, 1,8-cineol has been shown to help relieve pain in people who underwent knee surgery.

It also can help with sinus headaches and possibly even certain forms of heart disease and skin cancer. These unusual benefits speak to the power of the plant, and even though we need more studies and data, it’s still good news.

One fun fact about eucalyptus is that it’s a natural bug repellant! Bees and butterflies don’t like it. Luckily, the flowers don’t have actual petals, but rather hundreds of stamens so it can self-pollinate without the need for natural bug pollinators.

Incorporating eucalyptus is easy. It can be found in many products, including herbal teas, decongestants, cough suppressants, mouthwash and dental formulas, skin care products, natural candles, infused Epsom bath salts and muscle rubs.

If you make changes to your daily health regimen, always ask your doctor if it’s right for you. To read a longer version of this article, sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.