5 Eucalyptus Remedies to Relieve Respiratory Problems

Known for its expectorant properties, eucalyptus can be of great help in fighting respiratory problems since its compounds act quickly.

Written and verified by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 20 May, 2022

Thanks to its various effects, eucalyptus has become one of the most widely used remedies to fight respiratory problems. Today, we’ll talk about five eucalyptus remedies that may help relieve problems in your nasal passages.

What is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus is a tree with a characteristic strong smell and smooth texture. This plant is used as a medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. People commonly use eucalyptus leaves to fight respiratory problems such as asthma and the flu.

You can find it in teas and oils in stores and supermarkets. You can also consume it through its flowers. This is the most recommended option because it’s completely natural and contains no artificial products.

However, it’s important to note that eucalyptus oil should be consumed carefully because it can be counterproductive. Depending on the amount, it may become toxic.

The Benefits of Eucalyptus

This plant has many benefits. This is why it’s used to fight respiratory diseases and many others, such as:

• Rheumatism: Dissolving eucalyptus in a tub of water is the most common way to relieve the pain caused by rheumatism. You should stay in the tub for at least 20 minutes to see results.
• Diabetes: Its leaf infusions lower blood sugar levels.
• Infections and respiratory problems: This plant’s components absorb bacteria. However, to eliminate them, you should drink eucalyptus tea for a whole week. If you have an acute infection, it’s advisable to go see a specialist to find out the risk factors before consuming eucalyptus.
• Also, people use it to treat conditions such as bronchitis, flu, colds, nasal congestion, among others.
• Dry hair: To use it to treat your dry hair, mix dissolved eucalyptus with the shampoo or conditioner you regularly use. This will moisturize your hair and make it really soft.

5 Eucalyptus Remedies for Respiratory Problems

1. Eucalyptus tea

People make this tea directly with its leaves. You should try to use dried leaves, as this ensures that the properties infuse properly in the water.

If you have fresh leaves, leave them out in the sun for a few hours during the day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of eucalyptus leaves (100 g)
• 4 cups of water (1 liter)

What to do

• Heat the water. When it boils, add the eucalyptus leaves.
• Let infuse for a few minutes before straining and serving.
• We recommend drinking no more than 4 cups of tea a day.

2. Eucalyptus gargles

These gargles can relieve nasal congestions and colds.

So you don’t harm your throat, you should only gargle once in the morning and once at night.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus leaves (30 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

What to do

• Add the leaves to the cup of water and put them to boil.
• Then, turn off the heat and let stand until it’s at room temperature.
• Pour some of the mixture into a container and gargle for 20 minutes.

3. Eucalyptus inhalations

This is one of the most common eucalyptus remedies.

You can inhale eucalyptus twice a day. However, make sure to be really careful when doing it. Its powerful smell decongests the breathing tract. You’ll see results in just a few inhalations.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus leaves (30 g)
• ½ a cup of water (125 ml)

What to do

• Infuse the eucalyptus leaves in water until the water turns brown.
• Pour the mixture into a medium-sized container.
• Come close to it so until you can feel the steam on your face and inhale. You can cover your head with a towel to enhance the effectiveness.

4. Eucalyptus bath

You may wonder how a eucalyptus bath helps to decongest the breathing tract These baths are useful because the pores absorb the steam and help expel phlegm.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of dried eucalyptus leaves (100 g)
• 4 cups of water (1 liter)

What to do

• Boil the water with the eucalyptus leaves for a few minutes.
• Pour the infusion into the tub and wait until it cools down enough.
• Take a soothing 30-minute bath in the eucalyptus water.
• Then, take a second bath with running water.

5. Eucalyptus drops

We recommend eucalyptus drops if you need immediate relief. You can make them and store them in the refrigerator so you can have this remedy on hand whenever you need it.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of eucalyptus leaves (45 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

What to do

• Crush the leaves, add them to the water, and infuse for about 5 minutes.
• Then, remove from heat and let stand for about 20 minutes.
• Absorb the liquid with a dropper and pour it into a small bottle.

You have to attack respiratory problems as soon as possible. Eucalyptus remedies are perfect to do so. Although it’s advisable to go see a specialist, this natural plant may alleviate your discomfort.