Eucalyptus for cough in bronchitis

Eucalyptus is a rather rare evergreen plant in Ukraine, which can be found only near the southern coast of Crimea. However, even small children know about it, because the extract of the leaves of this bush and the essential oil of eucalyptus are considered a generally recognized medicine for colds, including bronchitis.

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Pharmacodynamics

Eucalyptus has many useful properties for bronchitis. It effectively relieves inflammation, fights microbes and viruses, relieves pain, has an expectorant effect, protects the bronchi from irritation, reduces the amount of inflammatory exudate (regulates the amount of sputum secreted), strengthens the immune system.

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Dosing and administration

For the treatment of cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, eucalyptus infusion is recommended, or as it is also called eucalyptus tea, which is prepared from dry raw materials, prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy (the drug "Eucalyptus rod-shaped leaves").

2.5 tablespoons of crushed leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for a quarter of an hour. The prepared composition should be drunk little by little throughout the day.

There are also other options for the infusion:

• 1 tbsp. of dry leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water and kept in a thermos for about an hour. Take the composition 1 tsp. three times a day.
• 1 tbsp of dry raw material is steamed with 0.5 l of boiling water and infused in a warm place for about 2 hours. The medicine should be taken up to 4 times a day, a quarter of a glass.

For any colds, including bronchitis, baths and saunas with essential oil and eucalyptus branches will be useful. 5-6 drops of essential oil, which can be pre-diluted in 1 cup of milk, are enough for a bath.

Small children can be placed in such a bath with their feet, after which they are put on warm socks and put to bed.

In the bathhouse, the branches of the plant are used, adding a couple of such branches to an oak broom. This procedure helps in the fight against chronic cough and bronchitis. It is excellent for bronchitis in heavy smokers.

But it is important to remember that such thermal procedures can only be carried out at normal body temperature.

Eucalyptus essential oil can also be used to rub the chest and back when coughing. Such warming procedures help to remove phlegm more easily.

Eucalyptus is also used for inhalations in the form of essential oil or decoction. The decoction is prepared from 2 tablespoons of plant material and 1 liter of water. The finished decoction is cooled to a temperature of about 80 degrees and inhaled over it. Such inhalations soothe cough and make breathing easier. They can be done for both adults and children.

For inhalations with eucalyptus essential oil, use hot water and 2-3 drops of essential oil.

There is also such an interesting way to treat cough as inhalation in a bath with a eucalyptus broom and decoction. The broom soaked in the composition is held close to the face and the healing aroma is inhaled with full chest. Reviews of this treatment for cough and bronchitis are very good.

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Use eucalyptus during pregnancy

Pregnant women are not prohibited from using products containing eucalyptus, but they should only be used after consulting a doctor.

Contraindications

Let's start with the fact that eucalyptus treatment can be prescribed to patients over 1 year old. And in the period from 1 year to 3 years, any treatment procedures should be carried out with special care, monitoring any changes in the child's well-being.

Oral eucalyptus-based products have some irritating effect on the mucous membrane, so they are not recommended for use by people with gastrointestinal, liver and gallbladder pathologies in the acute stage.

You should be especially careful with essential oils. Eucalyptus oil can cause intolerance reactions, so it is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity. Those with liver problems should not take risks either.

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Side effects eucalyptus

Side effects are usually associated with the use of essential oil for a long time and in large quantities. Such carelessness can cause nausea, vomiting, bowel disturbances and even bronchospasm. Allergic reactions can also be quite severe (for example, angioedema is possible).

It is especially important to monitor your condition during inhalations, which we will discuss below.

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Storage conditions

The leaves of this evergreen plant can be harvested all year round, but the raw material is considered most useful in the autumn period. In order not to damage the leaves, rich in essential oils, they are harvested together with the shoots, tying them into bundles and hanging them. When the leaves dry, the branches are removed, and the leaves are stored closed in a glass container.

It is not advisable to dry eucalyptus in a dryer, unless the air temperature in it is below 35 degrees. The finished raw material retains its properties for 2 years.

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