Millions of people suffer from allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Everyday exposures to pollens, dust mites and pet dander, in addition to foods, chemicals and rubber latex, among others, can cause allergies. Symptoms range from sinus congestion to hives and even asthma, which can cause wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Eucalyptus oil may help you control your allergies. As with all natural remedies, however, consult your doctor before using eucalyptus oil.
History
Native to Australia and Tasmania, eucalyptus is a tall evergreen tree. Eucalyptus oil, which is distilled from the fresh leaves and branch tops of the tree, has traditionally been used in Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections.
During the 19th century, hospitals in England used eucalyptus oil to clean urinary catheters before discovering that it had strong antibacterial properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Clinic, or UMMC. Laboratory studies later discovered that eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant, which means it helps loosens phlegm in the respiratory passages. It also prevents infection, reports UMMC, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Forms
Eucalyptus oil can help control allergies in various forms. If your symptoms include coughs, sore throat or sinus congestion, you can buy over-the-counter lozenges, cough syrups, rubs and vapor baths that include eucalyptus oil as a key ingredient. Tincture with 5 to 10 eucalyptus oil may also help, according to Medline Plus, or you can place a few drops into a vaporizer and use it as an inhalant to help loosen phlegm.
Potential
Eucalyptus oil can also kill dust mites, a common household allergen, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science. Wash bedding and washable toys with four parts eucalyptus oil added to one part of commercial liquid dish washing detergent or add 15 to 20 drops eucalyptus oil to 1 quart distilled water in a spray bottle; spray your mattress, pillow and curtains and leave for two hours.
Dosage
Children should not ingest eucalyptus oil, warns UMMC, and only children older than 6 should take eucalyptus cough drops. Adults can place one to two drops per 1 cup boiling water daily, or add 15 to 30 drops of oil to 1.2 cup carrier oil, such as olive or almond for topical application. You can also add five to 10 drops oil to 2 cups boiling water, place a towel over your head and inhale the steam.
Warning
Eucalyptus oil may interact with other medications, herbs and supplements, so consult your health care provider before using it to treat allergy symptoms. Additionally, reports UMMC, eucalyptus oil may trigger asthma attacks, so people with asthma should talk to a doctor before using it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use eucalyptus oil, either. When taken internally, eucalyptus oil is toxic and must be diluted, warns UMMC.
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