Using Eucalyptus Oil to Treat a Head Cold

Getting a head cold is not fun. Having a running nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes can make you quite miserable. Not to mention blowing your nose frequently can cause the skin around the nose to become irritated and inflamed as well. While your body works to fight the infection there are a number of natural remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms and bring relief.

One of the more popular choices for a head cold remedy is eucalyptus. Eucalyptus comes in a variety of forms including oil, salves, gels, lotions and creams. Eucalyptus oil can be added to small pot of water and boiled until steam starts to rise. The warm steam should be inhaled and will bring relive to block air passages. The inhaled Eucalyptus steam also works as a decongestant. Eucalyptus oil can also be added to a warm steam humidifier for similar effects. Eucalyptus oil contains antibacterial agents and will kill bacteria related to the cold.

Eucalyptus oil can be used to make your own creams and lotions without having to purchase multiple products. Use an unscented cream or lotion, then add between ten to twenty drops of eucalyptus oil and mix well. The eucalyptus cream or lotion can now be applied externally to the body to relieve your head cold.

Dap a small amount around the nose and rub in gently. Allow the skin to absorb the lotion or cream. The eucalyptus oil in the cream or lotion will help relieve nasal and sinus pressure and congestion.  Never put eucalyptus oil directly onto the skin. It should always be mixed into a cream or lotion. Pure eucalyptus oil when put directly onto the skin can cause a skin irritation as well as make the skin burn. Eucalyptus lotions or crèmes should never be applied inside the nasal passages.

These products can also be rubbed on the chest to help loosen congestion in the chest. Not only do they work as a decongestant but also as an expectorant. Eucalyptus lotions or creams can also be rubbed on the back and neck to help with soreness associated with coughing.