Inhalation with eucalyptus leaves at home will help get rid of a cold, cough, bronchitis, ARVI and other diseases. But in order for it to really work, it is worth considering a few rules.


Inhalation with eucalyptus at home: methods and rules

How useful eucalyptus is has been known since ancient times. Even then, they noticed that simply inhaling the smell of the leaves relieves nasal congestion, soothes sore throat. The treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract and the common cold is still considered one of the main properties of the plant. Only other methods are used - for example, inhalation. Although she has several methods: steam and using a nebulizer. Which one is more effective, and what you need to consider when choosing a method - in our review.


Why inhalation with eucalyptus is useful

The properties of this plant have long been used not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine for treatment and prevention.


  • It helps to get rid of harmful bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, dysentery bacillus).
  • It is an antiseptic.
  • Cleans the nasal passages with a cold.
  • Relieves swelling of the mucous membrane, improves its microflora.
  • Acts as an expectorant.
  • Reduces fever , pain.
  • Strengthens the immune system.


Inhalation with a plant is used for the following pathologies:

  • ARVI ;
  • bronchitis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • pharyngitis;
  • pneumonia;
  • tracheitis;
  • sinusitis;
  • laryngitis;
  • runny nose at the initial stage;
  • cough.

Contraindications

  1. Individual intolerance to eucalyptus
  2. Temperature above 37.5
  3. Heart or respiratory failure
  4. High blood pressure
  5. Epilepsy
  6. Age up to 6 years (can only be used according to doctor's instructions)


1. Can I use during pregnancy

The plant is not contraindicated for pregnant women if they do not have a tendency to be allergic to it. Howeverit is better to shorten the duration of the procedure in order to avoid overheating (no longer than 5 minutes), and after it it is worth lying quietly for a couple of hours and eating nothing.

Inhalation options

Using a nebulizer

It is considered the most effective and convenient among the various types of inhalers . The medicine, in the form of very small particles, goes deep into the respiratory tract, accelerating the treatment.


2. Steam

If there is no nebulizer, no big deal. The procedures can be carried out using the old grandmother's method. This requires a deep container (bowl, saucepan) and a towel. For treatment, you just need to breathe over the steam from the water to which the eucalyptus is added.

This type is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, rhinitis.


In what form can eucalyptus be used

1. Leaves
You can buy shredded dried leaves or filter bags, which are very convenient to brew without the need for straining. A decoction is made from the leaves.

2. Tincture
It is a dark green liquid with a strong odor. The tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy or made by yourself at home. The main thing is to observe the right proportions of the ingredients.

3. Essential oil
It is considered the most effective, but remember that eucalyptus oil for inhalation through a nebulizer cannot be used. It is worth using other types of inhalers or a steam procedure.


How to brew eucalyptus leaves for inhalation

The decoction method is simple:

  1. Take 3 tbsp. tablespoons of chopped leaves, Pour 2 cups of water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Be sure to let it cool - it is impossible to carry out the procedure with hot liquid, you can burn the mucous membranes.

How to make a tincture

Take 50 g of finely chopped leaves and a bottle of alcohol (70%), mix, pour into a dark glass bottle and remove to infuse for 2 weeks. Then strain and you can use.

How to use eucalyptus for a child

First of all, it is important to consider that children under 6 years of age need to be inhaled with this plant with caution and only after consulting a doctor. Until 2 years old, you definitely cannot do them.

The session should be started some time after a meal in order to avoid the gag reflex.

The child must be supervised, no matter what method is used.

The procedure time should be no more than 5 minutes, and for very young children - no more than 2 minutes. Can be repeated 1-2 times a day. Make sure that the water temperature is not higher than 40 degrees.If the child does not tolerate hot steam, use a cold inhalation(put a few drops of oil on a handkerchief and apply to the child's nose). Also, hot children should not be done with a severe cold , the procedure is contraindicated for fever, otitis media.

Inhalation with eucalyptus oil at home


The procedure using oils is considered to be more effective, since together with the steam, volatile substances rise faster and enter the respiratory tract. It is worth remembering that they also evaporate quickly, so it makes no sense to breathe for a long time. Also remember that oil cannot be added to the nebulizer.

You can carry out 2 types of inhalations:

  1. hot - for this take 1 liter of hot (but not too much) water, pour it into a deep container, add 2 to 5 drops of oil. You can simply bend over the container, you can cover yourself with a sheet or towel. You need to breathe for 10-15 minutes.
  2. cold - drops on a handkerchief 1 drop and inhale deeply for several minutes.

It is recommended to do no more than 3-4 procedures per day.

Important rules for inhalation

  1. They are carried out no earlier than an hour after eating.
  2. Before the procedure, you should not drink drugs that accelerate the discharge of sputum and rinse your mouth with antiseptics .
  3. Clothing should not squeeze the neck so that breathing is free.
  4. In case of diseases of the nasopharynx, it is recommended to breathe through the nose, in case of diseases of the respiratory tract, cough - to inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose.
  5. Do not try to inhale too deeply - this can cause dizziness or even vomiting.
  6. The entire procedure should not take longer than 20 minutes. Less is possible - watch your condition.
  7. After rinsing your mouth with warm boiled water.
  8. You can eat and drink 30 minutes after the end.
  9. You should not go outside immediately after graduation, and drafts should also be avoided.
  10. Inhalation is not recommended more than 3 times a day.
  11. If you have a severe cough, do not do it at night - this can provoke nighttime sputum discharge.