GRANDMA KNOWS BEST

When I was a child, every time I would get sick my grandmother would take a bunch of Eucalyptus leaves, dump them in a pot of water, drape a towel over my head and make me breath the Eucalyptus and steam. Grandma knew best, and it has only taken our modern science 30 years to confirm her wisdom.

Grandma knew that Eucalyptus could kill viruses and bacteria that cause colds.^1-6Grandma knew that Eucalyptus had anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling, cough, congestion and to help make breathing easier during times of colds.^7-16 Grandma even knew that Eucalyptus strengthened the immune system and helped the body fight colds more effectively.¹⁷

We are looking for fancy compounds to fight colds, whereas the best and most powerful treatment is the old-school treatment grandma taught us. Next time you or your family are getting sick, use grandma’s cheap and effective cold treatment. Take a large handful of Eucalyptus leaves, wash them, put in a bowl of steaming water and let sit for 10 minutes over mild heat. Position your face at least 12” above the pot, drape towel over your head, and spend 2-5 minutes inhaling the steam and Eucalyptus oil. Have water at comfortable temperature so heat/steam do not irritate the eyes (especially for children). If the thought of finding Eucalyptus leaves does not appeal to you, fortunately Eucalyptus essential oil is easily found in most health food stores. Put 5-6 drops of the oil (3-4 drops for children over 4 years of age) and use as above. Repeat 3-4 times a day.

If you are purchasing the essential oil, please purchase Eucalyptus radiata instead of Eucalyptus globulus. The radiata subtype is far gentler for inhalation than globulus (the more commonly available type). Eucalyptus is one of the main ingredients in the Wholistic Kids Cough and Congestion essential oil mix, which many families have found to be helpful for cough and congestion.

Cheers to a healthy winter for you all,

Dr. K

References:

1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17972131

2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=16441463

3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3475086/pdf/1472-6882-12-81.pdf

4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19039907

5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29300393

6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6064118/pdf/12906_2018_Article_2291.pdf

7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19039907

8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22978309

9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2720945/