Eucalyptus is the healing ingredient in Vicks Vapor Rub. When rubbed on the back and chest of a person with a cold it breaks up the mucus in the chest so the person can cough up and get rid of the mucus. This rub has been used for centuries long before Vicks, as an expectorant and a decongestant.
This versatile herb can be used both externally and internally.
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<b>Internal Uses</b>
The leaves of the plant make a great tasting tea that can be used as a diuretic. It has also been used on tumors to help shrink them. The oil is almost always used externally but on rare occasion has been used internally in very small amounts to help with respiratory problems, bronchial disease and of course nasal congestion.
<b>External Uses</b>
Beside being rubbed on the chest and back to break up congestion it is also great for inhalation methods. Just taking a teaspoon of vapor rub and putting it in a cup of boiling water and then sit and breath in those vapors will do wonders for a cold or respiratory problems.
Vapor rub has been used on sprains, bruises, as well as muscle aches and pains.
That same smell that works wonders on humans is offensive to insects and bugs. Mix a little eucalyptus oil with water and place in a spray bottle on a nice summer night and enjoy the evening bug free. Just spray a little of the mixture in the air every once in a while. If you have a summer cold you get a double benefit.
Eucalyptus oil is a good antiseptic and is used to treat the gum disease pyorrhea. It can work wonders on burns and placing a very small drop on the tongue can eliminate nausea. A few sniffs of eucalyptus oil will revive someone who has fainted while taking a few drops mixing it with cinnamon will calm the flu symptoms.
It should come as no surprise that eucalyptus is used extensively in aroma therapy, when mixed with other herbs and oils it becomes extremely beneficial. It blends great with lavender, Juniper and Majoram. Some of the uses are improving a persons mental clarity and sharpness, alleviating mental fatigue, quickening the senses while it refreshes, revives and energizes.
If you have ever put Vicks Vapor Rub on your body then you already know what a cool feeling it gives your body. This cool touch goes a long way to relieve stress, sore muscles and pain. Sometimes just sitting back and enjoying the smell of Eucalyptus can refresh a weary body.
