Does Eucalyptus Essential Oil Help in Recovery From a Viral Infection?

Growing up as I did, in the 1960's and '70's, it was common for the smell of Vicks to be a constant aroma as part of our bedtime routine in the winter. If you had a cold, then Vicks was smeared on your chest, to aid a good night's sleep, and enabled you to breathe easier. Whether or not there was any research to say that it did any good or not didn't matter, the old wives tales, or granny, said it was good for us, and so it was used, whether or not we liked the smell. I recall that it felt warm on your chest, underneath a winceyette nightie, (I loved those nighties, where you could tuck your feet up inside them, and wrap the end of the nightie over your feet.) but the fumes were enough to make your eyes water.

Research now tells us that maybe there was some science behind the granny's insistence. Eucalyptus oil, which is an active ingredient in Vicks, alongside Camphor which according to Wikipedia is now a synthetic version, has proven properties at dealing with virus' as this article shows.

"Owing to their lipophilic nature, EOs are advocated to penetrate viral membranes easily leading to membrane disruption. Moreover, EOs contain multiple active phytochemicals that can act synergistically on multiple stages of viral replication and also induce positive effects on host respiratory system including bronchodilation and mucus lysis."

What this means is that certain essential oils (EOs) can breakdown the wall of a virus, and that they can work on stopping the virus replicating itself, whilst having a positive effect on the tubes in the breathing apparatus, the trachea, bronchus, bronchioles and lungs and the breakdown of mucus.

Like most non-money making products for the pharmaceutical companies, eucalyptus oil hasn't been given any media coverage as a way to help yourself, should you catch a virus, of any description, but I leave it with you, if you are looking for ways to help you deal with seasonal virus', that eucalyptus essential oil might be handy to have in your toolkit.

Coincidentally Vicks was originally developed as an ointment for arthritis gout and neuralgia, and in recommending it to people for this purpose, they received feedback that it was clearing people's sinus' too. It is recognised in the field of aromatherapy as being an EO that is useful in cases of rheumatic pain.

Eucalyptus Propertiespng

CANCELLATION POLICY

Due to the nature of my business, I endeavor to be able to offer an appointment within 48 hours of initial contact. This means that I require notification of any appointment needing to be cancelled to be done with at least 24 hours notice. Failing to give 24 hours notice will be met with a request for payment in full, to cover the appointment .Any further appointments may need to be secured with pre-payment made via bacs transfer. I regret having to bring in this policy, but the number of late cancellations, and'or no shows recently, has meant that people are made to wait for an appointment longer than is necessary.