Eucalyptus

The Australian aborigines have used eucalyptus for
hundreds of years as a remedy for fever, wounds,
coughs, asthma, and joint pain. Australian settlers
named the eucalyptus the fever tree because of its disease-
fighting properties. Baron Ferdinand von Miller, a
German botanist and explorer, was responsible for making
the properties of eucalyptus known to the world in
the mid-1800s. Likening eucalyptus’ scent to that of cajaput
oil (a disinfectant), von Miller suggested that eucalyptus
might also be used as a disinfectant in fever districts.
Seeds of the tree were sent to Algiers, France and
planted. The trees thrived and, because of the drying action
of the roots, turned one of the marshiest areas of Algiers
into a dry and healthy environment, thereby driving
away malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Eucalyptus trees
were then planted in temperate areas around the world to
prevent malaria. As a result, eucalyptus trees are now
cultivated in China, India, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, South
and North Africa, Algeria, South America, and in the
southern portion of the United States.
Commercial production of eucalyptus began in Victoria,
Australia in 1860. The nineteenth century eclectic
doctors adopted eucalyptus as a treatment for fevers,
laryngitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping
cough, gonorrhea, ulcers, gangrenous tissue, edema,
and gastrointestinal disturbances. European doctors used
eucalyptus oil to sterilize their surgical and medical
equipment. Eucalyptus leaves were often made into cigars
or cigarettes and smoked to relieve asthma and
bronchial congestion.
Modern medicines around the world have included
eucalyptus in their practices. Indian ayurvedics use eucalyptus
to treat headaches resulting from colds. Eucalyptus
is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia as an expectorant
and in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a skin irritant
used in nerve pain. In France, eucalyptus leaves are applied
topically to relieve congestion from colds and to
treat acute bronchial disease. A standardized eucalyptus
tea is licensed in Germany to treat bronchitis and throat
inflammations. Eucalyptus is also an ingredient in German
herbal cough preparations. The German Commission
E has approved the internal use of eucalyptus to
treat congestion of the respiratory tract, and the external
use to treat rheumatic complaints. In the United States,
eucalyptus is a component of many decongestant and expectorating
cough and cold remedies, such as cough
drops, cough syrups, and vapor baths. Eucalyptus is
often used in veterinary medicine. It is used to treat horses
with flu, dogs with distemper, and to treat parasitic
skin conditions.






GENERAL USE


Eucalyptus is most popular for its ability to clear
congestion due to colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinusitis.
The tannins found in eucalyptus have astringent
properties that reduce mucous membrane inflammation
of the upper respiratory tract. Eucalyptol, the chemical
component of the oil, works to loosen phlegm. Cough
drops containing eucalyptus promote saliva production,
which increases swallowing and lessens the coughing
impulse. Earaches can also be treated with eucalyptus.
When inhaled, the eucalyptus fumes open the eustachian
tubes, draining fluids and relieving pressure. Eucalyptus
enhances breathing, which makes it an effective
remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, whooping
cough, and colds.
Eucalyptus is a component of many topical arthritis
creams and analgesic ointments. When applied to the skin,
eucalyptus stimulates blood flow and creates a warm feeling
to the area, relieving pain in muscles and joints
The oil extracted from the eucalyptus leaf has powerful
antiseptic, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties. It is especially
effective in killing several strains of Staphylococcus
bacteria. A mixture of 2% eucalyptus oil evaporated in
an aroma lamp has been shown to destroy 70% of the
Staphylococcus bacteria in the affected room. When the oil
is applied to cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds, it inhibits
infections and viruses. A 2002 report out of Australia
made researchers around the world take note when two
cases of patients with staph infections resistant to traditional
antibiotic therapy responded to a mixture of eucalyptus leaf
oil abstract. The Australian researchers recommended formal
clinical trials to test the therapy, based on an ancient
aboriginal remedy. Eucalyptus also fights plaque-forming
bacteria and is used to treat gum disease and gingivitis.
In large doses, the oil can be a kidney irritant and
can induce excretion of bodily fluids and waste products.
Eucalyptus oil added to water may be gargled to relieve
sore throat pain or used as a mouthwash to heal mouth
sores or gum disorders. Consequently, eucalyptus is an
ingredient in many commercial mouthwashes.
Eucalyptus’ pain-relieving properties make it a good
remedy for muscle tension. One study showed that a
mixture of eucalyptus, peppermint, and ethanol oils successfully
relieved headache-related muscle tension.
Eucalyptus may lower blood sugar levels. Placing a
drop of the oil on the tongue may reduce nausea. The oil
has also been used to kill dust mites and fleas.
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most well-known fragrances
in aromatherapy. Two species of eucalyptus are
used in aromatherapy oils: E. globulus and E. citriodora.
The essential oil of eucalyptus is used to relieve cramps,
cleanse the blood, heal wounds, disinfect the air, and to
treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, throat and
sinus infections, fevers, kidney infections, rheumatism,
bladder infections, and sore muscles.
The essential oil can be diluted and added to a massage
oil to ease aching muscles. The oil can be added to
hot water and inhaled to reduce nasal congestion. It can
also be diffused in the room of a sick patient to disinfect
the air.
Some believe that inhaling the diffused oil can enhance
concentration and thought processes. Studies have
shown that inhalation of the cineole compound of eucalyptus
stimulates coordination and motor activities in
mice. Eucalyptus oil may also uplift the spirit during
times of emotional overload or general sluggishness.
Applying a diluted oil to the skin instead of inhaling
it increases the rate of absorption into the blood. Often
the speed with which it is absorbed is so fast, the odor
can be detected on the breath within minutes
The oil is also an effective febrifuge, and a cold
compress with eucalyptus oil added to it has a cooling
effect that is useful in helping to reduce a fever. The essential
oil of eucalyptus is also used to treat wounds, herpes
simplex virus, skin ulcers, and acne. Combined with
water, the oil makes an effective insect repellant. Because
of its skin-moistening properties, the oil is often an
ingredient in dandruff shampoo.
Eucalyptus oil may be combined with other oils that
have similar properties, such as niaouli, pine, Swiss pine,
hyssop, and thyme oils. It also mixes well with lemon,
verbena, balm, and lavender oils.





PREPARATIONS

Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment,
essential oil, or lozenge. Many health food stores
carry fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf in bulk. Eucalyptus
can be ingested through the use of teas or tincture preparations,
inhaled, or applied externally.
Eucalyptus infusion is ingested to treat coughs,
colds, bronchitis, congestion, and throat infections. To
create an infusion, 1 cup of boiling water is poured over
1-2 teaspoons of crushed eucalyptus leaves. The mixture
is covered and steeped for 10 minutes and is then
strained. Up to 2 cups can be drunk daily.
Inhaling eucalyptus vapors is beneficial for sinus
and bronchial congestion that occurs with bronchitis,
whooping cough, colds, asthma, influenza, and other
respiratory illnesses. A drop of eucalyptus oil or two to
three fresh or dried leaves are added to a pan of boiling
water or to a commercial vaporizer. The pan is removed
from the heat, a towel is placed over the pan and the patient’s
head, and the patient inhales the rising steam. Patients
should close their eyes when inhaling the steam to
protect them from eucalyptus’ strong fumes.
For healing wounds and preventing infection, the
wound is washed and then diluted eucalyptus oil or
crushed eucalyptus leaves are applied to the affected area.
For relief of muscle aches or arthritis pain, several
drops of the diluted oil are rubbed onto the affected area,
or a few drops of diluted oil are added to bath water for a
healing bath. Adding eucalyptus leaves wrapped in a
cloth to running bath water is also effective.
For gum disease, a few drops of diluted oil are
placed on a fingertip and massaged into the gums.
Tinctures should contain 5-10% essential oil of eucalyptus.
A person can take 1 ml three times daily.
Ointments should contain 5-20% essential oil of eucalyptus.
The person should use as directed for chapped
hands, joint and muscle pains, and dandruff.



PRECAUTIONS


Children or infants should not be treated with eucalyptus.
Of special note, eucalyptus oil should not be applied
to the facial areas (especially the nose or eyes) of
small children or infants. Pregnant or breast-feeding
women should not use eucalyptus.
People with digestive problems, stomach or intestinal
inflammations, biliary duct disorders, or liver disease
should not take eucalyptus.
Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested.
Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as
one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems,
collapse, suffocation, or death. Eucalyptus oil should
always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed,
or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin.



SIDE EFFECTS



Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur in rare
cases. Applying eucalyptus to the skin may cause a rash
in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus.


INTERACTIONS


Eucalyptus works to detoxify the body. If it is used
simultaneously with other drugs, the effects of those
drugs may be weakened.

Common Colds

Definition


The common cold is a viral infection of the upper
respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, sinuses,
eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial
tubes. Although more than 200 different viruses can
cause a cold, 30–50% are caused by a group known as
rhinoviruses. Almost all colds clear up in less than two
weeks without complications.


Description


Colds, sometimes called rhinovirus or coronavirus
infections, are the most common illness to strike any
part of the body. It is estimated that the average person
has more than 50 colds during a lifetime. Anyone can get
a cold, although preschool and grade school children
catch them more frequently than adolescents and adults.
Repeated exposure to viruses causing colds creates partial
immunity.
Although most colds resolve on their own without
complications, they are a leading cause of visits to the doctor
and of time lost from work and school. Treating symptoms
of the common cold has given rise to a multimillion
dollar industry in over-the-counter medications, yet none of
these medications are actually anti-viral to the rhinovirus.


Cold season in the United States begins in early autumn
and extends through early spring. Although it is not
true that getting wet or being in a draft causes a cold (a
person has to come in contact with the virus to catch a
cold), certain conditions may lead to increased susceptibility.
These include:
• fatigue and overwork
• emotional stress
• poor nutrition
• smoking
• inadequate rest or sleep
• living or working in crowded conditions
Colds make the upper respiratory system less resistant
to secondary bacterial infection. Secondary bacterial
infection may lead to a number of other complications,
including middle ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia,
sinus infection, or strep throat. People with chronic
lung disease, asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune
system are more likely to develop these complications.
Causes & symptoms
Colds are caused by more than 200 different viruses.
The most common groups include rhinoviruses and coronaviruses.
Different groups of viruses are more infectious
at different seasons of the year, but knowing the exact
virus causing the cold is not important in treatment.
People with colds are contagious during the first two
to four days of the onset of symptoms. Colds pass from
person to person in several ways. When an infected person
coughs, sneezes, or speaks, tiny fluid droplets containing
the virus are expelled. If these are breathed in by
other people, the virus may establish itself in their noses
and airways.
Colds may also be passed through direct contact.
For example, if a person with a cold touches his runny
nose or watery eyes, then shakes hands with another person,
some of the virus is transferred to the uninfected
person. If that person then touches his mouth, nose, or
eyes, the virus is transferred to an environment where it
can reproduce and cause a cold.
Finally, cold viruses can be spread through inanimate
objects (door knobs, telephones, toys) that become
contaminated with the virus. This is a common method
of transmission in child care centers. Another vector of
transmission is air travel, due to closed air circulation in
buildings.
Once acquired, the cold virus attaches itself to the
lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. This causes the
infected cells to release a chemical called histamine.


Histamine increases the blood flow to the infected cells,
causing swelling, congestion, and increased mucus production.
Within one to three days, the infected person begins
to show cold symptoms.
The first cold symptoms are usually a tickle in the
throat, runny nose, and sneezing. The initial discharge
from the nose is clear and thin. Later, it may change to a
thick yellow or greenish discharge. Most adults do not
develop a fever when they catch a cold. Young children
may develop a low fever of up to 102°F (38.9°C).
Other symptoms of a cold include coughing, sneezing,
nasal congestion, headache, muscle ache, chills,
sore throat, hoarseness, watery eyes, fatigue, dull hearing
and blocked eustachian tube (a danger when flying),
and lack of appetite. The cough that accompanies a cold
is usually intermittent and dry.
Most people begin to feel better four to five days
after their cold symptoms become noticeable. All symptoms
are generally gone within 10 days, except for a dry
cough that may linger for up to three weeks.
Colds make people more susceptible to secondary
bacterial infections such as strep throat, middle ear infections,
and sinus infections. A person should seek a
doctor’s consultation if the cold does not begin to improve
within a week. If an individual experiences chest
pain, fever for more than a few days, difficulty breathing,
bluish lips or fingernails, a cough that brings up
greenish-yellow or grayish sputum, skin rash, swollen
glands, or whitish spots on the tonsils or throat, then that
person should also consult a doctor to see if they have
acquired a secondary bacterial infection that needs to be
treated with an antibiotic.
People who have emphysema, chronic lung disease,
diabetes, or a weakened immune system—either from
diseases such as AIDS or leukemia, or as the result of
medications, (corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs)—
should consult their doctor if they get a cold. People with
these health problems are more likely to get a secondary
infection.


Treatment


The patient should drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious
foods. In fact, the old adage, “Feed a cold, starve
a fever” was scientifically proven true in 2002. Dutch
scientists found that cold-fighting immune responses
rose after consuming a full meal while fasting increased
those that combat most fevers. Chicken soup with ginger,
scallions, and rice noodles is nutritious and has
properties that help the patient to recover. Rest, to allow
the body to fight infection, is very important. Gargling
with saltwater (half teaspoon salt in one cup of water)
helps to soothe a sore throat. A vaporizer also will make
the patient feel more comfortable. Rubbing petroleum
jelly or some other lubricant under the nose will prevent
irritation from frequent nose blowing. For babies, nasal
mucus should be suctioned gently with an infant nasal
aspirator. It may be necessary to soften the mucus first
with a few drops of salt water.
Herbals
Herbals can be taken to stimulate the immune system,
for antiviral activity, and to relieve symptoms. The
following herbs are used to treat colds:
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces fever and pain, has
a sedative effect, settles the stomach, and suppresses
cough.
• Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) fruit can be taken as a
tea for its anti-inflammatory, fever reducing, and antimicrobial
properties.

• Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flower can be taken
as a tea for its anti-inflammatory, fever reducing, and
antimicrobial properties.
• Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) can be added to tea to
expel phlegm, induce sweating, ease nausea, and ease
stomach gas.
• Slippery elm powdered bark (Ulmus fulva) can be
taken as a tea or slurry or capsules to soothe sore
throat, to ease cough, and to thin mucous.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia) relieved
cold symptoms in clinical studies. The usual
dosage is 500 mg of crude powdered root or plant
thrice on the first day, then 250 mg four times daily
thereafter. This may also be taken as a tincture.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has fever reducing,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive properties.
The usual dose is 125 mg three to four times daily.
Goldenseal should not be taken for more than one week.
Goldenseal may also be prepared as a tincture.
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) boosts the immune
system and improves the body’s response to
stress. The common dose is 250 mg of extract four
times daily.
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) modulates and boosts
the immune system and improves respiration. The
usual dose is 500 mg two to three times daily.
• Elder (Sambucus) has antiviral activity, increases
sweating, decreases inflammation, and decreases nasal
discharge. The usual dose is 500 mg of extract thrice
daily.
• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has antihistamine and
anti-inflammatory properties. The common dose is 300
mg four times daily.
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) helps the body fight
disease and increases endurance.
• Grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract has antihistamine
and anti-inflammatory properties. The usual dose is 50
mg three times daily.
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) or peppermint
(Mentha piperita) essential oils added to a steam vaporizer
may help clear chest and nasal congestion and
disinfect room air.
• Boneset infusion (Eupatroium perfoliatum) relieves
aches and fever.
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a diaphoretic.
• Supplemental larch from the inner bark of the western
larch tree has been shown in some clinical trials to fight
persistent colds and ear aches.