Have bronchitis, a stuffy nose, or a cough that won’t go away? Remedy the situation with a eucalyptus steam.
Eucalyptus is often used in spa steam rooms to disinfect the air, but you can easily bring this treatment home. Its decongestant, expectorant, antiviral, and antibiotic properties will help speed your recovery.
How do you do it? Simply turn your shower on for a few minutes before stepping in, so that it’s nice and steamy. Then add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil (available at natural food markets) to the floor of the shower. You can try Eucalyptus Globulus, which is more common, but Eucalyptus Radiata is also a nice essential oil to try, especially for children. Both are readily available from Amazon or your natural grocery store.
Another option is to simply place a few drops of eucalyptus into a pot of just-boiled water, drape a large towel over the pot and your head to create a canopy, and then breathe in the steam.
Tip: If your floor isn’t made of ceramic, try placing the eucalyptus drops on a washcloth first, then place it on the floor. (Essential oils might affect plastic. You can also test an inconspicuous area first.)
Caution: If you’re doing the eucalyptus steam using a pot, be sure to place it far enough away so it won’t be accidentally knocked over or touch your skin. Always monitor children closely.
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