Eucalyptus and attacks

I was watching Season One Of Lost Last Night and One Of the Characters Was having an attack(as we asthmatics do sometimes!) and The Korean Woman Rubbed Eucalyptus on Her chest and It stopped Her wheezing. Was Just Wondering-Does this actually work or is it just a myth?

Cheers!!

Vicky

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I've read that eucalyptus is supposed to have beneficial effects in asthma, though I'm not convinced of it's usefulness in attacks ... maybe more preventative than anything else. You can add eucalyptus essential oil to the bath, which, even if it doesn't sort out your asthma, smells nice at least :o) I've never noticed any major effect myself, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth you trying it.

Becky.

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I find eucalyptus moderately useful for sinusitis, in combination with the more conventional meds - it does seem to relieve the blocked sensation somewhat. There was a time when I would put Olbas oil liberally all over my pillow, until my husband complained!

I've never noticed any benefit for my asthma, though. If anything, when my lungs are especially twitchy, eucalyptus, as with any strong smell, will often make things worse.

I guess it's a case of one man's meat is another man's poison...

Em H

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Eucalyptus has been long-known for it's decongestant properties, and does thin and disperse mucus - hence how it can be useful for sinisitus too. So yes, it does help asthma (according to herbalism, homeopathy etc) but, as already mentioned, sometimes strong smells can trigger an attack. If it doesn't trigger an attack or exacerbate your asthma, it can help alot!

Never massage directly onto the chest with it being neat though: always dilute it with a carrier oil such as sweet almond. It can also be inhaled off of a pillow or tissue, which can be done neat.

However, if you are worried, consult a doctor or herbalist before you go ahead with it, although eucalyptus is considered one of the more ""safe"" herbs to be using!

Emz x

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cheers-wasn't sure and my dad suggested it to me to see if it helps!

Thank you!