Sunday, October 21, 2012

Ayurvedic Healing: The Healing Power of Eucalyptus Oil

Ayurveda is the world's oldest system of medicine and healing, dating back some 5000 years, yet it's principles continue to be valid and applicable in our modern world, to create holistic and natural healing.

In Ayurveda, essential oils are blended for their therapeutic properties based on each individuals needs and body type. You are born with your own unique individual constitution, called a 'dosha" in ayurvedic terminology.

We like to use specific oils for each of the three different doshas... Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Eucalyptus oil is especially beneficial to kapha types because it is stimulating, pungent, warming, and helps to clear mucous and moisture from the body, a common imbalance for Kapha types.

Yet, it is also beneficial in small amounts for vata and Pita types.

Here are seven of my favorite uses and recommendations for Eucalyptus oil.

1. For nasal congestion: Place 2-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of steaming water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply. Instant relief.

2. Place 10-20 drops in a diffuser or your humidifier in your bedroom or kid's room to reduce congestion and promote clear breathing and a good night's sleep.

3. For a luxurious spa-bath at home add 12 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1/2 cup of dead sea salts and fill tub with hot water. Relax and enjoy!

4. At work or in your home office when you need to think clearly and focus, add 20 drops of oil to a 5 ounce spray bottle and spritz in your work area to clear the air and your head.

5. For chest congestion, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to an ounce of sesame or grapeseed oil and rub on your chest. cover with a towel or cloth. Lay down for 30 minutes covered with a blanket.

6. If you are like many kapha types who have a hard time waking up in the morning, place 3-4 drops of essential oil on the shower floor before you get in, for a refreshing, invigorating shower.

7. For tired, stiff, achey muscles add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to 2 ounces of massage oil or lotion. Apply to affected areas to relieve tension and increase blood flow to the area.

I have used these applications in my home and with our clients in the healing center and have gotten wonderful results.

Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and respond very well when given the opportunity to work with the raw, pure materials that mother nature offers us. In the long run, the body remains healthiest when we work to take advantage of the most natural medicines rather than overloading the liver and tissues with pharmaceutical drugs that contain toxic residues and side effects.


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