Precautions And Contraindications Of Eucalyptus Fumes

Eucalyptus fumes are not recommended in all cases. For example, they are not recommended in pregnant women or in people who are suffering from certain disorders such as coronavirus.

Also, there are people who suffer intolerance to this plant. Before making eucalyptus steams, it is advisable to know its risks and contraindications.

Eucalyptus, pregnancy and children

Although it is common to hear this warning, eucalyptus fumes are not recommended for children or pregnant women.

It is its essential oil, used to cure pathologies in which mucus obstructs the respiratory or otorhinolaryngological tracts, which as a precaution it is recommended to avoid in children under six years of age and pregnant and lactating women.

It can stimulate the liver enzymes of the fetus, so it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision.

Eucalyptus intolerance: symptoms and risk factors

In general, the essential oil of menthol eucalyptus is well tolerated by the skin route, but it is considered that it could possibly be toxic on the nervous tissue.

When used orally or applied directly to the skin without first diluting it, this concentrated oil can cause stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, small pupils and a feeling of suffocation in sensitive people.

In some cases, especially children, it has ever caused bronchospasm.

Also, in topical application, the oils can cause eczema and itchiness.

Cineole, one of the compounds in its oil, can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

Indications and contraindications of eucalyptus essential oil

The essential oil of menthol eucalyptus is indicated for:

• sinusitis
• otitis
• chronic bronchitis
• cough with expectoration
• wax plugs

It is contraindicated in case of gastrointestinal inflammations, of the bile ducts, or liver failure.

Fumes and coronavirus

As a result of a viral video that circulated on the networks in spring, the rumor spread that eucalyptus fumes allowed to cure the coronavirus, or reduce the risk of infection.

This idea, totally false, came from another that is also wrong: that the coronavirus dies at temperatures above 56 degrees, something that other coronaviruses do, such as SARS.

Current evidence has not only not confirmed that the increase in temperature can kill the virus, but also in certain Covid-19 pictures, vaping may be contraindicated, increasing respiratory irritation and dyspnea.

Therefore, it is essential to consult with our doctor to know whether or not we should steam in case of having a respiratory infection.

How to make eucalyptus steam at home

If it is not contraindicated and the doctor has indicated that eucalyptus fumes can help you, making them at home is very simple. For greater efficiency, it is advisable to carry out two sessions of eucalyptus steam a day.

• Prepare the water with eucalyptus. Heat a pot with 3-5 l of water on the fire and add the eucalyptus plant (Eucalyptus globulus).
• Get on well. Sit in front of a bowl of hot water and cover your head, neck, and bare chest with a towel or sheet. Drape a woolen blanket over your head.
• Inhale the vapors. Slowly uncover the pot and breathe through your nose and mouth.
• Don’t let all the steam escape. You must close the towel or sheet and the blanket so that the steam does not escape, but you must be careful: if you adjust the sheets too much you could burn yourself.
• Notice how the body responds. The effect of the eucalyptus fumes is practically instantaneous. Within a few seconds of starting to inhale the steam, you will notice how sweating occurs within seconds of starting to inhale the steam. Extend the session from 10 to 20 minutes. For greater effectiveness, do two sessions a day.
• Create contrast. After the steam bath, it is advisable to rub cold water over the entire wet area to create contrast. In addition, it is important that immediately afterwards you dry completely and warm yourself.