Community Health Report: Eucalyptus Use for Cold and Cough Relief

This report, titled 'Eucalyptus useful for relief of Cough and Cold Symptoms,' explores the disease state of common colds and coughs, and the available treatment options. It begins with an introduction and literature review, defining the conditions and outlining common treatments like over-the-counter medicines and home remedies. The report then focuses on eucalyptus, detailing its properties, uses, and the pharmaceutical applications of its oil and dried leaves. It highlights the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of eucalyptus oil, particularly 1,8-cineole, and its effectiveness in treating respiratory issues. The research methodology involves qualitative research and literature review. The report concludes by summarizing the effectiveness of eucalyptus in alleviating cold and cough symptoms, citing supporting studies. References include various health resources and medical journals.

Running head: COMMUNITY HEALTH
Community Health
12-12-2019

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Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Literature Review..............................................................................................................................2
Eucalyptus Drug.............................................................................................................................3
Clinical Study Reviews.......................................................................................................................3
Research Methodology......................................................................................................................3
Data analysis..................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................4
References.............................................................................................................................................5

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Introduction
The title of this paper is ‘Eucalyptus useful for relief of Cough and Cold Symptoms’.
This paper is being presented in order to identify in brief the disease state and its current
available options of treatment. In the end, a brief is also being given about the drug
Eucalyptus.
Literature Review
According to Healthline (2019), common cold also simply termed as cold, which is
considered to be a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory area that mainly affects the
nose. The larynx, sinuses, and throat may not get affected. The symptoms and signs may be
seen less than two days after the virus exposure. Some of the signs may include runny nose,
headache, coughing, fever, sneezing, and sore throat. People suffering from these diseases
generally recover within seven to ten days, but few of the symptoms may last up for three
weeks. On the other hand, according to a cough, is also called as tussis, which is a voluntary
or involuntary act that helps in clearing the breathing and throat passage of the foreign
elements, bacteria, irritants, liquids, and saliva; it is a quick exclusion of air from the lungs
(Medical News Today, 2019). The act of coughing is considered to be done purposely or as
part of a reflex. But coughing is also many times considered as the sign of some serious
illness, most of the time, it gets clear without any kind of medical attention.
People suffering from cold and cough get involve in different types of treatment to
cure the cold and cough. Some of the common treatments for cold are:
Over the counter medicines – The common medicines used for treating cold are
antihistamines, pain reliever, and decongestants.

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Home remedies – The most effective remedies are rest, staying hydrated, and gargling
with saltwater. Few of the research has revealed that herbs like echinacea is also very
effective for reducing cold (Wright, (2015).
Vapour rub - Vapour rub contains some of the elements like menthol, eucalyptus oil,
and camphor which is allied to chest and neck (Allan & Arroll, 2014).
Eucalyptus Drug
Eucalyptus is a tree. The oil and dried leaves of this tree are utilized by the
pharmaceutical companies for making medicines. People make use of this drug for many
health conditions like plaque, asthma, gingivitis, bronchitis, head lice, and toe nail fungus,
etc., but there is no scientific proof for supporting its uses. According to the review presented
in 2010, Eucalyptus oil is comprised of antimicrobial and antiviral properties. These
properties are used for treating common cold (Kalra, Khatak & Khatak, 2011). Oral or
inhaled eucalyptus oil and its key elements that are 1,8-cineole, can securely fight with the
viruses and respiratory issues like bronchitis. This drug is also utilized for creating a cool
compress for treating fever (Healthline, 2019b).
In addition to this, Eucalyptus tree leaf is comprised of some chemicals that can help
in controlling blood sugar. It also contains chemicals that fight with bacteria and fungi. The
oils of this tree contain some important chemicals that prevent pain and inflammation. The
drugs created from its leave and oil helps in blocking the chemicals that cause asthma.
Clinical Study Reviews
The goal of this study is to increase the understanding regarding cold and cough and
underpinning treatment available for curing it. In addition to this, the studies have discussed
about the drug that is used for curing it.

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Research Methodology
In order to conduct this research, qualitative research method has been used to
identify the different key aspects of the research topic. Besides this, literature review has been
used as the research strategy in order to present the reviews and opinions of different scholars
and their findings related to the research topic.
Data analysis
After analysing different journal articles, the conclusion that is made by different
authors is that interventions and treatments available in the market for cold and cough are
mostly of poor quality and results are inconsistent. Further, Eucalyptus Drug is prescribed by
the doctors for cold and cough because it is comprised of some effective oils that considered
to be effective for preventing these disease state.
Conclusion
The above study has provided a brief about the cold and cough disease state and the
current available treatments for preventing it. The analysis has highlighted that cold and
cough are two disease state that mostly are not cured by the use of any medicine and gets
clear within seven to ten days interval. However, cough sometimes can be serious if
continued for longer time duration. In addition to this, the analysis reveals that Eucalyptus is
a tree whose oil and leaves are used to prepare medicines for the treatment of different
diseases like cold, cough, asthma, etc.

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References
Allan, G.M., & Arroll, B. (2014). Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making
sense of the evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 186(3), 190-199.
Healthline. (2019a). Everything You Need to Know About the Common Cold. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold
Healthline. (2019b). Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds?. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/essential-oils-for-colds
Kalra, M., Khatak, M., & Khatak, S. (2011). Cold and Flu: Conventional vs Botanical &
Nutritional Therapy. International Journal of Drug Development & Research, 3(1),
314-326.
Medical News Today. (2019). All about coughs and their causes. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220349.php
Wright, C. (2015). Natural Remedies for the Relief of Cold and Flu Symptoms: The Evidence
for Garlic, Onion, Chilli and Chocolate. Wright, Journal of Homeopathic and Ayurv
Medicine, 4(1), 1-4.