Top 20 Uses And Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil

May 21, 2024 by Pranay David

Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the eucalyptus tree which itself originally is known scientifically as Eucalyptus Globulus and in Australia as Tasmanian Blue gum. It has anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, decongestant, stimulating qualities, etc. Many of us don’t know much about it because it is not one of the oils that have traditionally been used in our homes.

It Is obtained from the fresh leaves of the tree which is also called stingy bark tree, fever tree or the stingy tree depending on where we are.

What Does Eucalyptus Oil Contain?

Though many contents form the eucalyptus oil but the noteworthy ones are a-phellandrene, a-pinene, b-pinene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, aromadendrene, 1,8-cineole, globulol, piperitone and epiglobulol, etc.

It has a vast number of benefits which we shall be discussing now.

Benefits and Uses for Eucalyptus Oil

1. For Aromatherapy

It is widely used in aromatherapy where the therapists make us inhale it. This inhalation is helpful in relaxing us. It can also be added to hot water to be used for bathing. Make sure to mix it with milk or bath salts before putting it in bathing water.

2. As Insect Repellant

It can be sprayed around to repel the insects and get a bug free environment around us without using harmful chemical based insect repellants or insecticides. It will also freshen up the premises with a pleasant fragrance.

3. As Mouthwash

Several mouthwashes use eucalyptus oil as an ingredient owing to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It fights tooth diseases and prevents tooth cavities and decay.

4. For Reducing Respiratory Issues

It can be used in gargling with hot water to get some respite from respiratory issues, common cold and sore throats. The vapor acts by decongesting the whole passage and gives us the much-needed relief. It can also be put in the water we use in steam inhalation where it will be highly beneficial as it will enter the whole respiratory tract in this case.

5. To Boost Immunity

It contains antioxidants which help in combatting free radical damage to our body and boost our immunity.

6. Relief From Inflammation

Being a very effective antibacterial, it can be used to treat skin problems and get relief from inflammation.

7. As A Mood Enhancer

Studies have shown that people who are subjected to eucalyptus oil by way of smelling its aroma are more likely to inhabit positive feelings of self-love and emotional well-being in a positive way.

8. As An Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a good natural option in fighting bronchial asthma. To clear the congestion and lessen the inflammation, it should be used through a diffuser or by inhalation with steam, etc. Yet in any case the medicines prescribed by your doctor must not be stopped and this should only be treated as a supplement to the existing treatment.

9. As An Anti-Viral

Since it is a great analgesic with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral characteristics, it relieves the rash-related pain. A few drops of eucalyptus oil should be added to a hot bath or it should be mixed with hot water and soaked in a towel and applied as a warm compress.

10. As A Stimulant

Eucalyptus oil, being a stimulant, is widely known to relieve mental exhaustion. It is also effective in treating a few mental disorders indirectly.

11. As An Analgesic

Studies have proven that eucalyptus oil is useful in relieving the pain because of its analgesic properties.

12. For Enhancing Hair

Mixing a little eucalyptus oil with olive or coconut oil moisturizes the hair nicely and removes the dryness. This combination helps in keeping dandruff away. It is also useful in repelling lice away from the scalp without using harmful chemical shampoos for that purpose.

13. Relief For Sinusitis

Eucalyptus oil supports the healing of allergies and sinusitis.

14. For Lowering Body Temperature

Mix some eucalyptus oil with peppermint oil and spray on the body of a patient suffering from fever. It will help lower the body temperature and give relief from fever.

15. For Treating Bronchitis

To get relief from bronchitis, massage the upper body parts such as throat, chest and back. It should be soothing to bronchitis patients.

16. As An Antimicrobial

Eucalyptus oil can also be used for cleaning since it is an antimicrobial. It must be mixed with the mopping solution to have a disinfecting effect.

17. As An Antiseptic

When inhaled in the form of vapors, the antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help in relieving pneumonia when massaged over the chest.

18. To Reduce Inflammation

If applied properly to the area over the lungs on both the chest and the back, eucalyptus oil will help clear the lungs, reduce inflammation and help provide relief from tuberculosis because of the antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial action of its vapors.

19. As An Disinfectant

It is widely preferred for usage in disinfectant soaps, floor cleaners and washing detergents since it acts as an antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic with a pleasant deodorizing fragrance.

20. As An Vasodilator

The eucalyptus oil has the properties of a vasodilator, i.e. which improves blood circulation. It improves the blood circulation in patients of diabetes which saves them from possible fatal consequences. For boosting blood circulation, it should regularly be massaged on the whole body. The inhalation of its vapors will also help clear the blood vessels from any kind of blockage. Ingestion in small dosages will also help in keeping the blood sugar levels under check.

Having seen 20 benefits for eucalyptus oil now, we must also be well aware of the precautions that need to be taken along with so that we don’t end up harming ourselves or anyone with the wrong advice.

Precautions

Do not buy eucalyptus oils from an unknown and untrusted source as it can be very harmful because of any kind of adulteration.
Use the oil on the skin only after dilution with carrier oil such as olive oil. If applied undiluted, it could prove counterproductive and rather harmful. The dilution has to be done in a ratio of 5:95 where eucalyptus oil constitutes only 5% and 95% is the carrier oil.
Do not apply too close to eyes as it could cause burning and irritation.
Avoid consuming it orally as it could possibly prove to be poisonous. Dizziness, contracted pupils and suffocation are some of the symptoms of eucalyptus poisoning.
If someone feels an allergic reaction to eucalyptus, they must completely avoid using it without any second thoughts. We do not want a remedy to become a cause of remorse.
Its side effects may include an upset stomach, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
Do not use if you are on medication without properly consulting your physician.
Pregnant women must avoid as children and fetuses may be highly sensitive in more ways than one.

Having seen various uses for eucalyptus oil along with the precautions which are necessary, we can incorporate this highly beneficial gift from mother-nature into our lives.