Eucalyptus oil benefits health in a number of different ways. It has numerous healing properties and a sweet fragrance that serves as aromatherapy.
What are Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus oil?
Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees that belong to the Myrtaceae family. Found mostly in Australia, Eucalyptus is the tallest flowering shrub so far. The fragrant leaves of the Eucalyptus tree are dried and then distilled in steam to concoct the essential oil of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is colorless and with a sweet musky odor.
The eucalyptus essential oil benefits health in a number of ways because of its analgesic, anticatarrhal, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and insecticidal properties.
20 Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Health:
Elucidated below are 20 most effective eucalyptus oil uses.
1. Antiseptic Properties for Skin:
The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus lend it a potent remedial nature. The eucalyptus oil health benefits are employed for the treatment of minor cuts and wounds, bruises and blisters. It repairs damaged skin and cures the effect of toxic insect bites.
Eucalyptus oil is especially effective in the inhibition of secretion of excess oils in the skin, thus preventing the growth of acne, skin bumps, boils, pimples, and spots.
- Mix two teaspoons each of eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
- Dab the soaked cotton on the affected or slightly wounded skin for the antiseptic action.
Get More: How To Remove Skin Tags Naturally
2. Soothing Aromatherapy
The sweet fragrance of eucalyptus essential oil makes it highly suitable as an agent of aromatherapy that relaxes your body and cuts down on.
- Drip a few drops of the essential oil into a hot bath.
- Soak in it or inhale the vapors using a steamer for therapeutic relief.
- The essential oil is not soluble in water.
- Dissolve it in a dispersant medium like bath salts or whole milk before adding it to water for the maximum effect.
Know More: Natural Remedies For Anxiety
3. Relief from Muscle Cramps
Eucalyptus essential oil relieves the body from muscle cramps, contractions and spasms. It is a natural muscle relaxant and is rich in analgesic properties that cure the body of muscle aches, and muscular pain.
- Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Gently massage the sore muscles with the oil mixture for instant relief from the ache.
Read More: Home Remedies for Cramps
4. Eucalyptus Oil for Hair
Eucalyptus essential oil soothes and nourishes the scalp, keeps lice and dandruff at bay and strengthens the roots of hair and hair follicles.
This prevents hair fall and aids in the growth of new and stronger hair from the rejuvenated scalp. The bioactive compounds of eucalyptus enhance the circulation of blood in the scalp that promotes the growth of shiny and strong hair.
- Mix eucalyptus and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Gently massage the oil mixture of on the scalp(1) an hour before shampooing for thick hair and strong hair follicles.
Its bug-repellent properties make the essential oil a natural pesticide for hair. The oil keeps the scalp moisturized and nourished and prevents it from going flaky and itchy.
More Resources: Natural cures for Hair Loss
5. Eucalyptus oil Benefits for Oral Health
Oral health is of utmost importance as our mouth is always a breeding ground for germs and microbes. These organisms erode the teeth; affect gums, cause mouth ulcer, gum boil, pyorrhea, gingivitis and many other oral diseases.
Eucalyptus oil is rich in antiseptic, germicidal and antimicrobial properties that help to protect the mouth, teeth, and gums from infection.
- Add a few drops of the essential oil to the toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth with it thoroughly.
It helps to maintain proper oral health and fight against dental issues. It lends a fresh breath and keeps dental plaque at bay.
6. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Cough and Cold
Eucalyptus oil is highly effectual in the natural treatment of a cough and cold. It fights against flu and viral infection. The eucalyptus oil for cold functions by ingesting or rubbing it on the throat and chest. It can instantly relieve you of the symptoms of respiratory disorders, constant dry coughing, and running nose.
Eucalyptus oil is antitussive in nature which helps to suppress coughing while its expectorant property assists in the expulsion of unhealthy phlegm. It also aids in relieving the patient from congestion in the chest and gives instant relief from coughing. Eucalyptus oil is especially effective in the natural treatment of asthma , bronchitis and chest congestion.
7. Cure of Dysentery
- Mix a few drops of the eucalyptus essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Gently massage your abdomen with the oil mixture in an anti-clockwise fashion.
It is very beneficial for instant relief from dysentery, diarrhea(2), infection and abdominal inflammation.
8. Treatment of Ear Infection
Do not ever put the eucalyptus essential oil in the ear cavity. Instead, massage your outer ear with a few drops of essential oil for relief from an earache and infection.
9. Prevention of Infection
Eucalyptus oil is rich in antiseptic properties. If there is a wound or cut on your skin then smear the wound with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to prevent the spread of septicemia and tetanus infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent the inflammation of skin tissues around the wound and inhibit the spread of infection.
Know More: Natural remedies For Inflammation
10. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Cancer
Eucalyptus oil has a significant effect on cancerous cells and is highly anti-inflammatory in nature which prevents the multiplication of cancer cells in the body. The oil helps in maintaining hormonal balance as well and provides powerful therapeutic support. It is especially effective in fighting against skin cancer.
Smear the affected spot on the skin with a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil and the skin cancer will heal quickly.
11. Fights against Arthritis
Eucalyptus essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. The analgesic properties of the oil help to lower the pain and stiffness of joints felt in rheumatoid arthritis.
Apply the essential oil on the aching joints to reduce the swelling and alleviate the pain quite effectively.
Get More: Home Remedies for Arthritis
12. Eucalyptus oil Benefits against Stress
Eucalyptus essential oil is perhaps one of the best cures for emotional stress. Scientists have proven that the aroma of Eucalyptus essential oil when inhaled can cause a significant reduction in stress levels through aromatherapy.
Eucalyptus oil is also known for its ability to cure insomnia or sleeplessness which is often the root cause of a stress-related disorder.
- Drip a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil into a vaporizer and diffuser.
- Inhale its essence with deep breaths to get rid of anxiety disorders(3).
Know More: Home Remedies For Insomnia
13. Stimulation of the CNS
Eucalyptus essential oil is a highly effective natural remedy for nervous disorders like epilepsy, seizing fits, convulsions etc. It helps to soothe the central nervous system and improves the coordination of motor sensory nerves.
Eucalyptus oil helps in the maintenance of body coordination and movement. It stimulates circulation of blood, digestion, excretion and nervous activities.
Eucalyptus oil stimulates the heart and maintains regular cardiac functioning, secretion of digestive juice and bile within the stomach. The stimulating properties of Eucalyptus oil keep the individual vigilant with stimulation of the Central Nervous System and brain.
14.Cooling Sensation
Eucalyptus oil is known for its cooling property. Heat strokes are commonplace during hot summers especially in tropical countries where the mercury rises to unbearable levels. If you are in need of a refreshing cooling, then eucalyptus oil for skin can come to your rescue.
- Fill a bottle with peppermint oil and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it.
- Spray the mixture all over your heated body for instant cooling relief.
15. Improvement of Digestion
The essential oil of Eucalyptus is immensely beneficial for healthy digestion and proper absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Regular administration of Eucalyptus oil improves digestion, prevents flatulence, protects the body from acid reflux and nausea and helps in the smooth functioning of the liver.
16. Protection against Internal Inflammation
The essential oil of Eucalyptus is known for suppressing inflammation of skin tissues in case of viral infection because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Eucalyptus oil cures indigestion and acidity by protecting the stomach tissues from getting inflamed by hypersecretion of gastric acids. It also protects the cardiac system by elimination of toxins.
17. Eucalyptus oil Benefits for Tuberculosis
The essential oil of Eucalyptus fights against bacterial and viral infection cleanses the lungs and cures inflammation. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil and then gently massage chest, neck and back with the oil mixture for the best results.
However, TB cannot be cured with natural remedies alone. But eucalyptus oil can be used along with prescribed medicines to alleviate the chest pain and curb the symptoms.
[Read: Natural Cures For Tuberculosis]
18. Inhibition of Intestinal Microbial Growth
The essential oil of eucalyptus protects the body from infection by microbes by inhibiting microbial growth in the intestines.
Ingestion of a tiny quantity of Eucalyptus oil is highly effective in fighting diseases caused by microbial infection and parasites in the gut thus preventing health issues like high fever, common cold, food poisoning, pox, mumps, measles, and infection caused by septicemia of open wounds and cuts on the skin.
19. Maintenance of Cardiac Health
Eucalyptus oil aids in the prevention of cardiac diseases by ensuring healthy circulation of blood throughout the body. The essential oil boosts the process of body metabolism and fortifies body immunity.
It enhances the flow of blood to the body parts and helps the individual to stay healthy and fit. Eucalyptus essential oil can also regulate blood pressure because of its diuretic properties that help to eliminate toxins like sodium thus lowering the spike in blood pressure.
20. Treatment of Shingles
Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which aid in the treatment of shingles. The oil eases the pain induced by the rashes due to its analgesic properties.
Side Effects of Eucalyptus Oil
In spite of the eucalyptus oil benefits a few generic eucalyptus oil side effects are-
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Weakening of muscles
- Suffocation
- Eye problems
FAQs
1. Is eucalyptus poisonous?
Response: The bark and leaves of eucalyptus are considered to be toxic in nature. Excessive ingestion of the essential oil can also be poisonous for health.
2. Can you drink eucalyptus?
Response: The way to drink eucalyptus is to concoct a tea from the dried eucalyptus leaves and water and sweetened with honey.
3. Can inhaling eucalyptus oil be harmful?
Response: Inhalation of eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial for health and reduces anxiety and stress.
