Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus Essential Oil has many medicinal properties that were most commonly known among the Aboriginal tribes who used it for healing purposes. Many don’t know of the benefits it provides even though it is highly present in many over-the-counter medicines like nasal sprays and other cold medicines. Moreover, these benefits stretch further than just treating congestion because eucalyptus essential oil can do so much more for the body.
11 Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
1. Treat Colds
Certain properties in the eucalyptus leave make it a remarkable expectorant that has the ability to expel toxins and eliminate harmful bacteria from the body. This property helps in increasing the body’s defenses against such harmful substances, which would otherwise make us sick. An effective remedy that can be implemented is to add some eucalyptus oil to a diffuser so you can slowly inhale while sleeping to help heal your cold. For a quicker method, opt for a steam treatment in which you add a couple of drops of the essential oil into boiling hot water and then inhale the steam wrapped inside a towel.
2. Beautiful and Healthy Hair
Eucalyptus essential oil contains all the right nutrients that are perfect for hair health. It nourishes the hair follicles and roots all the way to the ends of each strand. You can use eucalyptus for a chemical-free hair treatment by applying some drops of essential oil or using it with another oil such as that of olive or coconut. Your hair will have much more volume and will become softer as well. This eucalyptus essential oil is a highly recommended organic way to rid yourself of problems such as an itchy scalp or dandruff. The bacteria-fighting properties make it suitable to be an anti-lice treatment if you want to avoid messing around with chemicals that would solve a lice infestation at the cost of healthy hair.
3. Curbs Allergies
Studies that were published from renowned research facilities show that eucalyptus essential oil contains properties that can help in treating painful sinuses. They conducted studies that showed that the essential oil has an enormous impact on the severity of sinus infections and allergies. The people included in the study were asked to consume eucalyptus essential oil daily to improve results.
4. Removes Unpleasant Odors
Whether you’re highly bothered by unpleasant odors or your nose is just too sensitive, eucalyptus essential oil will have you covered. You can fight all these problems and more by simply cleaning clothes with a washcloth dipped in essential oil and leaving it to dry in the sun afterward. So not only does it fight against bad odors, but it also helps your garment retain its original shape. To achieve an enhanced effect, you can mix this with lemon or tea-tree oil to create your own natural deodorant.
5. Heals Wounds
This magical essential oil possesses antiseptic characteristics, which are an addition to its anti-bacterial properties. It can be used to treat a variety of wounds such as ulcers and burns. This serves an easy alternative to people who are sensitive to the additives and preservatives in usual drugstore products. This is because eucalyptus oil contains cineole and in contact with air, it produces ozone. The ozone is what helps to treat cuts and sores as well. It also soothes the irritated skin after an insect bite or infection upon the skin or elsewhere.
6. Treats Exhaustion
Using eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy has a cooling effect on the body. People that feel drained and tired can use this oil to feel re-energized and refreshed. This happens due to eucalyptus oil’s stimulating properties that can activate the senses. It’s also a natural treatment that can be used by people who suffer from stress or other mood disorders. Additionally, eucalyptus oil has shown to increase mental and cognitive activity by increasing blood flow to the brain.
7. Relaxes Muscles
Eucalyptus oil is often used by massage therapists to treat sore muscles and relieve stress. This is due to the vasodilating effect that it has on the body by which blood flows faster and this helps muscles relax as heat is released from them. Eucalyptus essential oil is volatile and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that all help in relieving muscle pain. This is the reason why it is recommended to people that commonly suffer from stiff muscles and aches.
8. Treat a dry cough and Fever
With properties that help it act like a decongestant; eucalyptus oil can help clear the airways so you can breathe cough-free. Since a dry cough can be painful too, using this oil to clear your nasal passages will prove to be effective. Infuse eucalyptus oil with beeswax, coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil to make a rub at home, which can be applied to the chest. If you have a fever to top it off, eucalyptus oil is a one-in-all cure that you need. Simply use eucalyptus oil on the body to help in reducing the temperature.
9. Anti-bacterial
Eucalyptus oil has excellent anti-bacterial properties that can prevent their harmful growth. This property can be used in a variety of ways such as preventing bacterial and viral infections. In fact, these users don’t have to be limited to the body and you can use it around the home as well. Eucalyptus oil can serve as a natural cleanser and a few drops of it in your daily cleaning routine whether it’s the house or your face can improve results and prevent bacterial infestation.
10. Healthy Immune System
Studies show an increase in phagocytic activity when the body consumes eucalyptus essential oil. These results prove that eucalyptus oil has the potential to boost the immune system. Keeping a bottle of it in the medicine cabinet can do wonders for you and your family, especially if it’s the season for getting a stomach bug or other viral infection. Using it in a diffuser can provide the best results since it helps in tackling other issues such as congestion at the same time.
11. Natural Insect Repellant
Keeping your house clean isn’t enough and you always have to take some extra measure to keep the bugs away. Using harmful pesticides can have a drastic effect on your health so opt for eucalyptus oil as an insect repellant instead. You can make a natural bug spray for going outdoors or simply put it around the house to keep insects away.
Bottom Line
It’s hard to imagine how all these benefits can be squeezed into a bottle of essential oil but it’s true. All you have to do is try it and notice the changes in your health and mood that help you live comfortably.