When you think of eucalyptus essential oil, you might think of a refreshing and invigorating essential oil that is perfect for aiding in breathing, and you would be right in thinking so. However, there are many more uses and benefits of this particular essential oil.
This article will explore what eucalyptus essential oil can be used for and how it might be advantageous when it comes to your health.
Table of Contents
What Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The eucalyptus plant is most commonly associated with growing on the gigantic island nation of Australia, and the plant is certainly widespread here. It can also be found growing in India, France, and Brazil, and the essential oil is extracted from the plant using a distilling and steaming process.
Uses And Benefits Of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used for a wide variety of things. Let’s take a more detailed look at why this has fast become one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy.
Aids In Breathing Issues
When you purchase an over-the-counter cough or chest medicine such as a vapor rub, you will find that one of the most common ingredients is eucalyptus, and there is good reason for this. The essential oil of this plant has the power to reduce a chesty cough drastically. What’s more, when used to treat this type of ailment, the oil will not only stop you from coughing, but it can also aid in removing catarrh from the chest, clearing your airways, and making it easier to breathe.
The essential oil can be inhaled for this purpose, or it can be used as a topical treatment on the chest and throat area when mixed with a carrier oil.
Respiratory Illness
Aside from having a cough from a viral infection, some people suffer from more long-term respiratory illnesses such as asthma. The airways become inflamed, causing wheezing and breathing difficulties. In some cases, the breathing can become so labored that hospital treatment is required. However, there may be a solution to stop things from becoming so severe through the use of eucalyptus essential oil.
Much research is required on how this particular oil may work with asthma because people with the condition may also suffer quite severe allergies.
For those suffering from sinusitis, eucalyptus oil can be very beneficial in clearing mucus and improving the ability to breathe easily.
Breath Freshener
Bad breath is a serious and upsetting issue for some people, but using eucalyptus oil may be a potential solution to the problem. One of the main reasons this essential oil is great at tackling smelly breath is its high anti-bacterial nature.
Bacteria cause odors in humans, one such odor being bad breath, and when this bacteria is eradicated, so is the halitosis.
On top of this, dental health may be improved when using the essential oil as an oral treatment since it is thought that the oil can fight plaque on the teeth and control gum disease.
Banish The Bugs
In certain seasons, or in countries where insects are common, these pesky little critters can bite and sting and be a general nuisance. For many people, killing these bugs is seen as inhumane, and rightly so – they’re just trying to survive like the rest of us.
However, when co-existing isn’t an option, eucalyptus essential oil can deter any creepy crawlies from ruining your family picnic.
Some studies have shown that this type of essential oil might be ideal for use in eco-friendly solutions to control house flies. What’s more, is that eucalyptus oil has been shown as one of the top ways to keep mosquitoes at bay without harming them or us.
Heal Wounds
Many essential oils have the power to heal a wound, and eucalyptus is one of them. Not only does it have excellent anti-bacterial properties, but it is also an anti-microbial, creating something of a double-edged sword when it comes to better healing and preventing infection.
For thousands of years, the native Aboriginal people of Australia have taken advantage of this plant’s excellent wound healing, and even in the Western world, we see its use in many products designed to aid in disinfecting and treating cuts and scrapes.
Relieve Pain
Pain can come in all shapes and sizes, and it affects each of us differently, but one thing that is for sure is that pain is not a pleasant sensation. However, through the magic of eucalyptus essential oil, we may notice truly lessened pain levels.
The plant has been studied intensely for its analgesic properties. Scientists have discovered that when applied as a topical treatment, the oil creates a warming effect and directly impacts the skin and muscles, providing relief from pain.
One condition that may be treated through eucalyptus oil is arthritis, in which the joints become inflamed and incredibly sore. Since the oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, it could be a potential success when used for this condition.
Treat a Cold Sore
In the winter months, cold sores become very common, but they can strike at any time of the year and are caused by the same strain of bacteria that cause various other conditions such as chickenpox.
When applied topically to the affected area, eucalyptus oil will use its anti-inflammatory properties to treat the cold sore effectively. Of course, there is also the added benefit of pain relief which can soothe any irritation caused by the cold sore.
Safe Use of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
As with all essential oils, care should be taken when using eucalyptus oil. General safety rules should be observed; however, some particular things should be kept in mind when using this oil.
- Those who suffer from asthma should err on the side of caution when using eucalyptus essential oil. Whilst it can be used to effectively treat the condition, in some cases it may worsen symptoms if the user develops an allergic reaction.
- Due to the warming effect of the essential oil, it may cause skin irritation. A patch test is highly recommended.
- If you are using homeopathic medicines, eucalyptus essential oil may have a negative interaction and so for this reason, it is not recommended,
- Those who are suffering from cancers which are oestrogen dependant should avoid using this type of essential oil.
Summary
Used by the Aboriginal people in its native country of Australia for many thousands of years, eucalyptus essential oil harbors a wealth of benefits for our health. This essential oil is most well-loved for many reasons, from treating bad breath to being an excellent pain-relieving alternative.
Whilst there are some fantastic benefits to using this essential oil, it is also worth remembering that there are some instances in which it should not be used, or extra care should be taken.