Eucalyptus oil is one of the most versatile and effective of all the essential oils. That is a big claim, but as you will see in the following information, eucalyptus oil research has compiled all the evidence to back it up.
Many people find the scent of eucalyptus oil quite calming, which is just one sign of its many potent healing powers. Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of a tree that, in Australia, is called the Eucalyptus globulus or the Tasmanian Blue Gum (although if you are a panda bear living in that region, you probably just call it “dinner.”)
Read on to learn more about the many benefits and uses for eucalyptus essential oil for your health and wellness.
SAFETY NOTE: If you are trying to conceive or are currently pregnant, please talk with your doctor before beginning the use of eucalyptus oil. The same precaution applies for use with babies or small children – please talk with your pediatrician first.
1. Eucalyptus essential oil makes for a great decongestant.
The University of Maryland Medical Center highlights more than a century of eucalyptus use to treat congestion both throughout the respiratory system and specifically in the chest area.
There are many different preparations that can deliver relief and loosening of congestion:
In a carrier oil.
You can combine a few drops of eucalyptus oil in with a carrier oil (such as almond, jojoba, coconut, flaxseed, et al) and then apply the oil mixture topically directly to the affected area.
In a pot of steaming water.
Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a pot of steaming water can create a refreshing and soothing sauna for your respiratory system. Just breathe over the pot – be sure to breathe in and out deeply.
Through an allergy mask.
This helpful video highlights another way to take in eucalyptus oil to ease congestion by diluting the hot steam (see previous use option) through an allergy mask that fits over your nose and mouth.
In an oral gargle.
You can add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to any mouthwash or gargle solution – just be SURE not to swallow any of it!
SAFETY NOTE: According to WebMD, eucalyptus oil is NOT safe for ingestion or for topical use without first diluting it. This powerful oil can burn the skin and sensitive respiratory tissues if used improperly.
2. Eucalyptus essential oil relieves joint and muscle aches and pains.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports the use of eucalyptus essential oil to ease aches and pains in muscles and joint systems.
Eucalyptus has both analgesic (pain relieving) properties and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective for both uses. This oil is sufficiently effective in both areas that Healthy and Natural World reports it is also being studied for use in relieving pain for surgical patients!
Be sure to dilute the eucalyptus oil into your favorite carrier oil before using topically to avoid burning your skin.
3. Eucalyptus essential oil is a fabulous disinfectant.
According to the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, eucalyptus essential oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, making it a natural enemy of germs.
Not only has this made eucalyptus oil a favorite for use with health symptoms, but now it is also coming into its own as a household cleaner and disinfectant for the same reason.
One of the best ways to use eucalyptus oil is to combine a few drops of both eucalyptus and (if you like) tea tree oil into a spray bottle that also contains one-quarter cup of white vinegar and one cup plain water. Shake, spray and clean!
Related: 19 Reasons You Need To Use Tree Tea Oil Every Day
4. Eucalyptus essential oil naturally stimulates your immune system.
Eucalyptus oil has these properties: analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, disinfectant, and expectorant.
With all these properties, it is easy to see how cleansing and strengthening eucalyptus oil can be for your body. As it goes to work to clear away germs, bacteria and mucus while soothing pain and sanitizing, your immune system finally gets a much-needed and well-deserved break.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published study results indicating that use of eucalyptus essential oil visibly increases immune system activity.
5. Eucalyptus essential oil repels bugs.
If there is one thing every individual on this planet likely has in common, it is a shared desire to get rid of biting insects. Happily, bugs dislike eucalyptus oil and tend to disappear when they sense its scent.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed a number of insect repellant products that contain lemon eucalyptus essential oil and found them to be effective for up to six hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks.
This protection applies for both you and your furry pets. You can make your own using witch hazel and eucalyptus oil and also add in some citronella oil if you like.
6. Eucalyptus essential oil gets rid of odors.
The scent of eucalyptus is powerful enough to override other less pleasant odors. It can also sanitize and deodorize items that have become unpleasant-smelling over time.
There are two great ways to clean and freshen stinky items with eucalyptus oil:
– Soak a rag in eucalyptus oil-infused water, then use that rag to scrub the item, then let it dry naturally.
– Make a spray of water plus eucalyptus oil and some lemon or tea tree oil (if desired) and spritz it on the item, then let it dry naturally.
7. Eucalyptus essential oil neutralizes oral germs and bacteria.
Eucalyptus essential oil can be a great regular addition to your oral and dental health regimen.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) highlights results of a research study using eucalyptus in a chewing gum form to improve periodontal health.
The results were extremely promising to not only promote better oral health but even repel early-stage periodontal disease (gingivitis).
You can capture these benefits in an oral gargle by adding a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to your regular gargle, or you can make up your own gargle courtesy of these recipes from BreathMD.
Make sure to shake your gargle solution before every use for even distribution of ingredients.
8. Eucalyptus essential oil puts an end to sinus infections.
Health.com reports that sinus infections affect as many as 37 unhappy people every year. This makes them one of the most common chronic health issues adults face today.
Eucalyptus oil is a great asset in the fight against sinus infections, whether yours happens occasionally or chronically. You can add a drop of eucalyptus oil to water in a neti pot, if you use a neti pot.
Otherwise, try the gargle recipes found here.
9. Eucalyptus essential oil fights off dandruff and head lice.
If you have ever suffered from dandruff or head lice, you already know these issues can be tough to completely eradicate. As mentioned in tip 5 here, bugs of all sorts dislike eucalyptus, and head lice are no exception.
You can also help rehydrate and heal your scalp from dandruff, especially if your case is fungal-related. Healthline states can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo or make your own with coconut oil.
10. Eucalyptus essential oil is effective to heal wounds.
Eucalyptus essential oil has many properties that make it effective for healing wounds, including its anti-microbial, analgesic and antiseptic powers. Just add a drop or two to any salve or ointment you already use for yourself or your pets.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Has So Many Amazing Benefits
It can be so exciting to learn that a single essential oil has so many healthful uses!
However, it can also be a bit daunting. If this sounds like how you are feeling after reading this article, remember that you don’t have to try everything on this list all at once!
Rather, to make it easier on yourself, pick out one use of eucalyptus oil that resonates with your wellness needs now. Try the eucalyptus oil according to the instructions you find here.
See how it works and enjoy making progress in learning to use this wonderful essential oil. If you just try one use at a time as you need it, you will find you do have time to incorporate using essential oils into your daily life!