Eucalyptus Oil: The Uses and Health Benefits of an Essential Oil
6 minute read
You are probably aware that essential oils are beneficial but may not realize to what extent. Eucalyptus oil is one you have heard of and may have even used from time to time for certain things.
What you most likely do not know is that eucalyptus oil has benefits for your immune system and can protect you from a variety of infections. The ability of eucalyptus oil to boost your health is the very reason it counts as essential, and why it should be in your house.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is made from the leaves of a specific species of eucalyptus tree. While the oil extracted from the leaves is the most beneficial, the bark of the tree also has many uses.
Eucalyptus oil was traditionally used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and its ability to relieve inflammation and respiratory troubles. As time has gone by, the discovered benefits and uses of this oil have become extensive as it finds a place among your home, your beauty regimen, and your well-being.
Eucalyptol is the most abundant compound in the oil and responsible for giving the oil its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic qualities. With the ability to fight bacteria and viruses as well as clear up infections, eucalyptus oil is versatile and beneficial.
The Versatile Essential Oil
By keeping eucalyptus oil in your house, you have a go-to resource for health and cleaning issues. One essential oil can achieve many goals leaving you surprised at just what it can do. In the end, you’ll be thankful you had some always lying around.
Respiratory Support
Of all the essential oils, none have been as successful at treating respiratory conditions as eucalyptus oil. COPD, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold can all benefit from this healing oil.
Eucalyptus oil has the ability to stimulate your immune system and improve circulation and breathing. The compounds in eucalyptus oil also help to reduce inflammation which soothes conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Cough Suppressant
Eucalyptus oil works as an expectorant, which means it removes toxins and microorganisms that trigger coughs. When combined with the ability to reduce congestion and make breathing easier, this oil is great for fighting the common cold.
Coughing is often a symptom of respiratory conditions, and studies have found that therapy with eucalyptus oil leads to less coughing as compared to leading medications.
Fight Infections
Eucalyptol, the main compound in the oil possesses strong antimicrobial properties. Used topically or aromatically, eucalyptus oil can fight viral and bacterial infections giving a powerful boost to your immune system.
This oil has also been shown to act directly on the herpes simplex virus and common fungal infections like Candida.
Mental Clarity
The soothing and purifying properties of eucalyptus oil can boost energy and clear your mind too. By improving circulation and breathing, more blood an oxygen reach your brain which can eliminate brain fog.
Used aromatically, eucalyptus oil has been found to effectively relax both the mind and body.
Wound Healing
The antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities of the oil allow it to help with healing wounds, cuts, burns, and even insect bites. By effectively killing any pathogens present at the sight and soothing the inflammation in the area, any wound can heal quickly and relatively pain-free.
Inflammation
Systemic inflammation is a contributing factor to most of the serious diseases we face. While some inflammation is a necessary part of your immune system response, it can become uncontrolled which is dangerous.
Studies found that eucalyptus oil has the potential to reduce inflammation as well as any associated pain. As a more natural option, you can avoid the potentially harmful side effects that come with using pain medications and NSAIDs.
Allergy Relief
When added to diffuser or applied topically, eucalyptus oil helps to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It can help clear sinuses, reduce coughing, soothe a sore throat, and breathe much easier.
Often headaches and earaches can appear alongside allergies, but eucalyptus oil also helps to reduce these, especially when combined with peppermint oil.
Household Helper Ideas for Eucalyptus Oil
In addition to boosting your health and helping you heal, eucalyptus oil proves to be useful around the house too.
Natural disinfectant: Adding some drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle with warm water serves as a great cleaning tool. The antimicrobial properties allow this spray to effectively remove germs and bacteria from any household surface.
Rat repellent: Depending on where you live rats may or not be a potential problem. Using a spray similar to your new disinfectant, you can spray areas where rats may want to visit through.
Just be careful because eucalyptus can be an irritant for cats, so spray wisely if you have any felines in the family.
Mouthwash: Adding a few drops of the oil to some water and gargling with it daily is as effective as the leading mouthwashes.
You may not get the minty aftertaste, but you can be assured that common oral bacteria will be eliminated and your mouth will be cavity-free. Just be careful not to swallow any.
Remove mold: When you add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your vacuum cleaner or surface cleaner, you can prevent the growth of mold in your home. In cases, where mold is already present, you can effectively clean it away and prevent future growth.
The Bottom Line
Eucalyptus oil contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that make it great for your health. Because it is natural and less likely to cause unpleasant side effects, it is quickly becoming a preferred alternative.
When you are looking for a home remedy or need a way to disinfect your house naturally eucalyptus oil may just be what you need. Whatever the need, chances are this essential oil will be up to the task.
