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We are big fans of Eucalyptus Blue Gum essential oil, or Eucalyptus globulus to give it its botanical name. It’s a powerful natural remedy packed with analgesic, antiseptic and antiviral properties. And, it is known for its distinctive crisp, refreshing, medicinal aroma that you might associate with a spa or retreat, coupled with a woody-sweet undertone. The scent is classed as a top-middle note and is known to blend well with camphoraceous, citrus and woodsy oils.
It was first used by the Aboriginal people of Australia, who referred to it as “kino”, and believed it could heal wounds, colds, sore muscles, back ache, sinus congestion and fever – which is why Eucalyptus globulus was nicknamed the “Fever Tree”.
Over the centuries, production of eucalyptus essential oil spread from Australia to other parts of the world and it began to be used in Chinese, Greek, European, and Ayurvedic medicine. In the 1880s, surgeons began using eucalyptus oil in surgical operations because of its antiseptic properties.
Eucalyptus essential oil primarily consists of the oxide 1,8 cineole (also known as eucalyptol or just cineole). The cineole content is largely responsible for the aroma of eucalyptus, as well as much of its respiratory health and pain relief therapeutic benefits. However, for all its benefits, it should not be used on or around children of 10 years or younger.
Eucalyptus essential oil benefits
Respiratory health
Helps to relieve coughs, colds and sinus problems
As a powerful anti-inflammatory and decongestant, eucalyptus essential oil loosens phlegm and clears congestion to reduce sinus pressure and allow for easier breathing. Its cooling and soothing properties also help relieve uncontrollable coughing.
Eucalyptus essential oil has even been shown to help with bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Place 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Throw a towel over your head, keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes while you relax.
Controls allergies
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can be an energy-sapping condition when the seasons change. Studies have shown that inhaling eucalyptus oil can quickly and meaningfully reduce the symptoms.
Add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to water in a room diffuser to keep allergies at bay.
Helps reduce symptoms of flu and fever
As a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-reliever, applying Eucalyptus essential oil diluted in a carrier oil as a chest and body rub can help reduce many flu symptoms and bring down a fever.
Use a eucalyptus based massage oil as a chest rub. Never apply neat Eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Boosts immune health
Research suggests that eucalyptus essential oil can stimulate an immune response that reduce the chance of catching cold and flu viruses.
It works by increasing macrophages https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/macrophage – the white blood cells that destroy foreign particles – to improve immunity and encourage faster recovery from infections.
Add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to water in a room diffuser during the cold season.
Pain relief
Eases sore muscles and joint pain
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of eucalyptus oil, it can do wonders relieving muscle stiffness, sprains and strains after strenuous exercise. It can also help reduce the chronic pain, swelling and inflammation caused by backache, arthritis and injuries to joints like knees or elbows.
Rub diluted eucalyptus essential oil onto the sore area in a circular motion. Otherwise, the moist heat of a eucalyptus spa blankie can help ease away aches and pains.
Alleviates headaches
Due to its ability to relieve pressure on the sinuses, eucalyptus oil can help to clear up a sinus migraine. However, research reports suggest it can also relax both the facial muscles and the mind, which could help soothe a headache.
Massage diluted eucalyptus essential oil into the temples. Never apply neat eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Mental health
Combats stress and soothes the mind
The invigorating scent of eucalyptus essential oil stimulates the senses. This not only helps refresh and reenergise the body, but also has a calming, soothing effect on the mind. It can also be used to reduce stress and mood disorders.
Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your morning shower. Scatter on the shower walls away from the water spray and breathe in the healing vapours. Never apply neat eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Promotes mental clarity and clears brain fog
By invigorating the senses, eucalyptus essential oil helps improve focus and concentration, effectively clearing the mind. Its also been found to improve brain function.
Add 5 drops of eucalyptus eucalyptus essential oil to water in a room to refocus the mind.
Skin health
Helps sores and wounds to heal
As a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus oil is ideal for use on small cuts, wounds and burns to keep the germs at bay, reduce pain and promote healing.
Create an antiseptic wound wash by combining 2 cups of water and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray onto a clean cloth and gently wipe down the affected areas twice daily. Never apply neat eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Soothes insect bites and burns
eucalyptus essential oil contains chemical compounds that create a tingling reaction on the skin that offers gentle soothing relief for bug bites and burns, helping to reduce redness and pain.
Apply 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oildiluted in a carrier oil to a cotton ball and dab onto the affected area. Never apply neat eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Relieves sunburn
Due to its ability to reduce redness, relieve pain and soothe burning skin, eucalyptus essential oil is also ideal for treating sunburn.
Mix together 2 to 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, one teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel, and 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray all over skin for cooling, refreshing relief.
Helps get rid of acne
As a natural antimicrobial, eucalyptus essential oil has been found to effectively work against P. acne bacteria, and also helps to reduce oil production, two of the conditions that lead to acne. It can also help treat cold sores, cysts and boils.
Add 7 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel. Mix well, dab onto pimples or apply as a moisturiser. Never apply neat eucalyptus essential oil to the skin.
Fights fungal infections
Eucalyptus oil is packed with powerful fungal fighting properties. Use it to treat athletes’ foot, thrush, ringworm and toenail infections.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to coconut oil and blend into the affected area.
Hair health
Fights dandruff and lice
If you suffer from dry scalp, eucalyptus may be able to help. As a potent anti-fungal, eucalyptus has also been shown to combat a yeast-like fungus that is the most common cause of dandruff. The active ingredient in eucalyptus essential oil, 1,8 cineole, has also been shown to be effective in killing head lice.
Simply mix 2 to 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, apply to scalp, wait 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For lice, increase the mix to ½ teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and leave in for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to patch test beforehand.
Stimulates the scalp
The well-known anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus essential oil can be used to reduce any scalp irritation which in turn promotes healthier roots and hair growth.
Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your favourite conditioner. Or, simply mix 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, massage into scalp and leave for 20 minutes. Jojoba oil has been shown to promote faster hair growth.
Final words
Although eucalyptus essential oil is generally well-tolerated by many people, as ever, always stick to the directions on the label and refer to your GP or health professional if you have any questions.
Always speak to your GP or healthcare provider before using a new essential oil or taking a new supplement or if you are concerned about nutritional deficiencies