You know the smell of eucalyptus—that sharp, fresh, almost medicinal smell—but do you know the benefits of eucalyptus oil?
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is made from the leaves of specific eucalyptus plants and is one of the most versatile essential oils there is. Its fragrance seems to reach a lot further up the nose than others, clearing airways and unblocking nasal congestion.
It’s been used across the world by many different cultures; the aborigines of Australia used it as an all-healing medicine, it was used during the first world war to prevent the spread of meningitis, and it was sent to Africa to transform disease-ridden marshy areas into dry and healthy ones.
This amazing plant has had a long and effective history, but what is eucalyptus oil good for exactly? Here are the top 5 eucalyptus oil benefits you need to know!
5 Eucalyptus Oil Benefits
1. Relieving Symptoms of Cold & Flu
Eucalyptus oil is brilliant at soothing the symptoms of a common cold. It helps free the airways if you have a blocked or runny nose and can relieve you of a chesty cough or throbbing headache. It’s an expectorant, which means it’s a great treatment for bad coughs and sore throats. It purifies the body of microorganisms that thrive by draining you of energy. Eucalyptus oil reduces that stuffed up feeling, giving you the ability to breathe clearly again.
A great way to utilize eucalyptus oil for coughs and/or congestion is to create a steam bath. Add up to seven drops of the essential oil into a large bowl of boiling water. Lean over the bowl at a respectful distance and place a towel over your head to make certain that the hot steam rises into your face. This method is also great for the skin as it opens pores and extracts toxins. Close your eyes and breathe in the hot steam for a maximum of 2 minutes at a time.
2. Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Many cultures have used eucalyptus oil for pain relief and continue to do so. This is because of sheer effectiveness. It alleviates headaches and migraines by reducing sinus pressure which can be responsible for the cause of the pain in the first place. It also clears up any infections that may be brewing in the ear canal. It can be a great tool to fight earache as it unclogs the respiratory tract and balances the pressure on the ears.
Eucalyptus oil also assists with mental clarity. Breathing it in is refreshing and rejuvenating—empowering the clarity of mind that combats headaches caused by stress or exhaustion. It fights headaches at the root cause, relieving tension in the sinuses and the face. Also known to reduce muscle soreness, tightness, and swelling, it’s a great oil to be used during massages.
3. Improves Respiratory Conditions
Because of its ability to help with respiration, it’s a fantastic idea to use eucalyptus oil for breathing assistance. It clears the airways, decreasing that stuffed-up feeling. It improves respiratory circulation and dramatically improves sleep when you feel congested and unable to breathe. It reduces that feeling enough for you to drift off without focusing too much on your breath.
Eucalyptus benefits sufferers of asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis with its powerful effects. It’s a natural remedy for many illnesses, and while not advised to be a complete replacement, it definitely works well in combination with prescribed medication. It’s also helpful for relieving seasonal allergies such as hayfever. In the past, the eucalyptus plant was a one-stop-shop for any type of respiratory illness.
4. Enhances Mental Clarity
One of the benefits of eucalyptus oil is that it refreshes you, like a splash of cold water to the face. A sharp inhale of eucalyptus helps wake you up if you’re feeling tired and re-energizes you so that you can continue working at optimal capacity for longer. Eucalyptus oil encourages more oxygen to reach the lungs, thus filling you with energy. It removes the cloud of smog that shrouds your thoughts and hinders your creativity.
Its invigorating effects soothe the mind and enable you to concentrate. The uplifting aroma is also beneficial for enhancing your mood. Add a few drops to your bath to relax the mind and soothe the body.
5. Home Disinfectant
One of the most unusual eucalyptus oil benefits is that it can be used to disinfect your home. It prevents the formation of mold and has been known to keep rats and other pests away from the house. In addition to this, the wonderfully fresh fragrance of eucalyptus lights up your home and heightens the energy inside. It’s an environmentally friendly cleaner with a wide range of household uses.
Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to your household cleaners for the shower, windows, and floor to see a marked improvement in fragrance afterward. You can also use it to create a homemade insect repellent that keeps ants, spiders, and other bugs away.
Health and Safety Advice
Don’t use eucalyptus oil topically with babies or small children; it can be very irritating to their skin. When you do use it on the skin, always dilute it using a carrier oil. Consult a medical professional to decide whether you should use if you are pregnant. Only use 100% essential oils. Don’t settle for second best.
