12 Helpful Uses for Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has been used in traditional
medicine for hundreds of years. Among its many benefits, it can help
relieve muscle and joint pain, treat coughs and respiratory issues, and
prevent allergies. The oil, which is extracted through the distillation
of dried eucalyptus leaves, also serves as a natural and safe insect
repellent that keeps mosquitoes, lice, and other parasitic insects at
bay, while nourishing your hair and refreshing your breath. A study
published on the use of eucalyptus oil also showed that it helps
students concentrate and achieve better grades. With so many health
benefits, which you will discover in the article ahead, it is no wonder
that the eucalyptus grove has been celebrated in song.
1. Relief for Cough and Respiratory Issues
The use of eucalyptus oil to treat coughs and respiratory problems has
been practiced worldwide for over a hundred years, so it’s no surprise
that some of the cough syrups we buy at the pharmacy contain eucalyptus
extracts. The oil's vapors soothe throat irritation and act as an
analgesic for the burning sensation associated with a sore throat and
cough. Eucalyptus oil is also effective in treating respiratory diseases
such as asthma and bronchitis, as it dilates blood vessels and allows
more oxygen to enter the lungs. To make a homemade remedy for
respiratory problems and coughs, simply mix eucalyptus oil with
peppermint oil and coconut oil in equal parts and rub the mixture on
your chest.
2. Hair Care and Treating Dry Scalp
Industrial products we buy to treat dry scalp and lackluster hair can
easily be replaced by eucalyptus oil, which helps treat itchy scalp and
reduces dandruff. The oil's use doesn’t end there; diluting it with
coconut oil or olive oil turns it into a perfect hair care product that
will give your hair a shiny and healthier appearance. Apply the oil
mixture to your hair about an hour before showering to allow it to
nourish your hair and work its magic.
3. Relief for Allergies
Scientific studies on the addition of eucalyptus oil to the medicinal
treatment of patients suffering from allergic sinus infections showed
that combining eucalyptus oil provided quicker relief and healing of the
symptoms. The recommended method for consuming eucalyptus oil for those
suffering from allergies and other ENT issues is to place your head
over a bowl of boiling water mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus oil,
cover your head with a towel, and let the steam penetrate and widen the
airways.
4. Treatment for Arthritis and Muscle Pain
Using eucalyptus oil to massage your body can relieve muscle pain and
arthritis and help alleviate the tension associated with them. The oil's
anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties help treat conditions like
stiff muscles, rheumatism, lumbago (lower back pain), ligament sprains,
and even nerve pain. Dilute the oil with coconut oil or almond oil in
equal parts and massage the painful areas of your body in circular
motions.
5. Cooling the Body
The scorching heat and blazing sun of the summer days cause our body
temperature to rise, making us irritable and especially fatigued. In
such cases, air conditioning and plenty of fluids are always a good
solution, but you should know you can also use eucalyptus oil. All you
need is a spray bottle filled with water mixed with drops of eucalyptus
oil and peppermint oil (optional). Spray it on your skin for an
immediate cooling sensation and to lower your body temperature.
6. Oral Hygiene and Fresh Breath
When it comes to oral hygiene, we need comprehensive care that includes
keeping our teeth healthy, protecting our gums, and ensuring fresh
breath – eucalyptus oil can address all these needs and more. The oil's
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe swollen gums and
kill bacteria, which are also the main cause of bad breath. Eucalyptus
oil also helps remove plaque buildup between the teeth and gums,
providing a refreshing minty breath. To enjoy the many benefits of
eucalyptus oil for oral health, opt for a mouthwash that contains
eucalyptus extract and rinse your mouth with it.
7. Memory Improvement
Using eucalyptus oil in natural air diffusers, such as a narrow-necked
bottle containing aromatic liquid and wooden reeds, can be very
effective for students who want to improve their concentration.
According to research on the subject, students exposed to air purifiers
containing water mixed with drops of eucalyptus oil were able to achieve
higher academic performance and improve their grades. You can apply
this advantage in your office as well, for times when you need
concentration and calm.
8. Boosting the Immune System
A stable immune system is essential for preventing infections and
illnesses, so it's important to know that part of strengthening it is
done through the substances our body absorbs from the environment.
Various studies have shown that exposure to the scent of eucalyptus oil
stimulates the production of immune cells, strengthens the respiratory
system, soothes spasms, and helps speed up recovery from illness.
9. Air Freshening
In addition to its medical properties, eucalyptus oil can freshen our
home with a pleasant and refreshing scent. Adding a few drops of the oil
to the bottom of the trash can, laundry basket, or even your mop bucket
will give them a clean and delightful aroma. You can also incorporate
the oil into the cleaning products you use, like window and toilet
cleaners. The scent of eucalyptus oil, along with its antibacterial
properties, will also do a great job reducing unpleasant odors from
shoes and pets. All you need to do is dip a cloth in water mixed with
eucalyptus oil, wipe the surface you want to deodorize, and let it dry
in the sun afterward.
10. Repelling Mosquitoes and Insects
Many people suffer from mosquito bites and engage in full-blown chases
after these bloodsuckers, which can last well into the night. In some
parts of the world, mosquitoes pose a real health risk as carriers of
diseases like Zika and malaria. Mosquito and insect repellents are
typically based on chemicals that can harm health, affecting
neurological function and leading to malignant tumors. A natural and
alternative method to repel mosquitoes and other harmful insects like
ticks and fleas is to use lemon eucalyptus oil, whose scent deters the
insects from approaching the skin.
11. Treatment Against Lice
Since eucalyptus oil has insect-repelling properties, it also has proven
effectiveness in repelling lice – which are, of course, a type of
insect – from our children’s heads. Eucalyptus oil is essentially a
natural and safe pesticide against these troublesome parasites that
spread from head to head. To make eucalyptus shampoo for lice treatment,
mix eucalyptus oil with regular shampoo in a ratio of one to ten – in
favor of the shampoo – apply it to the hair and scalp, cover the hair
with a shower cap, and wait 10 minutes before rinsing with water. After
washing, use a fine-toothed comb to remove the lice eggs.
12. Wound Healing
Eucalyptus oil contains an antimicrobial component with properties for
disinfecting wounds, cuts, burns, and scratches. Using the oil on such
wounds prevents the risk of infections in the affected area and speeds
up the healing process, and the oil's anesthetic properties will also
reduce the pain associated with the injury. If you have been bitten by
an insect and are suffering from irritating itching, applying eucalyptus
oil diluted in coconut oil will help alleviate the itching sensation as
well.
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