Top 10 Eucalyptus Oil Uses and Benefits
The eucalyptus tree is an evergreen tree native to Australia and many parts of the west coast in the U.S. In its homeland of Australia, it is the staple diet of Koala Bears and other wildlife. While it clearly supports wildlife nutritionally, the eucalyptus oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves also have powerful medicinal properties for us humans. The Aborigines used eucalyptus, or “kino” as they referred to it, to heal most wounds they encountered.
10 Eucalyptus Oil Uses and Benefits
Today, eucalyptus oil uses have a broad range of health benefits including:
1. Sinus and Allergies
A study from NYU Medical School found that using eucalyptus was an effective use for treating sinusitis. The study had participants take eucalyptus oil internally, and it’s also recommended to gargle with it to clear the throat. Patients experienced faster improvement when supplementing with eucalyptus oil for allergies and sinus issues.
2. Hand Cleaner
Eucalyptus EO works wonders as a cleanser for your hands and feet after a long workday. As a cleanser, it removes grease and rejuvenates sore hands skin when mixed into a salt bath. For maximum cleaning power, simply mix sea salt, Epsom salt, and eucalyptus oil to remove grease and dirt for good.
3. Colds & Flu
Fight colds with the powerful effects of eucalyptus. It works as an expectorant and helps cleanse your body of toxins and harmful microorganisms that can cause you to become sick. Feel a cold coming on? Drop several drops of the essential oil into your diffuser before going to sleep and feel the effects of the healing benefits all night long. If you are looking for something a little more direct, try making a steam bath by pouring a cup of boiling water into a bowl, and then mix 10 drops of eucalyptus EO. Place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for five–10 minutes.
4. Hair Nourishment
Is your hair feeling dry and brittle? A few drops of eucalyptus oil with some coconut or olive oil gives your hair a nice moisturizing boost. Itchy scalps and dandruff are unwanted by most. Moisturize your scalp with these nourishing oils. Also, eucalyptus is used as a natural remedy for lice in the replacement of chemical treatments. Natural for the win.
5. Natural Home Care
Not only does eucalyptus give a nice, fresh fragrance to your home products, but it adds vital anti-microbial properties as well. This is a safe, natural at home remedy that can be used on just about everything. Add several drops into soap, laundry detergent, mop water, toilet cleaner, window cleaner, etc.
6. Odor Remover
There are some smells around the house that are hard to get rid of. Whether you’re battling smelly shoes or a stinky dog bed, try topically washing any smelly item with a wet rag soaked in eucalyptus oil-infused water, and place outside to dry in the sun. Make sure to dilute the oil with water when using it for this. This can prevent odors as well as keep the shape intact! You may also mix it with lemon oil or tea tree oil for an anti-stink spray.
7. Air Cleanser
Freshen up your filters for a boost of clean smells while killing mold. Try putting a few drops into your vacuum and clothes dryer filters to freshen them up and sanitize them a little. Also, it’s great for killing mold in your home, and you can mix eucalyptus with other oils like clove and tea tree oil to cleanse the air and maintain a mold-free home.
8. Spot Remover
Be stain-free! Eucalyptus oil is highly effective at removing spots on your carpet, clothes and basically every fabric you have in the house. It even works to get gum off your shoes! Before you try this, be sure to do a test run on a smaller spot or stain on an item. This is to make sure that the oil doesn’t react strangely with the material you treat. With the vast amount of synthetic materials around, you never know how natural remedies will react to it!
9. Respiratory Problems
As stated above for colds, eucalyptus essential oil works as a great treatment for respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, and even tuberculosis. Using eucalyptus for asthma is a proven treatment that dilates the blood vessels and allows more oxygen into the lungs. Make your own vapor rub by mixing eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and coconut oil. Apply to your upper chest and feel the relief.
10. Wound Treatment
As we learned from the Aborigines above, eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that are effective at treating wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores, and scrapes. It is often made into a salve or healing ointment and put on bug bites and stings. It keeps the area from getting infected while acting as a natural pain reliever.
The list doesn’t stop just for human use, try using eucalyptus on your pets! This powerhouse essential oil is proven to be safe and effective for a wide range of uses, and your pets can reap the benefits as well.