Did you know that eucalyptus is not only well-known because it is commonly associated with koala bears but also because of its essential oil? Eucalyptus essential oil contains a plethora of benefits and is commonly found in many health and body care products.
There are about 500 varieties of eucalyptus that are used in the production of essential oils. The global production, however, is dominated by Eucalyptus globulus (also known as Bluegum) and this is the eucalyptus essential oil we will be exploring today. Read on now to find out all you need to know about eucalyptus essential oil.
What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Made Of?
Eucalyptus essential oil is derived from the oval-shaped leaves of eucalyptus trees. These trees belong to the plant family Myrtaceae and are native to Australia. However, today, the Eucalyptus Globulus trees are grown all over the world including in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and certain parts of Europe.
They can typically grow to a height of around 45 meters, or, if they are in particularly ideal conditions, they can even grow up to as tall as 100 meters.
When it comes to eucalyptus oil, the geographical conditions under which the trees grow are of the utmost importance. This is because the conditions will directly affect the yield of the oil. The conditions to consider include the environment, season, climate, soil nutrients, water flow, and genetic variation.
How is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Extracted?
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from fresh or partially dried eucalyptus leaves. First, the eucalyptus leaves are carefully dried and crushed. They are then steam distilled in order to release the essential oil. As a result of the potency of eucalyptus oil, it must first be diluted before general use.
Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
1. Addresses and improves respiratory conditions
One of the best essential oils for respiratory conditions, eucalyptus essential oil is believed to be effective against conditions like asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, flu, and cough. In fact, eucalyptus is commonly found in many products used for relieving symptoms of respiratory problems including lozenges and inhalants.
One of the reasons that eucalyptus oil is so effective for these problems is because it helps to stimulate and kick your immune system into gear, provide some much-needed antioxidants, and improve respiratory circulation.
For example, a research in 2004 showed that Eucalyptus globulus oil helps to reduce inflammation caused by chronic bronchitis and inhibits the hypersecretion of airway mucins in animal studies.
To relieve congestion, add a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil onto a face cloth and inhale it. Alternatively, add approximately five drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water. Then, cover your head as well as the bowl and proceed to breathe in the steam for around 10 to 15 minutes. The hot steam with the oil’s wonderful properties will help to get the mucus flowing and drain the airways to ease congestion.
2. Relieves coughs
As stated above, eucalyptus essential oil has proven to be excellent in easing hacking coughs. In addition to acting as an expectorant — purging your body of the bacteria and toxins that are causing the coughs — eucalyptus oil also makes it easier to breathe.
This is why many cough medicines — for example, Vicks VapoRub — have eucalyptus essential oil as one of the ingredients.
For some relief from persistent coughs, inhale the vapor. Alternatively, mix the eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage it onto your chest.
3. Treats wounds
Once used by the Australian aborigines to treat and disinfect wounds, several studies have since proven the efficacy of eucalyptus essential oil in healing wounds.
The essential oil’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it an excellent remedy for all sorts of irritations such as cuts, wounds, sores, burns, blisters, dermatitis, and even insect bites.
To use eucalyptus oil as an antiseptic cleaner, mix around five to seven drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and gently dab on the wounds or cuts with a clean cotton pad.
4. Prevents infection
Besides that, eucalyptus essential oil is also perfect for preventing infection because of its top-notch antimicrobial activities.
A study in the Alternative Medicine Review found that eucalyptus essential oil and its major component, eucalyptol, have antimicrobial effects against many strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungi (including Candida).
Then, you have a different study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine concluding that the essential oil is a natural antibiotic for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by E.coli and S. aureus, too.
5. Soothes joint and muscle pain
Apart from the above, research also suggests that eucalyptus essential oil eases pain and reduces inflammation. When applied topically, the oil helps to reduce muscle pain, soreness, and swelling caused by conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As a matter of fact, many over-the-counter ointments for these conditions have eucalyptus as one of their ingredients, too.
A research into the effect of inhaling eucalyptus oil on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement showed that the oil is a “valuable nursing intervention for pain relief after TKR.”
For some quick assuaging of pain, mix five to seven drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or moringa oils) and massage the combination onto the muscles. Alternatively, for some overall comfort, add 20-30 drops of the essential oil to your hot bath. The hot water will also help to relax the aching muscles.
6. Repels pests
Eucalyptus essential oil is an extremely effective insect repellent and insecticide. So effective that the United States officially registered the oil as an insecticide and miticide (killing mites and ticks) in 1948.
A 2012 research showed that eucalyptus essential oil is a viable option to control larvae and pupae of the housefly.
2020 may be the Chinese zodiac’s year of the rat but if you are not a fan of rodents, you will be extremely grateful for eucalyptus essential oil. A 2014 study found that the oil significantly repels rats. For this to work, you need to add around 20 or so drops of the essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Then, proceed to spray the solution around the house, paying particular attention to the areas near your pantry. However, if you have pets, do exercise extra care as eucalyptus can be irritating for them.
Mixing Eucalyptus Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
Fresh, clean, sweet, and slightly camphoraceous, eucalyptus blends well with the citrusy scents of lemon and lemongrass essential oils. Besides that, eucalyptus’s strong top note pairs well with cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, and thyme essential oils, too.
Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils are also a common pairing in soaps, lotions, and other body care products.
Other Good-to-Know Information
Eucalyptus essential oil should not be consumed orally and should only be used aromatically or topically.
Besides that, eucalyptus is also considered highly allergenic. This is why it is vital to do an allergy test before using the essential oil.
Those with asthma should also proceed with caution as eucalyptus essential oil can potentially worsen their condition.
Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Right For You?
There is a reason eucalyptus essential oil is so very celebrated and in-demand: it is flexible, effective, and chock-full of benefits. Quite frankly, it is one of the best essential oils to have at hand.
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