Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
A native to Australia, either known as the string bark tree or the bubblegum tree, is the nickname for the tree that provides us with the famous Eucalyptus oil. This tree provides us with a super ingredient and highly potent Eucalyptus oil with a strong camphorous fragrance which is extracted from the dried leaves of this plant and then processed. There are 700 varieties of this plant some even grow in shrubs with the same characteristics and healing properties
Eucalyptus oil is power-packed oil with numerous benefits and uses. It is well-known and easily available all over the world. It is highly regarded in Indian Ayurveda and is also used in China, Brazil, and Greece. It is also used in various medicines and balms because of its healing properties. Eucalyptus Oil has antiseptic anti-fungal properties. Let us take a look at the benefits of Eucalyptus oil.
“Respiratory disorders”
eucalyptus oil is best for cough and cold specifically because it can help clear mucus. This is possible as it contains pinene and cineole, which help clear the mucus build-up. Regular use of this oil is highly beneficial for asthma patients. Asthma and sinus can be treated by inhaling eucalyptus with steam. This oil helps clear mucus by reacting with the mucus membranes. This oil also possibly blocks asthma symptoms.
“Muscle Aches and Pains”
Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial to treat aches and pains when applied. Cineole and limonene present in this oil are pain relievers that help treat muscle aches and pains. This oil has a cooling effect once applied which helps reduce soreness and inflammation. Some studies have even proven to help with aches caused after knee replacement surgery.
“Insect Bites”
Eucalyptus oil is a repellent for all insects due to its soothing effect once applied to the skin and mixed with carrier oil. It is proven to be highly beneficial in treating itchy mosquito or insect bites. It also helps diminish the pain caused by insect bites. This naturally derived oil is proven to help prevent the temptation to scratch and bacteria from entering the body. Just a few drops applied on the neck, ankles, and behind the ears help in mosquitoes from biting. This oil also helps speed up the recovery time from a bug bite.
“Dandruff”
Dandruff is a common troublesome issue faced by many. Anti-fungal components in eucalyptus oil combat the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, the most common cause of dandruff. Eucalyptus oil is beneficial in treating dandruff at a very early stage. It is highly beneficial when applied mixed with carrier oil to treat the formation of dandruff. It also helps soothe and treat the itchiness caused by dandruff. A 2012 report published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease indicated that eucalyptus oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties that can act as an anti-dandruff treatment.
“Hair Growth”
Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial in promoting hair growth by increasing blood circulation once mixed with a carrier oil and massaged on the scalp. It also helps in eliminating any inflammation on the scalp. It has a soothing effect on the scalp which helps reduce stress which is one of the main causes of hair loss. This oil is extremely nourishing to the hair which also helps promote hair growth. This oil also has microbial properties which help in treating head lice which helps in overall scalp health. Regularly massaging this oils helps the hair follicles by adding important nutrients that help the hair remain thick and healthy.
“Sunburns”
Sunburns are painful and cause redness to the skin. The calming, soothing, and pain-relieving properties of this oil are proven to be beneficial and treat sunburns. The antibacterial properties can also help treat any infection. It is also beneficial to treat the redness caused due to sunburns. This oil also helps in treating discomfort caused by sunburns due to its cooling effect once applied.
“Insect Repellent”
This oil has a strong smell which proves to be extremely beneficial in repelling mosquitoes, bugs, and insects. at least 2 hours after application. The powerful scent is also beneficial in keeping cockroaches and rodents away. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends lemon eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient in insect repellents. Citronella, a prominent component in lemon eucalyptus oil, is an instant insect repellent.
“Stress Buster and Mood Elevator”
The aroma of Eucalyptus oil eliminates tiredness and mental fatigue. It is known for its cooling effect and is highly beneficial once applied to relieve stress. It is also helpful in treating pre-surgery anxiety in patients. In one study, 62 healthy people experienced significant reductions in pre-surgery anxiety after inhaling eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol which is proven to significantly possess anti-anxiety properties which makes eucalyptus oil great for sleep.
“Skin Care”
This oil is well known for its cleansing and purifying properties which prove to be highly beneficial for our skin. It helps in treating redness caused due to acne. This oil can increase the skin's ceramide content which helps in retaining the skin's moisture content. This is highly beneficial for treating dry skin. This oil is rich in a component known as tannins which works as an astringent when used in cosmetics to help clean the skin and reduce excess oiliness. Also, anecdotal present in this oil has been proven beneficial to lighten skin color.
FAQ
1. Is Eucalyptus oil safe for pregnant women?
It is not recommended to use this oil during pregnancy. Though there have been mixed opinions on the use of this oil for pregnant women. It is advised to not risk any chances with the use of this oil.
2. What are the disadvantages of Eucalyptus oil?
This oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, and coma. It's unsafe to apply pure eucalyptus oil to the skin. It is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil or it can cause serious problems with the nervous system.
3. What is the shelf life of Eucalyptus oil?
This oil has a short expiration date and it can last for a year. It is recommended to store it in a cool dark place.
4. What are the best carrier oils to use along with Eucalyptus oil?
The best carrier oils that go well with Eucalyptus oil are jojoba and coconut oil. It is still safe and recommended to do a patch test before using the diluted oil.