Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil
Some of the main health benefits of Eucalyptus Oil in modern medicine and holistic medicine. The history of eucalyptus oil, its use in medicine, and how to use eucalyptus at home as a natural home remedy.
Eucalyptus is widely used in medicine and pharmacology, especially in the treatment of respiratory conditions, coughs, colds, and influenza. It is also used in pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory including being anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral and antiseptic.
That is why I recommend you have eucalyptus at home in your natural medicine cabinet. Although it has to be used with certain cautions, not used on infants, eucalyptus is very versatile.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus Oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree which is native to Australia and surrounding areas. There are actually over 400 species of eucalyptus but most eucalyptus oil is extracted from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree.
The eucalyptus oil is obtained by extracting oil from the leaves through steam distillation.
When extracted the main chemical properties of Eucalyptus Globulus are ” Eucalyptol (51.62%), α-pinene (23.62%), p-cymene (10%), β-myrcene (8.74%), Terpinen-4-ol (2.74%) and γ-terpinene (2.59%) were the major compounds for E. globulus.” Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Eucalyptus Globulus and Eucalyptus Maculuta grown in Tanzania
History Of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has been used in medicine for thousands of years, by the aborigines, in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, as well as different types of European and Greek Medicine.
Eucalyptus trees first arrived in the UK as seeds in 1774. In 1778 two Doctors in Australia Dennis Codden and John White started to treat colic and different chest issues with distilled Eucalyptus Piperita.
But it wasn’t until botanist Baron Ferdinand von Muller’s writings about different Eucalyptus species in approx 1860 did Eucalyptus start to come to the forefront first as antiseptic.
During the first World War 1, Eucalyptus was used to help put an end to a serious occurrence of meningitis in the midst of the influenza epidemic.
It would be later used in the treatment of different respiratory conditions and other ailments. And used in very tiny drops it would be used in dental products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum as well as cough drops and sweets.
Medical Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus
Some of the medical health benefits of eucalyptus used in pharmacology, holistic and modern medicine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use eucalyptus on infants, always use sparingly as it is highly potent, caution on sensitive skin.
Eucalyptus In Dental Products
Eucalyptus is widely used in mouthwash and toothpaste due to its reputation for fighting off infections, bacteria, and tooth decay. It also helps eliminate bad breath and alleviates symptoms of herpes simplex 1 (cold sores). Some dentists also suggest eucalyptus in mouthwash can help reduce the risk of receding gums.
Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus For Respiratory Infections
Eucalyptus is widely used in aromatherapy and medicine to help treat asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, throat infections, and flu. I take these Eucalyptus Pastilles during the winter months.
In just one medical research paper we see how a herbal emulsion of eucalyptus oil can help treat influenza. “Oil-in-water emulsion formulated with eucalyptus leaves extract inhibit influenza virus binding and replication in vitro”
Another clinical study shows the Antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on pathogenic bacteria isolated from specimens of patients with respiratory tract disorders.
In aromatherapy, we recommend steam inhalation of eucalyptus oil for many respiratory infections, colds, flu, asthma, and bronchitis. As well as or a hot compress, see bottom of the page for instructions.
Eucalyptus For Pain Relief And In Treatment Of Inflammation
Eucalyptus oil has been used to reduce nerve-type pain such as neuralgia and skin rash of shingles. One randomized clinical study demonstrated the benefits of eucalyptus inhalation on pain and inflammation. Known as a useful muscle relaxation and anti-rheumatic popular in many muscular balms, creams, and analgesics.
Eucalyptus can be used in compresses for deep muscular pain and tension. See below for hot compress instructions. This is a great Eucalyptus Balm For the muscles from NYR Organics.
Benefits Of Eucalyptus As An Insect Repellent
Eucalyptus has been officially registered as an insecticide and miticide, especially for the elimination of mites and ticks for over 70 years.
Clinical research in India found Eucalyptus Globulus to be a natural treatment against houseflies.
One way to use eucalyptus oil at home as an insect repellent is to diffuse essential oil through a diffuser. Another way is to add a few drops of eucalyptus to a spray bottle and use it to disinfect work surfaces, floors, and cupboards. Or add it with a few other oils such as tea-tree, thyme to spray bottle.
The Safe And Effective Use Of Essential Oils
Most people underestimate the power, properties, and potency of essential oils. Even though essential oils are extracts of nature every essential oil is uniquely made up of different volatile compounds. Each essential oil tends to have a long list of therapeutic properties but some also have potentially toxic and harmful properties when not used in a safe and effective way.
So it is important that you choose the right essential oil for your and your family’s need and use that oil in the most appropriate safe and effective way for each person. That includes checking for contraindications, safety use guidelines, and buying good high-quality essential oils. That is why I choose NYR Organics and have my own online shop.
WARNING: EUCALYPTUS is highly potent it should not be used on infants. Use essential oils with care, especially when applying essential oil blends on children, the elderly, those with certain health challenges or medical conditions. Always check with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist to see if essential oils are suitable for any chronic or rare medical condition.
Steam Inhalation Instructions:
Recommended oils for inhalation include eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, tea-tree.
How To Inhale Steam
You’ll need the following materials:
- a large basin or bowl
- water
- a pot or kettle
- towel
Steps To Inhale Safely And Effectively
- Boil the water.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl.
- Then drape the towel over the back of your head.
- Turn on a timer.
- Close your eyes and then slowly lower your head toward the bowl until you’re about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five minutes.
Aromatherapy Diffusing
Aromatherapy diffusers are a great way to diffuse essential oils out in the home. Many essential oils diffused can help eliminate or reduce viruses, boost the immune system. They can also help produce happy hormones, help you unwind and relax. Most diffusers will come with instructions on how many drops of essential oil to use to add to water tank.
Hot Compress Instructions
You’ll need the following materials:
- a small bowl
- water
- a pot or kettle
- small flannel or towel
For a hot eucalyptus compress, add one drop of eucalyptus oil to a small bowl of hot water. Then dip the cotton flannel into the water and apply directly to the skin.
Aromatherapy Bath Instructions
The best way to add essential oils to the bath is to add the oils to a base oil that will easily disperse in the bath such as avocado, coconut oil, olive oil.
Adult Recommendations:
Run bathwater.
Then add 5 ml of your eucalyptus essential oil blend ( a mixture of carrier oil such as coconut oil with essential oils)
Or add 5 drops of Pure Essential Oils to bathwater.
Then thoroughly disperse in water before entering the bathwater.
Relax in the bath for a minimum of 10-15 minutes to get the full benefit.
