The Enormous Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The leaves of the eucalyptus tree, when dried, offer an oil that comes with an expansive catalog of health benefits. Used to make medicines, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, a number of other products, eucalyptus essential oil is one of the most useful plants in the world.

Whether you’re struggling with an ailment, looking to boost your hair’s moisture and shine, attempting to soften your skin, cooking, or creating your own products, eucalyptus oil can help you out in some way or another. However, we’ve only just scratched the surface of how helpful this essential oil truly is.

What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Used For?

The eucalyptus leaf is used for a number of health problems first and foremost. A common ingredient in natural medicines, the uses of this plant span the full gamut. The following are just a few of the illnesses, ailments, and health problems this essential oil is used to treat, soothe, and improve:

·         Infections: An anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus can work wonders when it comes to nasty infections. It is also an analgesic (pain killer), an antibacterial, and it is anti-infectious, meaning it has all the makings of an effective medication for different types of infections that may plague the body. Of course, eucalyptus oil should never be ingested or applied to the skin in its absolute form. It should be diluted until safe. Most medications will do this for you, however.

·         Upset Stomach: As a pain killer, diluted eucalyptus oil can assuage upset and sour stomachs, as well as relieve any pain they may cause.

·         Coughs: Eucalyptus oil has been known to help loosen tight coughs and clear out phlegm following a cold. As an antiviral, it works well against colds and flus.

·         Respiratory Tract Infections and Problems: The leaf and oil are also used to treat respiratory tract infections, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and whooping cough. It can also be used as a preventative measure to maintain sinus health.

·         Acne: A natural astringent, eucalyptus oil is also used to treat acne and oil skin.

·         Burns: The clean, cooling effect of eucalyptus oil helps to soothe pain from burns and encourage healing of wounds.

·         Soreness and Inflammation: For sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis, eucalyptus oil is a lifesaver. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help it soothe and reduce pain. When added to a bath, it can soothe sore muscles and melt away stress, stiffness, and tenderness.

·         Fever: The pain killing properties in eucalyptus oil also work well with fevers and the symptoms they bring. Body aches, headache, weakness and tenderness can be reduced and improved with the help of this essential oil.

How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil can be applied a number of ways. Depending upon what you’re using it for, how you use it could be different.

·         In the Bath: One of the main ways it is used is in the bath as a shower gel or soap. This means that the oil is already well diluted and ready for direct use. However, you can dilute the pure oil yourself using sweet almond oil or something similar, and add 10 to 14 drops directly to your warm bath.

·         Diffuser: An aromatherapy diffuser fills the air in a room with eucalyptus and is a wonderful way to gain its therapeutic value. Diffusers can be use in living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and even on your office desk.

·         Massage: Eucalyptus essential oil is also commonly used as a massage oil. It is great for sore muscles and relieving stress and can even help improve blood circulation to the brain, giving you the ability to think clearly and calmly.

·         Incense/Candle: Diffusing eucalyptus oil in an office, classroom, or in the home is a good way to improve the blood brain connection and encourage a clear thought processes.

Always make sure to buy only 100% pure therapeutic essential oil for best results.

Caution: Side Effects and Possible Poisoning

Eucalyptus oil should never be taken orally or applied directly to skin unless safely diluted. If, however, it has been ingested without being properly diluted, the following problems can occur:

·         Nausea

·         Diarrhea

·         Vomiting

·         Upset Stomach

Eucalyptus poisoning presents itself a little differently. Watch out for these symptoms:

·         Suffocation feeling/Difficulty breathing

·         Small pupils

·         Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor straight away.