Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that offers important health, skin, and even hair care benefits.
We are not talking about a recent product because its benefits have been used by tribes since the beginning of time.
If you still do not know its properties, in this article, you can read them in detail, and I will also tell you how to use them.
Read on to discover all the hidden secrets of eucalyptus essential oil.
What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
It is extracted through a meticulous process using the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, with the scientific name Eucalyptus Globulus and Eucalyptus Radiata, characterized by a very special essential aroma.
Eucalyptus is a plant that is used throughout the world for its interesting properties, such as its decongestant power of the nasal passages.
References suggest that it was Australian natives who used the plant as a remedy to treat fever and malaria.
Later, it would reach Europe, where it would begin to be used to counteract the symptoms of colds, such as coughs, asthma, or even the flu.
Its main active ingredient is 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which gives it its distinctive aroma. In addition, a-pinene, b-pinene, a-phellandrene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, among others, stand out.
Eucalyptus oil is easier to use and is usually more readily available than the plant.
Properties of Eucalyptus Oil
Decongestant and expectorant
It acts directly against nasal congestion and the mucus that causes it. It also relieves acute cases of cough.
Antiseptic and antibacterial
It is part of many remedies that aim to combat the action of bacteria and germs. That is why it is so effective against colds or flu.
Antifungal qualities
Reduce the risk of fungus proliferation in the different areas of the skin and scalp.
Anti-inflammatory power
It is not a well-known property, but eucalyptus oil can also be used to treat muscle pain and arthritis.
Stimulant
If you are taking exams or in a period when you need extra concentration, this product also helps you to be more focused and concentrate.
Purifier
It can contribute to the purification of the environment, eliminating bad odors contained in it.
Uses and Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
For Health
Combats respiratory ailments
Above all, it is especially useful when it comes to finding a remedy to combat tedious nasal congestion.
The oil has such a unique odor that it can make its way through congested nasal passages in such a way as to bring relief to the affected person.
Being a very practical oil to keep the respiratory axis of the body in good condition, it can treat the symptoms of flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), dryness, etc.
Natural antiseptic
Another of its characteristics par excellence is that it is very useful for cleaning and disinfecting.
It has an antiseptic character, which means that it can be used as a treatment for infections of certain skin problems.
Many people have it in their medicine cabinet, as it can be used to treat shallow wounds, cuts, bites, and first-degree burns, among other ailments.
Acts against muscular or joint pains
People who have to stand for long periods during their working day may suffer from significant muscle pain.
Something similar will occur if we do continuous and intense sports.
Eucalyptus oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to minimize joint or muscle pain.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can take a look at this research that talks about how it can help minimize inflammation in knee pain.
Improves oral health
This study found that eucalyptus extract chewing gum can promote periodontal health, reducing dental plaque and gingivitis, and improving bad breath.
Moreover, some dentists recommend diluting a drop of eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and doing mouth rinse or pulling.
You can also add a drop to toothpaste before brushing your teeth.
For the Skin
Eliminates stains
Very few products are useful in eliminating skin blemishes.
Following a continuous treatment with eucalyptus oil, you will be able to eliminate these spots, revitalizing the dermis.
Remedy against pimples
Eucalyptus essential oil is capable of progressively eliminating pimples or boils caused by different reasons.
It is also effective in eliminating acne or improving the situation of those patients who have chickenpox.
Acts against the ravages of some insects
It is effective against bites or wounds caused by insects.
It is also a good remedy for blisters that may have different origins.
For Hair
Acts against common hair conditions
Eucalyptus oil is used to treat some of the most common hair problems and can be used as a practical treatment for any person or hair color.
Although it has a strong odor, it is not aggressive to the hair but contributes to its care.
It acts mainly against:
Dryness
Due to the oil’s great lubrication properties, it can penetrate to the root of the scalp, revitalizing it from this point to the outside, and preventing dryness.
Dandruff remedy
Do you have problems with dandruff, and nothing works for you? You can try this product, and you will see how you keep it at bay.
Soothes irritations
It also reduces itching and irritations you may have on your scalp. It is very useful if you are having itching in this area.
Lice remedy
Many experts recommend it as a treatment to eliminate lice in children. Because of its strong odor, lice cannot tolerate living in such an environment.
Improves the texture and silkiness of the beard
Moisturizes the skin in this area, reduces the risk of infection, and relieves itching or burning problems.
Following a correct treatment with eucalyptus oil will improve the softness and silkiness of your hair, as well as enhance the color. Your hair will be clean and free of impurities.
If used regularly, it is possible to avoid a lot of havoc that can affect the health of the scalp and hair.
For your home
Household disinfectant
Its antibacterial properties, together with its fresh scent, make it ideal for household cleaning.
With a few drops added to your cleaning products, you will boost the disinfection of your home.
You can also prepare a surface cleaner by mixing eucalyptus oil with lemon essential oil and peppermint essential oil, diluting them with water before using it on kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Natural air freshener
Sprayed as an aerosol, eucalyptus oil is a non-toxic air freshener that disinfects the air, eliminating bacteria, viruses, and mold.
Insect repellent
Insects shy away from strong smells like eucalyptus oil, making it an excellent choice for use in your home insecticide.
Plus, you’ll be sure to use a product free of dangerous chemicals like DEET, which is commonly found in store-bought insecticides.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil
Container with hot water
If you are looking for a remedy to decongest the nose, you can try heating water and adding drops of oil.
Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors directly.
Dilution with other oil
If you want to use it directly on the body (to relieve congestion or other symptoms), it is imperative to dilute this essential oil in carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil.
You can then apply it directly to the chest or other areas.
As a mask
It is also possible to create a mask with natural products, where eucalyptus oil is the main protagonist.
For example, it can be mixed with coconut oil, as this way you will achieve properly hydrated hair, avoiding the dreaded discomfort due to dryness or itching.
Aromatherapy
It can be used in aromatherapy with the help of an aroma diffuser.
You only need to add a few drops of the oil to the water tank and wait for it to take effect.
If you do not have a diffuser, a trick that can work is to moisten some gauze with water and a few drops of oil and leave them in a room.
Aerosol
By diluting a few drops with water, you will have a spray that can freshen the rooms of your home.
It can also be used to eliminate body odors left on shoes and sports equipment.
Where to Buy Eucalyptus Oil
Due to its popularity, there are several establishments where you can buy eucalyptus oil.
In some supermarkets and hypermarkets, you may be lucky and find it, although it is not the most common.
If you have an herbalist near you, you can go there, and it will be available. It is one of the most popular essential oils used all over the world.
So that you have more variety of brands to choose from, you can even buy a set with different essential oils. You can also find them for sale on Amazon.
When making the purchase, you should keep in mind the quality of the essential oil. That is, the eucalyptus oil must be pure and from organic farming.
Storage of Eucalyptus Oil
You should store it in a dark glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Unlike other essential oils, this oil is quite robust. If stored properly, it will keep well for 1 to 2 years from the date of production.
Precautions
Before using eucalyptus oil, there are some precautions to take.
If it is to be used on the skin, it should never be applied directly. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil.
Before using topically, it is recommended to do a patch test on the inner surface of the forearm to determine how your body responds to the product.
As with other essential oils, its use is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, if you suffer from any medical condition, or if you are taking medication.
Avoid contact with eyes, inner ear, and sensitive areas.
It should not be used in high doses, as it could be toxic to some extent for different people. Excessive use of this oil may cause headaches.
Never sunbathe after applying this oil or any other essential oil.
The reason is that it could cause all kinds of skin rashes, although they are more common in oils derived from citrus fruits, which are mostly photosensitive oils.
Eucalyptus oil is a powerful product that offers interesting health benefits. Get it now and start taking advantage of its benefits.
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