Eucalyptus essential oil is a wonderful multi-faceted oil with many therapeutic uses. You can find it as an ingredient in many products you find in neighborhood stores. In fact, it can be found in decongestant, cough and cold medicines, as a chest rub and in soaps, rash creams and topical pain relievers. Because it has a wide range of healing properties including being an effective antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, insecticidal and helps to curb inflammation.
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Tidbits About Eucalyptus
Australian Aboriginals were the first known people to use the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. For example, the leaves were gathered and made into infusions to treat pain, sinus congestion and fever. In 1788 eucalyptus oil was made by distilling the eucalyptus leaves in Port Jackson, Australia. In this case, it was used to treat Marines and convicts in this seaport town.
The first commercially available oil was called “Bosistos Eucalyptus Oil” named for Joseph Bosisto, a scientist out of Melbourne, Australia. He opened a distillation plant in 1852 near Dandenong, Victoria, Australia. Hence, the brand has stood the test of time and is still available to this day.
By 1870 eucalyptus oil was available worldwide and was used by surgeons as an antiseptic during surgery by 1890. Importantly, eucalyptus essential oil continues to be a revered component for relieving symptoms of the common cold and flu, cough and disturbances of the respiratory tract. (1) Later during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s eucalyptus was brought to North America by the Australians.
Today eucalyptus is still made by extraction by steam distilling the leaves. There are many varieties of eucalyptus tree grown all over the world, approximately 700 varieties. Being native to Australia, the trees can now be found on plantations in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. (2) Eucalyptus essential oil is widely available.
Uses and Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Respiratory Conditions
Respiration
Eucalyptus essential oil helps to stimulate your immune system making it useful for improving many respiratory conditions. It provides antioxidant protection and improves respiratory circulation. In order to clear your respiratory tract try a diffuser like this with a few drops of the oil.
Widens Blood Vessels
Eucalyptus essential oil helps with breathing problems because it helps to widen the blood vessels so that more oxygen can get into the lungs. (1) (2) Being that, it’s effective at treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Common Cold, Cough & Flu
Because of it’s anti-fungal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties eucalyptus essential oil is useful for treatment and relief of the common cold, cough or the flu. Markedly it helps to open the sinus by activating your nose’s cold receptors. For instance, it’s the main ingredient in Vick’s Vapor Rub, a time-honored over the counter remedy for congestion. In fact, you can make your own version by adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to coconut or other carrier oil and rubbing it onto your chest.
Eucalyptus oil is a very effective essential oil for coughs because it works as an expectorant, helping to cleanse the body of the toxins and microorganisms that are making you cough.
Cancer
Several studies have shown that Eucalyptus extracts have anti-cancer properties. However, more studies need to be done to comprehensively review its phytochemical and anti-cancer properties. (3)
Skin Care
Natural Sunscreen
Eucalyptus oil has a natural SPF of 3. Couple it with coconut oil which has an SPF of 4-5 and you have a safe non-toxic sunscreen of 7-8. If you’d like more protection try mixing your essential oil with carrot seed oil which has a natural non-toxic SPF of 35-40. This will ensure you’re well protected from sunburn while also nourishing your skin.
Acne
Eucalyptus essential oil has powerful anti-microbial agents that destroy the bacteria that can lead to acne. Try putting a drop of eucalyptus on a damp cotton ball to spot treat acne flareups. Or you can add a few drops to your daily moisturizing cream. However, take caution not to get it in your eyes.
Skin fungus
Eucalyptus essential oil has natural anti-fungal agents that can help to alleviate stubborn fungal infections on the skin or toenails making it a cheaper and less toxic alternative to expensive pharmaceutical preparations. (4)
Aids wound care
Because of eucalyptus’ antimicrobial and antiseptic agents, it’s a good remedy for wound care. This due to its having the ability to fight infection. Additionally, it’s beneficial in treating contact dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, blisters, cold sores, boils, cuts, insect bites, shingles, sores, ulcers and other wounds. (5)
Headaches
Headaches
Because of eucalyptus essential oils ability to alleviate sinus pressure, it’s one of the best remedies for headaches. Applying eucalyptus oil to your forehead can be very soothing for stress headaches in the same manner as peppermint oil. Both oils have the ability to calm nerves and clear sinus passages, which is good news if your headache is caused by stress or sinus pressure. Try a mixture of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils the next time you have a headache.
Hair Care
Head Lice
There’s a lot of shame and embarrassment around head lice. But the truth is anyone can get them. And it certainly doesn’t mean you’re dirty or unhygienic. Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural insecticide. It is commonly found in commercial products designed to combat head lice. Of course, the problem with these products is that they also contain many toxic ingredients. So if yourself or someone in your family gets these pesky little critters, try adding a few ingredients to your shampoo.
Using Eucalyptus for Head Lice
Mix your shampoo with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. First, apply the shampoo mixture to your hair. Next, cover your head and hair with a tight-fitting shower cap taking care not to get the combination in your eyes. Finally, leave on for an hour or so and wash the mixture out.
The combination of eucalyptus and tea tree oil is thought to suffocate or kill the lice making them easier to comb out. Use a nit comb to comb through the hair to remove any eggs that may be left behind.
Hair Care
Moisturize and nourish stressed hair with a blend of 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil and 4 Tablespoons of a good carrier oil and massage onto the scalp and hair. Let the mixture rest for at least an hour before washing it out to nourish hair and relieve itchy scalp.
Cleaning
Dust Mites
Dust mites love to take up residence in your bed. They feed off of dead skin cells. Therefore, it’s best to take measures to rid your bed of dust mites because they leave behind fecal matter and dead bodies causing breathing problems and allergies. The next time you wash your bedding try adding a teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil to your laundry soap. Or you can make a DIY dust mite spray. Also, vacuum your mattress frequently and spray it with your dust mite spray before putting clean sheets back on your bed.
Anti-bacterial Cleaning Spray
For easy non-toxic cleaning and disinfectant spray mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water with 20+ drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Simply put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, preferably glass and use the spray to clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks and counters. Also, you can add the mixture to your mopping water to clean your floors and as an overall multi-purpose cleaning spray.
Mold and Mildew
Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils are both great anti-fungal agents. For wet areas in your home, like the shower, you can mix 5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle with water. Simply shake the bottle and spray surfaces that tend to be hotspots for mold to keep mold and mildew away.
Make Your Own Eucalyptus Oil in a Crock Pot
Forage
Gather fresh eucalyptus leaves. The older leaves have the most oil in them. Also, it’s best to harvest the leaves in the morning because the concentration of eucalyptus oil is highest in the morning. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of washed, then air dried leaves or you can dry them with a towel.
Measure
Measure 1 Cup of Oil. It can be almond oil, olive oil or liquid coconut oil. The idea is to not have a strong smelling oil that will compete with the scent of the eucalyptus.
Crush/Chop
Remove the leaves from the stems and gently crush or chop the leaves.
Add Oil
Add the oil and the leaves to a small crockpot and set the temperature to low. Allow the mixture to steep for a few hours, up to 6.
Strain
When the cooking time is up, allow the oil to cool to room temperature. Then strain the oil from the leaves into a dark glass container. A wire mesh strainer works best. If you don’t have a dark glass container just store your oil in a clear glass container storing in a dark place which will keep the oil from breaking down too rapidly.
Finally, Label Your Oil
Label and date your jar. I make a lot of things in my home and if I forget to label the jars I forget what is in it. Every… single… time… I forget. The oil should be good for about 6 months. However, if you think you’d like to keep it longer store it in the refrigerator.
You will need:
- Dark glass jar
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Eucalyptus Leaves
- Carrier Oil
- Small Crock Pot
- Labels
If you want to make a smaller amount just remember that it’s a 1:4 ratio. Oil to leaves. Make sure your jar is clean and completely dry before you strain your oil into it because water could lead to mold growth.
I’ve used this method to make other herbal infusion oils too. I purchased a little mini crock pot that is designated specifically to making my herbal oils. If you prefer the “folk” method of solar infusing head over to How to Make Solar Infused Herbal Oil
Precautions
- Eucalyptus essential oil is not safe for internal use. If you are using it in any oral preparations always spit it out after use.
- Do a patch test if using eucalyptus essential oil on your skin. If you have sensitive skin dilute the eucalyptus oil with a good carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it to your skin.
- Eucalyptus essential oil is not safe for children and you should keep your oil stored away from little hands to prevent possible ingestion. Dilute with a good carrier oil before using on children’s delicate skin.
Conclusion
Eucalyptus essential has many impressive benefits. Its claim to fame is its ability to alleviate sinus congestion and as a cold and flu remedy. I hope you will try a few of the recipes here for using eucalyptus essential oil in your home and for your body so you can see for yourself how you can benefit from it.
You may also like:
- How to Make Solar Infused Herbal Oil
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- Maca – An Andean Aphrodisiac
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- Cedarwood Essential Oil Prevents Infections, Repels Bugs and More!
Want to find out more about nature’s health gifts? Ultimate Bundles offers a ton of great resources, courses, recipes and more!!
Disclaimer
The use of essential oils is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that essential oils can trigger side effects and skin irritations.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.