Eucalyptus Essential Oil For Your Immunity And 7 other Reasons Why You Need It
Over the last several years we have become increasingly familiar with seeing a wide variety of Eucalyptus oil products in supermarkets and shops, home cleaning products, dental hygiene, medicinal products, air diffusers and even in bug repellent products. But apart from its nice smell and many uses, Eucalyptus oil has numerous health benefits for the human body.
The Eucalyptus tree comes from the plant family Myrtaceae, which is originally from Australia. Today there are more than 900 species of Eucalyptus, but only a few are used for medicinal purposes, mainly in the form of. Eucalyptus oil which is extracted from the leaves.
Traditionally, Eucalyptus oil was used as an analgesic agent that helped to manage pain (1), and it was valued for its capacity to reduce inflammation and respiratory conditions. But today, eucalyptus oil benefits and uses are extensive, and commonly used in applications such as healing ointments, perfumes, vapor rubs, massage treatments, etc.
Let's talk a little bit in more detail about a few of those benefits:
HEALTH BENEFITS
1.Boosts the immune system
Perhaps one of the best properties of eucalyptus oil is that it can help fight off viruses and bacteria. Back in the 19th century, eucalyptus oil was applied as an antiseptic agent during surgeries, as well as for cleaning catheters. In 1948, the United States also recognized the oil officially as an effective agent against insects, specifically fleas and ticks.
Several studies show that eucalyptus oil and its main component, eucalyptol, have antimicrobial effects against many types of bacteria, viruses and fungi.(5)
Eucalyptus can be used topically or aromatically to protect against the microorganisms that make you sick. This is one reason why eucalyptus oil benefits include its ability to boost your immune system. A lab study found that eucalyptus oil is be able to effectively kill 22 types of harmful bacteria, like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.(6)
Some of these types of bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant, which means that antibiotics no longer act as effective against them as they used to. However, these forms of bacteria are unlikely to develop a resistance to eucalyptus oil and other similarly antibacterial essential oils as they come from the same natural environment as the bacteria itself.
2.Helps with respiratory problems
Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce respiratory problems as it provides antioxidant protection and stimulates the immune system, which results in improved respiratory circulation. For this reason, diffusing this oil is particularly effective for improving respiratory conditions, especially for patients with asthma.
Researchers have also shown that Eucalyptus globulus, of which cineole is the major active compound, helps minimize the inflammatory effect of bronchitis by inhibiting the hypersecretion of airway mucins.(2)
Eucalyptus essential oil makes it feel easier to breathe when you’re feeling congested and your nose is running because it activates your nose’s cold receptors, and it even works as a remedy for sore throats.(3) In fact, Eucalyptus is one of the most efficient essential oils for cough treatment because it functions as an expectorant, purifying the body of microorganisms and toxins that are making you cough.(4)
3. Alleviates allergy symptoms
Furthermore, it has been shown to be effective for relieving respiratory symptoms from seasonal allergies, as well as symptoms of colds and flu. You can either diffuse it every day for about 1-2 hours during spring or fall when pollen seasons are more severe to prevent or decrease the severity of your allergies and build up your immunity to the allergens found in the external environment.
If you want to apply it topically you need to dilute it with a carrier oil prior to applying it on the skin. Mix a few drops of Eucalyptus EO with a carrier oil and apply to the neck, chest or the bottoms of your feet. Or diffuse eucalyptus oil for 30 min in the bathroom, then remove the diffuser, and let hot water run from your head shower for a while until it creates a steam. At that point get into the hot shower to enable the therapeutic properties of the Eucalyptus oil molecules mixed with the steam to relieve your allergy symptoms while you shower.
Some people suffering from sinus pressure often end up getting painful headaches while other types of headaches can be also caused by lack of sleep or excess stress among other reasons. No matter the cause, Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be used for this too, as it alleviates the sinus pressure and promotes relaxation of the facial muscles.
4. Enhances mental clarity and overall mood
When diffused, Eucalyptus has shown to have energizing properties that can enhance mental clarity and overall mood, so you use it when you want to study and need some clarity for making good decisions.
In a controlled study with 32 participants, it was found that the combination of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil increased cognitive performance and had a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect. Meaning that not only is Eucalyptus effective for productivity, but likewise it can be applied for headache relief. (7)
Other uses for Eucalyptus Oil
- Blood sugar control: it was demonstrated by Colombian scientists in 2015, that Eucalyptus Tereticornis extracts help to regulate excess glucose in the bloodstream, and also other great benefits like glucose tolerance improvement and reduction of insulin resistance.
- Skin and hair care: Eucalyptus oil helps clean, disinfect and fight skin infections and other skin problems such as cuts, wounds, sores and even insect bites when applied topically due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities. It's also very helpful for maintaining a healthy scalp and reducing dandruff.(8)
- Dental hygiene: several studies show that eucalyptus oil and its main ingredient, eucalyptol, have an antimicrobial function against different types of bacteria, that also prevents cavities and dental plaque, which are the main reasons it’s so beneficial for oral and dental health. That explains why we see lots of toothpaste and mouthwashes with Eucalyptus flavor, plus it’s also favored for its refreshing mint taste.(9)
- Bugs repellent: mosquitoes and other types of bugs will be repelled just by the smell of Eucalyptus alone. It can be used in a skin balm or bug spray and will be sure to make all those bothering insects go away.
There are multiple other ways to use Eucalyptus Essential Oil to enjoy its many health and skin benefits, and whether it's used as an ointment or as an air diffuser, please remember to always choose USDA Organic oils to avoid the artificial fertilizers & pesticides sprayed on all non-organic crops; otherwise, you’re defeating the oils’ overall health benefits.
Below are a few recipes we like that you may want to try for yourself. They could be very handy when you need them.
DIY Congestion Relief Vapor Rub with Eucalyptus Oil
This is one of those recipes you hope to never have to use. But when you need it, you’ll be so glad to have it!
You don’t want to make any of these DIY recipes too much in advance, especially the ones for health uses because they won’t last long as they don’t have any preservatives. I only make mine as I need, while the cosmetics ones, the soaps, and shampoos I only make them for 1-2 months at the time. It’s very easy to make and only takes two ingredients plus essential oils. Then when the stuffy nose, congestion, coughing, colds, aches, and or trouble sleeping from allergy symptoms, you’ll be ready.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- ½ cup coconut oil or babassu oil
- 20 drops of USDA Organic Eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
- 15 drops of USDA Organic Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions:
Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax to a heat-safe glass measuring cup or bowl and melt it, then place the heat-safe glass measuring cup in a pot of simmering water. The simmering water will gently warm the measuring cup and melt the beeswax, stir beeswax occasionally as it melts.
After that, add 1/2 cup of coconut oil or babassu oil and stir until it melts completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes and add the following essential oils:
20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil, 20 drops Peppermint essential oil, 15 drops Lemon essential oil.
Pour the mix into a glass airtight jar (4-5 oz) then allow the vapor rub to completely cool and solidify before putting the lid on, and use when necessary.
Mood Boosting Diffuser Blend with Eucalyptus Oil
The blend of these oils not only offers an uplifting scent, but they affect your mind and body as energizing mood boosters when inhaled. Plus, they’ll fill your home with their beautiful aromas.
- 2 drops of USDA Organic Bergamot Essential oil
- 2 drops of USDA Organic Eucalyptus Essential oil
- 2 drops of USDA Organic Patchouli Essential oil
Add the following essential oils to an air diffuser and enjoy!
DIY Eucalyptus Shampoo for Dandruff
This recipe is super quick and simple, and it’s great to help combat excess dandruff. Plus it will leave your hair smelling great!
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of USDA Organic Eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 teaspoon argan oil
- 1 aloe vera gel
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
Instructions: Mix all ingredients with a spoon until a smooth consistency, and transfer the mix to a container. Maintain in a dry place and use a few times per week.
Antimicrobial Eucalyptus Oil Soap
Making soap can be a fun little project. You can choose to go the major DIY route and research how to make cold process soap, which can get complicated. Or, you can also take the easier path and make a glycerin melt-and-pour soap instead.
This recipe is designed to deliver antibacterial properties that will prevent bacterial infections while not harming the helpful, natural bacteria our skin needs. The trouble with so many store-bought antibacterial products is they kill both harmful and good bacteria, which creates an imbalance in the body and further weakens the immune system by making you more exposed to the viruses and bacteria. The combination of essential oils in this recipe promote health and balance, while also protecting against the types of harmful bacteria that can cause infections.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs clear glycerin melt-and-pour soap base
- 20 drops of Organic Tea Tree essential oil
- 40 drops of USDA Organic Eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of USDA Organic Lemongrass essential oil
- Spray bottle filled with some rubbing alcohol
- Soap molds in any shape or size
Instructions:
Cut up your soap base into roughly one-by-one inch cubes; you can get this at many health stores online. Place them in a microwave-safe container and microwave until melted. You can also melt the soap over the stove.
Once the soap has melted, add your essential oils. It’s best to prepare the oils before starting this process so you’ll be able to simply pour the right amount into the mixture. Stir gently.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, pour the soap into your molds and spray the top with the alcohol to rid any bubbles from forming. You can then leave for your soaps to harden.The molds can be placed in the refrigerator if you wish to speed up the process.
When the soap fully solidifies, carefully loosen the soaps around the edges before removing them out of the mold.
PRECAUTIONS
It's always recommended to dilute Eucalyptus Essential Oil with a carrier oil before using it on the skin. And also have special care when using it on children, especially those younger than 10.
If you're considering starting a therapeutic regimen using Eucalyptus Essential Oil, it's better to consult a doctor first. Some skin types can showcase allergic reactions, so before using this oil any of its forms, it's recommended to do a skin test first, which you can do at home if you prefer by applying 2 drops of the oil on your wrist and wait for 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. If not, then you’ll be safe to use it.
And finally, try to use the exact amounts of the oil as per prescriptions or recipes above, otherwise, it could be toxic and cause irritation, allergies and other major problems.
Always choose USDA Organic oils to avoid the artificial fertilizers & pesticides sprayed on all non-organic crops; otherwise, you’re defeating their effectiveness.
Enjoy these wonderful recipes and let us know which ones you tried and how they worked for you. We’d love to hear it!
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374764/
2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15719688
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6613544
4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282677225_In_vitro_activity_of_some_plant_essential_oils
5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20359267
6 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609378/
7.https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/311a/20391356a7cc746fddffd60a8c2bf945888f.pdf
8 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
9 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20359267