Some you'll know but be ready to be surprised at others…
Remember how your mom used Vicks VapoRub to help chase away a cold or flu when you were a child? And how it eased that blocked stuffy nose to make you feel better? Well, you’ve already come across just one way where eucalyptus essential oil can make a difference to your life. But there is so much more to this powerful natural remedy…
So, what else can eucalyptus oil be used for? For starters, it pretty much helps sort out most respiratory conditions. Apart from a cold and flu, it relieves a cough, as well as asthma, sinusitis and allergy symptoms. Eucalyptus is also well-known as the go-to ‘fever oil’. And if you have any form of pain, it’s a genius at helping to ease headaches, backaches, and sore muscles or joints.
Well known as a potent remedy for many skin and hair health problems, eucalyptus oil can be used to treat everything from acne, cold sores, burns and bug bites to head lice and dandruff. It’s also a remarkable little home helper being a natural disinfectant and pest repellent. And if you’re overwhelmed with stress and exhaustion, a quick sniff of its powerful scent will give you a much-needed energy boost.
Eucalyptus is truly one of those amazing multi-taskers in the essential oil world with a whole bunch of advantages and .benefits. Here’s how you can use eucalyptus essential oil to improve your health, body, mind - and your home…
WHAT IS EUCALYPTUS OIL USED FOR?
Perhaps one of the most important advantages of using eucalyptus oil is that it actually boosts your immune system. After all, what good is clearing up a nasty cold, only to have it return again because your immunity is weak…
In science speak, eucalyptus essential oil helps improve your immunity by promoting phagocytic activity. In normal speak this means it fires up your white blood cells to get rid of those foreign particles floating around your body looking to do damage. Not many natural remedies can claim that…
Eucalyptus oil also boasts some powerful healing properties which help with a variety of other ailments…
Antimicrobial: A multi-purpose bug fighter which stops the growth of microorganisms in their tracks. So eucalyptus oil is able to fight off infections caused by bacteria (a cold or dirt in a wound), a virus (the flu or cold sores) and certain fungi (athlete’s foot). An anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal all-in-one.
Anti-inflammatory: It reduces inflammation - like swelling, redness, tenderness and even a fever. That means eucalyptus can help with anything from a nasty cut on your knee, a sprained ankle and a big red pimple, to more severe conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
Analgesic: Not only does eucalyptus reduce inflammation but it also helps kill pain – from a headache, in your muscles and joints, and more. Natural relief without any of the pharmaceutical side effects…
Stimulant: You probably know this stuff is strong, right? Thanks to its intense and invigorating aroma, eucalyptus oil delivers a quick pick-me-up and boosts mental clarity when you feel your mind and energy lagging.
With all these benefits and 18 highly versatile ways to use eucalyptus oil, you may wonder why you’ve never added it to your home remedy stash before…
HOW TO USE EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS
COLDS AND FLU
Nothing is worse than having a nose so clogged up that you can hardly breathe and a good night’s sleep is a distant memory. It’s so easy to turn to your regular cold and flu medication to help. But if so many of these actually include eucalyptus already, why not go straight to the source for help?
There’s a reason eucalyptus is so widely used. Study after study have shown that 1,8 cineole, the major ingredient in eucalyptus, is not only an antimicrobial substance, but also delivers immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic benefits. Multi-purpose magic…and all-natural to boot…
How to use:
Steam inhalation: By far the quickest way to loosen phlegm and relieve congestion is by inhaling. Add 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil to a large bowl of hot water, throw a towel over your head, and breathe in the powerful aroma for about 10 minutes.
Diffuser: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser for ongoing relief.
Eucalyptus Oil: A Potent All-In-One Natural Remedy To Treat Coughs, Colds, Flu and Sinusitis – Read More
COUGHS AND SORE THROAT
Got an annoying hacking cough but no phlegm is coming up? The anti-inflammatory properties in eucalyptus oil will quickly loosen all that mucus and clear your airways out. But it not only helps you clear up a cough…
One study found that a eucalyptus spray significantly improved a sore throat, hoarseness as well as a cough in as little as 20 minutes after exposure. Another noted that significantly fewer coughing fits were experienced in acute bronchitis patients after 4 days.
How to use:
DIY chest rub: Add 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1/3 cup beeswax pellets to a double boiler and warm on medium heat for about 10 minutes until melted. Stir in 15 drops of eucalyptus oil and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Spa heat wrap: Wrap yourself in a luxury eucalyptus infused spa wrap heated in your microwave to release the healing aroma.
ASTHMA AND BRONCHITUS
If you or a loved one is an asthma sufferer, you’ll know all the tell-tale symptoms – shortness of breath, wheezing, a tight chest and incessant coughing. Instead of reaching for your inhaler, try eucalyptus essential oil instead.
As a potent anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus oil helps widen the airways, while thinning and loosening the mucus so it can be coughed up easily, so allowing easier breathing – as proven by this study where eucalyptus was used to treat bronchial asthma.
Note: Eucalyptus oil is powerful so please check with your doctor before use.
How to use:
Steam inhalation: Inhale the healing effects by adding 3-6 drops of eucalyptus oil or some eucalyptus infused bath salts to a warm bath. Or scatter some drops of the eucalyptus oil on your shower wall out of reach of the water and immediately feel yourself breathe easier.
Chest rub: Blend 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1 teaspoon carrier oil, like almond oil or jojoba oil, and massage onto the chest. For a convenient alternative, try a eucalyptus infused massage oil to help unclog those airways.
SINUSITUS AND SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Nothing is worse than a severe sinus infection. A constantly runny nose, postnasal drip, a worsening headache, a cough and even a fever – which often lasts for weeks. Sinusitis is sometimes triggered by hay fever (allergic rhinitis) which is all too common when allergens like pollen and grass seeds emerge as the summer season starts. Eucalyptus oil can help with both.
In a comprehensive review of a number of studies, eucalyptus oil was shown to be effective in, the treatment of a cough, cold and bronchitis, as well as clearing a blocked nose and sinuses. To think that relief is just a whiff away…
How to use:
Inhale directly: Simply put a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil onto a Kleenex or cotton ball and breathe in deeply.
Steam inhalation: Combine the potency of 5 drops each of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil (with healing menthol) in a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the healing steam for about 10 minutes. Repeat every 3-4 hours.
Warm compress: Heat up a eucalyptus infused spa mask in the microwave and drape over your nose and mouth. The moist heat of the mask helps to ease and relieve your runny nose.
EUCALYPTUS OIL TO REDUCE A FEVER
Any conditions like a cold, the flu or a strep throat which involve inflammation and bacterial flare-ups, can easily progress into a fever if left untreated. As the body leaps into action to fight the infection, your temperature spikes, the shivers or the sweats strike, and you feel tired and lethargic.
Time to bring in eucalyptus essential oil, also known very appropriately as the “fever oil”. As a potent anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce the body’s temperature. And with its ability to expand blood vessels to improve overall blood circulation, it packs a double punch in fighting a fever.
How to use:
Fever rub: Combine 3-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with one teaspoon carrier oil (jojoba or almond) and rub into the temples, back of neck and bottoms of feet. Repeat every 15-20 minutes until the temperature goes down.
Cold compress: Bring down a high temperature by applying a cold compress to either the arms and legs or forehead - or both. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to 2 cups of cool or chilled water and soak small towels or washcloths to apply to the affected areas. Or chill a eucalyptus infused spa blankie and spa mask in your freezer to cover both the body and forehead.
Lukewarm bath: Soaking in lukewarm water with 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil diluted in one tablespoon of almond or other carrier oil will also help bring down the body temperature.
8 Essential Oils To Help Treat A Fever: Powerful Home Remedies With Surprising Results – Read More
EUCALYPTUS OIL TO EASE ACHES AND PAINS
MUSCLE PAIN AND SPRAINS
Did you get a little over enthusiastic during your workout? Or are feeling the after effects of a tough run? Like those aching muscles, various strains and sprains, and even bruising...
Eucalyptus essential oil is renowned to be good for muscle pain. As a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, a study has found that it gets to work on soothing aching muscles and easing the pain. And because it also improves your blood flow, it can be used as a passive form of warmup before exercise. Your new workout buddy…
How to use:
Hot Bath: Always a failsafe option to ease aching muscles, make a hot bath doubly effective by adding 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond) to help relax and loosen stiff muscles. Otherwise try the easy route with eucalyptus infused bath salts.
Direct Massage: Combine 5-7 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1-2 teaspoons of a carrier oil, such as jojoba, olive, or moringa oil (also anti-inflammatories) and simply massage into the muscles until the cooling effect becomes a warm sensation. Or simply use a eucalyptus massage oil.
Warmup Spray: For your pre-exercise warmup session, carry a small spray bottle of water including 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil in your gym bag. Spray and rub in well to warmup those muscles.
SINUS AND TENSION HEADACHES
If you are prone to sinus headaches, eucalyptus is arguably the best essential oil to quickly sort them out. This oil will quickly open up the nasal passages, clear the sinuses and help relieve the sinus tension that often causes the headaches.
A 2011 study shows that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of eucalyptus oil help to ease sinus pressure and improve respiratory conditions that lead to headache pain and strain.
And if you’re stressed and feel a tension headache coming on, eucalyptus oil can help ease the pain while also reducing blood pressure. No need for any pills…
How to use:
Inhale directly: For immediate relief, take a few sniffs of eucalyptus essential oil straight out of the bottle.
Diffuser: Add equal amounts of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oils (both good for tension headaches) into a diffuser and breathe in the therapeutic aromas.
Hot and cold compresses: Soak a washcloth in a cup of hot water with 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil and apply over your eyes and nose. Alternating with with hot and cold compresses also helps loosen secretions and relieve sinus pain. Or use a eucalyptus infused spa mask, that can be either heated or chilled, to ease the tension.
Proof: 5 Powerful Essential Oils to Help Ease Headaches (And When to Use Them) - Read More
JOINT PAIN, ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
Are you or one of your family living with the pain associated with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis? Again, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of eucalyptus oil can help.
In a study which applied a mix of lavender, eucalyptus, marjoram, rosemary and peppermint essential oils, arthritis patients not only reported less pain, but also an improved mood. And research has also found that it can reduce both pain and blood pressure after a knee replacement op.
How to use:
Joint rub: Combine 8 drops eucalyptus oil with 8 drops peppermint oil (another pain reliever) with 3 teaspoons of moringa carrier oil (a potent anti-inflammatory) for a triple dose of effective joint relief. Or opt for a ready-made luxury eucalyptus massage oil.
Compress: Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to a cup of tepid water, soak a washcloth and apply to the affected area. Or apply a eucalyptus infused neck pillow or spa mask, either heated or chilled, for about 10 minutes to relieve the pain.
BACKACHE AND NECK PAIN
A little overexertion, a bad sleeping position - or even age - catching up with you? Stiff, painful shoulders or that aching twinge in your lower back can strike at any time - even if you’ve just been sitting at your desk all day (blame it on all that hunching).
Enter one of the most popular and powerful pain relievers, eucalyptus essential oil. It goes to work by relieving those sore and aching spots, helping to ease all the tension away. Just relax and breathe in deeply…
How to use:
When a back or neck massage with eucalyptus oil is out of the picture (save for a little time and willing partner), opt for the soothing moist heat of a eucalyptus infused neck pillow or spa heat wrap to chase those aches away.
In Pain? Here's How to Heal (Almost Anything) Using Cold and Heat Therapy – Read More
EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR AN ENERGY BOOST AND MENTAL CLARITY
If you’ve ever taken a whiff of eucalyptus essential oil, you’ll immediately understand why it gives you an instant pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired and exhausted. Its invigorating aroma is stimulating for both mind and body. A potent energy boost in a bottle…
And when brain fog has invaded your mind, eucalyptus oil helps by increasing the blood flow around the body by relaxing the blood vessels so allowing more blood to circulate. And more blood to the brain means more brain power - and mental clarity…
How to use:
Diffuser: Add a mix of eucalyptus and peppermint oils into your diffuser to immediately lift your mood, clear your mind and refresh the senses. Or drape a eucalyptus infused pillow around your neck and breathe in the stimulating aroma.
Inhale directly: When you feel your energy and concentration lagging, take a few sniffs directly out of the bottle for an instant pick-me-up.
Purse rollerball: In a rollerball, blend together 12 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops peppermint and 10 drops basil to use on-the-go for a quick brain boost when you feel your mind flagging. Alternatively, put a ready-made eucalyptus rollerball into your purse for on-the-go revitalization.
Essential Oils to Beat Brain Fog: ‘Cos You're Tired of Feeling Like You're Losing Your Mind – Read More
EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR SKIN CONDITIONS AND INJURIES
As a potent natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent choice for anyone looking to treat a long list of skin conditions such as wounds, minor cuts, burns, insect bites, cold sores, boils, acne, fungal infections - and more.
One study found that eucalyptus oil significantly improves the healing process, and another that it accelerates skin repair by helping to protect the affected area from developing any further infections. Clever stuff, this eucalyptus…
INSECT BITES, BURNS, CUTS AND WOUNDS
A bite, a burn or a nasty wound? This is what needs to be done. Step one: reduce the itchiness, soreness and redness. Step two: kill the bacteria. Step three: heal the wound. And eucalyptus oil does it all…
How to use:
Cotton swab: Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball or round and dab the wound every 3-4 hours until the redness and soreness subsides.
Insect bite oil: For insect bites and closed wounds only. Mix 3-5 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 tablespoon arnica oil (another anti-inflammatory) and gently pat onto the skin. Also great for soothing red, itchy skin.
ACNE
Rich in 1,8 cineole, this active ingredient in eucalyptus essential oil is well known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And with acne, killing the bacteria is a key to reducing those angry red spots and healing the skin…
How to use:
Acne blemishes: Blend 1 drop eucalyptus oil with 3 drops of water. Soak up the solution with a cotton swab, apply generously to the face and leave on overnight. Keep clear of eyes and inside the mouth and nose.
Acne cysts: To disinfect and dry out the blemishes, mix 1 drop eucalyptus oil with 3 drops apple cider vinegar (the one with the ‘mother’). Dab on with a cotton ball just before you go to sleep for best results.
COLD SORES
Triggered by the herpes complex virus, studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil can be effective is halting cold sores in their tracks. So as soon as you feel that tingling, burning sensation around your mouth, reach for eucalyptus to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process…
How to use:
Cold sore salve: Mix 1 drop each of eucalyptus and peppermint oil with 2-3 drops of a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Apply to the sore three to four times a day.
SKIN AND NAIL FUNGUS
Not only does eucalyptus oil destroy bacteria but it also kills off fungal spores as well. Some of the better-known fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, fungus under toenails, and more…
How to use:
Foot bath: Great for athlete’s foot and toenail infections, soak your feet in bowl of cold water with ½ teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and ½ teaspoon of tea tree essential oil (another hard working anti-fungal). Repeat 2-3 times daily.
Cool compress: Soak some gauze in a cup of cold water with 3 drops eucalyptus oil and 3 drops tea tree oil, apply and leave on the infected area for 10 minutes.
Nail fungus: Mix 2-3 drops eucalyptus oil with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Soak a cotton ball and dab onto the infected nails, making sure it’s well rubbed in. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
29 Powerful Eucalyptus Oil Uses You Need To Guarantee A Healthy Home And Family – Read More
EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Who doesn’t want good-looking hair? Eucalyptus essential oil can promote better hair health by improving blood flow to the hair follicles (where the hair grows from) so stimulating healthy hair growth. You just need a little patience for it to grow out…
How to use:
Give your hair a weekly double-dose treatment by combining eucalyptus oil with that super moisturizer, coconut oil. Simply mix together 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil, and gently massage into the scalp. Leave on for 1 hour before shampooing off in the shower.
HEAD LICE AND DANDRUFF
As some dandruff can be caused by a fungus and head lice are bugs, eucalyptus essential oil’s potent antibacterial and antifungal properties are ideal to treat both - all backed up by research…
A 2012 report suggests that eucalyptus oil could effectively act as an anti-dandruff treatment in shampoos. And a recent study from Australia found that using eucalyptus oil in a solution with lemon tea tree oil was twice as effective in treating lice as the common chemical pesticide treatment, piperonyl butoxide.
In fact, another study suggested combining eucalyptus and neem oil for the best results. Lice hate the strong, bitter, pungent smell of neem. A powerful bug buster, and all natural too…
How to use:
Dandruff: Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil create a potent mixture to rid your scalp of dandruff. Mix 2-3 drops each of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil and slightly warm prior to massaging on the scalp. No need for rinsing. You can also add few drops each to a dime-sized amount of shampoo to cleanse your hair.
Head lice: For every 4 tablespoons of shampoo, add 6 ml of eucalyptus oil and 2 teaspoons of neem oil. Shampoo into hair and cover with a plastic shower cap for 10-15 minutes. Wash hair, towel dry and the comb through hair with a fine nit comb to help remove the eggs.
EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR HEALTHY TEETH AND FRESH BREATH
You’ve probably already seen eucalyptus included in some mouthwashes, toothpastes - and even chewing gum. And for good reason. Eucalyptus oil is rich in 1,8 cineole, an antiseptic that kills the bacteria that can cause bad breath. And by fighting bacteria, it can also potentially prevent plaque build-up and gingivitis, so actively fighting tooth decay and keeping those teeth healthy…
A study found that 1,8 cineole typically acts as an antiseptic only when mixed with other extracts, like menthol. So for the best results, combine eucalyptus with peppermint (for the menthol) to successfully chase away both bad breath and tooth decay…
How to use:
Add to toothbrush: Simply add 1 drop each of eucalyptus and peppermint oils to your toothbrush before brushing to keep decay at bay.
Add to mouthwash: For instant fresh breath, add 1 drop each of eucalyptus and peppermint oils to a tablespoon of mouthwash.
EUCALYPTUS OIL TO GET RID OF BUGS AND MOLD
Is your home overrun by mosquitos, flies, or any other bugs? And what about pests like cockroaches, ants - and even rats? And a mold problem? And more importantly, do you want a natural and healthy alternative to toxic store-bought chemicals to get rid of them? The potent multipurpose power of eucalyptus essential oil can come to your rescue…
Since 1948, eucalyptus oil has been registered as an insecticide and miticide (for mites and ticks) in the United States. In one study, eucalyptus oil was found to work more effectively at killing mosquito larvae than big brand pesticides. Another found similar results for controlling house flies. Rats also avoid areas sprayed with eucalyptus oil. And a study found that essential oils with fungicide properties, like eucalyptus, help reduce fungus and mold present in indoor air.
How to use:
Mosquito and Bug spray: Fill an 8oz spray bottle half-way up with boiled/distilled water. Fill the rest of the bottle with natural witch hazel. Add 20 drops of eucalyptus (or lemon eucalyptus oil) plus 10 drops lavender essential oil.
Pest repellent: Cockroaches, ants, bed bugs and other pests hate the smell of eucalyptus oil. Soak some cotton balls with 3-5 drops of eucalyptus oil and place them in infested areas.
Repel rats: Add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle filled with water and liberally spray the areas where they are hiding. Be careful of exposing your pets to the spray as they’ll also hate the smell.
Mold Diffuser: Add 2-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil for every half cup of water. Run your diffuser for no more than an hour at a time.
10 Essential Oils To Naturally Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Itchy Bites Too!) - Read More
If you have only ever used eucalyptus oil for coughs and colds, you may be surprised by the many more uses and benefits of this powerful natural remedy - for stress relief, hair lice, acne, cold sores, allergies, sinus, asthma, arthritis, bug bites, headaches, athletes foot, muscle pain, bed bugs, mosquitos, mold, and more…
CAUTIONARY NOTES & SIDE EFFECTS:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use eucalyptus essential oil. There are certain people who should avoid it altogether, including babies, young children, pregnant women and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
When using with children, always dilute and reduce dosages to one drop of eucalyptus per teaspoon of carrier oil, and avoid using it on their faces, as it is potent and can be irritating. For the same reason, sensitive skin users should proceed with caution. If you're allergic to tea tree oil, you will likely be allergic to eucalyptus oil, since they contain many of the same compounds. If in doubt, patch test on the upper inside arm for 24 hours. Otherwise stick to diffusing which is the safest route.
Eucalyptus oil is not safe to use internally. If you use it for oral care, make sure you spit it out afterwards. Do not swallow. And keep out of the way of children to avoid accidental poisoning.
There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested. Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils such as Sonoma Lavender’s eucalyptus essential oil and other heated spa products.