Antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic are just what we need right now…
Odds are that you’ve tripped over eucalyptus sometime in your life. Found in many everyday products like mouthwash, chest rub and chewing gum, its signature scent would have been difficult to miss…
It not only packs a brisk, fresh punch to the nose, but it’s also a great little behind-the-scenes miracle worker when it comes to keeping both you and your family’s health - and home - in good shape. Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic that is a multipurpose must-have for any home you’re trying to keep healthy and germ-free during these uncertain times.
Eucalyptus oil’s many uses and benefits read like a shopping list – as a natural home remedy, it not only clears up coughs, colds and the sniffles, ease headaches, soothe wounds and boost the immune system, but also stops bugs and pests in their tracks, plus cleans and disinfects practically everything in your home. It leaves it smelling great too…
If you want to naturally freshen and sanitize your home, and have a quick and effective home remedy tucked away in your first-aid kit, look no further…
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL AS A NATURAL DISINFECTANT/ ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANER
Studies have found that eucalyptus oil and its primary compound, 1,8-cineole, is a potent antimicrobial. That means it’s an all-rounder - it not only kills bacteria and protozoans, but also viruses and fungi, such as mold and mildew. Which makes it pretty-much a no-brainer to switch to eucalyptus as an all-natural cleaner for a healthy home…
Natural antibacterial surface cleaner: Make a general disinfectant spray to clean surfaces, the sink, cupboards and wherever else germs may lurk. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 cups hot water; add ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish detergent and 12 drops of eucalyptus oil and pour into a glass spray bottle. Shake well before use. The perfect multipurpose 100% all natural cleaner.
DIY floor disinfectant cleaner: Eucalyptus can be used on most floor surfaces – wooden, vinyl or tiles – to not only keep them germ-free but also permeate your home with a fresh clean scent. For wood floors, fill a spray bottle with hot water and add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. For all other floors, add 2 capfuls of eucalyptus essential oil plus a generous dash of both white vinegar and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of hot water. Scuff marks can also easily be removed with a little undiluted eucalyptus oil on a cloth.
Mold remover spray: Not only can eucalyptus oil remove mold on existing surfaces, but can also stop it from coming back. Add 5 drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree oils to a 16 oz. spray bottle full of water. Use to wipe down all surfaces in your bathroom, fridge or wherever else is prone to mold. The strong scent will also remove the musty odours as well.
Antibacterial bathroom cleaner: As a potent germ killer, eucalyptus essential oil is great for cleaning your bathroom. Aside from using your disinfectant spray to clean all surfaces, you can also sanitize your toilet at the same time. Simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil plus a dash of baking soda and white vinegar into the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush.
Home grease remover: Eucalyptus oil is also a hard-working grease buster for pretty much any surface in your home. Think stoves, sinks, your microwave oven, bench tops – everywhere where grease and grime build up. Simply use your all-purpose surface cleaner to cut through all the nasty stuff. And if your stainless-steel appliances are looking a little lacklustre, just add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a clean cloth and wipe. No more fingerprints or streaks; just sparkling clean.
Hand grease remover: Eucalyptus oil can also be surprisingly effective in getting rid of grease and grime from your hands. Mix a little salt, Epsom salts and a few drops of eucalyptus oil and thoroughly scrub your hands to successfully remove all the dirt.
Spot remover: Had a little oopsie with a ballpoint pen, grass marks, chewing gum or grease on your leather lounger, carpet or clothes? No problem. Rub it off with a damp cloth moistened with a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Just patch test first.
Sticky stuff remover: Removing a sticky label/decal from glass can be tricky and annoying. Simply rub a few drops of eucalyptus oil directly onto the area, and then rinse off with water.
Hand sanitizer gel: For a quick and easy DIY option, in a 2-ounce bottle, add a ratio of two thirds rubbing alcohol and one third aloe vera gel, plus 3 drops each of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Add a little distilled or boiled water if you need to fill it up.
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL AS A DEODORIZER/AIR FRESHENER
Time to ditch all those normal, unhealthy air fresheners. With its brisk and refreshing aroma, eucalyptus essential oil is the perfect replacement and also free of the harmful chemicals found in most store-bought products. As a natural antibacterial and antiseptic, it also kills any bacteria and viruses in the air, keeping everything clean and germ-free.
All-natural room freshener: For an effective natural air freshener that not only smells great but also kills bacteria and viruses that make us sick, mix 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with half a teaspoon of vodka and 2 cups of water in a large spray bottle, and regularly mist for an odor-free home.
Otherwise take the easy route. Spoil yourself with a striking eucalyptus reed diffuser (with real eucalyptus sprigs) or regular spritzes of 100% eucalyptus oil spray to allow the fragrance to continuously permeate your home. Or burn a few eucalyptus candles to get the same effect.
Laundry freshener: If some of your clothes, sheets, towels or blankets have got a bit of a musty smell, the pure, brisk scent of eucalyptus will naturally freshen them up. Simply add about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to your washing cycle along with your detergent for clean, germ-free and great-smelling results.
Carpet cleaner/freshener: To give your carpet or rug a refreshing “brand new” smell, simply mix 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil with a cup of baking soda, sprinkle on the surface, and vacuum away all the offending odors, dirt and germs. And enjoy the clean bracing scent of eucalyptus.
Remove bad odors: Whether it be your garbage can, stinky gym shoes or a stale car smell, just drop in a cotton ball moistened with 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil to immediately freshen the air.
Get rid of musty smells: Wipe the interior of your wardrobe or drawers with a mix of a few drops of eucalyptus oil and hot soapy water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Tuck a few eucalyptus and lavender sachets in between your clothes to keep the refreshing airy scent around for longer.
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EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL AS AN INSECT/PEST REPELLENT
The high eucalyptol content in eucalyptus essential oil makes it a natural and potent insect and pest repellent. And it’s obviously way safer than any chemical product. Studies have shown that its effective at repelling mosquitos and other biting insects for up to 8 hours. In fact, the higher the eucalyptol content, the longer and more effectively it works in getting rid of not only bugs but also other unwanted pests that may lurk in your home.
Natural bug spray /insect repellent: When relaxing on your patio during summer, an essential oil spray is the perfect choice to naturally repel mosquitos and other flying pests. It can also be used in all those hidden nooks and crannies where crawlers like cockroaches, ants or spiders may lurk.
In a clean 8-ounce glass spray bottle, add 7 ounces of distilled water, a little rubbing alcohol, plus 20 drops of essential oils. Choose between a mix of 3 or 4 of these bug-repelling oils – eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, lavender and manuka. Shake well and spray around your ankles, arms and neck. And if you want to skip the alcohol, then swop out the water for a 50:50 mix of water and witch hazel. The perfect essential oil bug repellent recipe.
Otherwise simply use a eucalyptus essential oil spray or diffuse a mix of eucalyptus and lavender to keep the pests at bay. It’s easy to do, and smells nice and fresh.
Get rid of moths & silverfish: Use neat eucalyptus oil to wipe down cupboard walls or drawer liners to repel moths and silverfish. You can also add 3 or 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a cotton ball to tuck safely away in all the corners. You can also slip a few eucalyptus and lavender sachets into your cupboards and drawers to keep these pests at bay. Keep refreshing the sachets with a couple drops of eucalyptus oil every few months.
Rat repellent: Another pest that is not a fan of the potent scent of eucalyptus, as shown in a 2014 study. Grab your bug repellent spray and liberally squirt in all areas that are prone to rats, such as in hidden crevices, behind the stove, and in the pantry and basement.
Get rid of fleas: Fleas don’t like eucalyptus either. If you own a pet, it is an obvious natural solution to a flea or tick problem. But please don’t use undiluted oils on your pets. However, you can mix 3-4 drops into their shampoo – just avoid it getting near their eyes and mouth. Wash their bedding as you would yours - by adding 20 drops of eucalyptus oil into your machine’s washing cycle - to keep fleas at bay.
Ditch dust mites & bed bugs: Dust mites are the bane of any allergy sufferer’s life, but can easily be sorted. All you have to do is to spray a fine eucalyptus oil mist onto your mattress and pillows every time you change your sheets to keep them at bay. Eucalyptus essential oil is also good for killing off both bed bugs and their eggs. Simply add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to your washer when you’re laundering your sheets.
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EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL AS A NATURAL HOME REMEDY
As a powerful expectorant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus is a multi-purpose must-have essential for both you and your family’s health and welfare. From helping out a whole range of respiratory problems, to treating pain or a fever, and even boosting your immune system and mood, it’s no wonder it’s one of those first aid favorites. Time to add a bottle of eucalyptus oil to your stash.
EUCALYPTUS OIL AS A DECONGESTANT
Think of anything to do with the lungs, nose and throat - colds, flu, coughs, sinus, seasonal allergies and even asthma - and it’s highly likely the powerful benefits of cineole 1,8 in eucalyptus oil will be able to offer relief. Eucalyptus effectively breaks down mucus, opens up your airways and decongests your sinuses so you stop feeling all blocked and stuffy - and are finally able to breathe easy again.
Clear a blocked, stuffy nose: To help clear the airways, diffuse 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil or simply take a couple sniffs out of the bottle. There’s also nothing quite as effective as a eucalyptus steam session to ease all that congestion when you’re feeling blocked up. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or eucalyptus bath salts to a hot bath to clear out your sinuses and relax at the same time.
Or if you prefer a shower, just splash a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil onto the shower walls and in no time, you’ll be able to breathe easier. You can even hang a few eucalyptus leaf sprigs in the shower to create the same effect - and up your décor game at the same time.
For sinus relief: If you’re suffering from especially bad sinus problems and are in need of an intense steam healing session, simply pour a cup of hot water into a bowl, add in 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and then throw a towel over your head and inhale the scent for 5-10 minutes.
Treating asthma, coughs and allergies: When it comes to treating asthma, relieving a nagging cough or banishing seasonal allergies, just massage 1-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on the chest and neck area.
An easier alternative is to simply pop a eucalyptus infused heat wrap into the microwave, and place it on the chest and neck area to release the healing scent. A heat wrap is truly versatile and multipurpose – it can be used for pretty much any ailment anywhere on your body – and so is very useful to keep around at home for all those little medical emergencies.
Note: Eucalyptus oil should not be used as suggested in children under 2 years without consulting a doctor.
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EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR PAIN RELIEF
Get rid of headaches/migraines: Inhaling eucalyptus is probably the most effective way to make a headache go away - even more so if it’s a sinus headache. Diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil at home or work or take a few sniffs directly out of the bottle. Applying a few drops directly onto your temples or the back of your neck can also help. Otherwise, keep a heated eucalyptus neck pillow and eucalyptus spa mask handy for the ultimate soothing solution when pain strikes.
Treating cuts, stings, burns and sores: Use the powerful antiseptic qualities of eucalyptus to help clean wounds and ease pain. Mix 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond oil), apply to a cotton ball and lightly dab onto the affected area two to three times daily.
Soothe sore throats and earaches: To soothe a sore throat, rub 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil onto your chest and throat. For earache, apply to your chest and back of neck, or gently rub one drop onto the outer part of your ear.
Treat muscle and joint pain: Eucalyptus is great for sprained muscles, aching joints, rheumatism and more. Use a little eucalyptus massage oil to massage all the aches and pains away. A eucalyptus spa blankie or heat wrap warmed in your microwave uses both the powers of eucalyptus and heat to double-up on pain relief benefits.
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EUCALYPTUS OIL FOR A FEVER
Often referred to as “fever oil”, it’s not surprising that many people turn to eucalyptus to help treat a fever. A cold compress is the best way to help bring down a fever, and should be applied three times a day. Soak a wash cloth in a small bowl of cold water with 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops of lavender, squeeze and place on the forehead for welcome relief.
Otherwise, grab a eucalyptus heat wrap and cool it down in the freezer before draping it around your neck. And if you need a full body cooling solution, follow the same process with a eucalyptus spa blankie.
EUCALYPTUS OIL AS A GENERAL HEALTH BOOSTER
We all need a healthy immune system to keep us strong during these uncertain times. And when things are getting a bit too much, and we feel a little down in the dumps, we could also do with something to boost our mood. Eucalyptus can help with both.
Boost your immune system: First used many centuries ago during the bubonic plague, thieves oil is a proven, time-honoured way to protect you against rogue bacteria and viruses. Make your own thieves oil by combining 40 drops clove bud oil, 35 drops lemon oil, 20 drops cinnamon bark oil, 15 drops eucalyptus oil and 10 drops rosemary essential oil, and then adding 5-6 drops of the mix into a diffuser. If you want to keep it simple, you can also diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil at home or work to keep your immunity in a good place.
Rejuvenate and energize mood: Want a quick pick-me-up? When you need to ease off the stresses of the day or just a little mood lifter, eucalyptus oil is an excellent go-to. This energizing room spray is like a breath of fresh air for either your home or office. Mix together 1,5 ounces each of distilled water and witch hazel, 20 drops lemon oil, 8 drops eucalyptus oil, 2 drops cinnamon oil and 2 drops peppermint oil in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Shake vigorously to mix well. Otherwise fill your space with the uplifting scent of eucalyptus with a reed diffuser, burn some eucalyptus candles or lightly refresh the air with a eucalyptus oil spray.
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IMPORTANT NOTES:
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 under 5 years old, pregnant women and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics, as they may not respond well to these oils.
Do not use directly on animals and be aware that cats are particularly sensitive to eucalyptus oil.
As eucalyptus essential oil is highly concentrated and potentially flammable, keep out of reach of children and steer away from flames and sparks when using for cleaning purposes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. 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.