Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the eucalyptus plant (a genus that encompasses more than 700 species) via steam distillation.
However, of these species, only 20 produce enough oil that can be sold on the commercial market.
Eucalyptus globulus is the main species of the plant that is used to create this oil, although depending on where it is grown in the world, the type of oil produced can vary.
The oil carries a distinct menthol scent.
10 Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil may have various potential uses:
1. Supporting respiratory health
Some studies suggest eucalyptus may have properties that support respiratory function.
Research continues to explore the potential effects of eucalyptus components on respiratory health.
These scientific studies help to explain why eucalyptus is so widely used by people with cold and flu symptoms since the oil’s properties can help to ease congestion, coughing and breathing difficulties.
2. Supporting general wellness
Some people incorporate eucalyptus oil into cleaning routines.
Its antibacterial benefits were shown to be true in a 2012 study with researchers finding that it can effectively fight against infections caused by E. coli and staph.
The oil also contains anti-fungal properties that when diluted and applied to candida and toenail fungus can produce a positive effect which has been reported by numerous people who have tried this remedy at home.
3. Potential soothing properties
Eucalyptus essential oil can also prove very useful in the management of muscle pain and in reducing swelling around injuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
In 2013,
PubMed Central
Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Go to sourcethat eucalyptus oil was able to reduce inflammation and pain in a group of patients who had just undergone total knee replacement surgery.
The oil’s expectorant properties can help to alleviate sinus pressure, which offers a natural remedy for combating earaches and headaches.
Some users of the oil have found that applying it to facial muscles can ease tension, which can also help if you are experiencing a headache brought on by exhaustion or stress.
4. Potential pest management
Some studies have explored potential pest management applications of eucalyptus.
This was tested by spraying certain sections of a lab cage containing rats, after which they saw that the food was not consumed.
This is something that could be tried safely at home by spraying eucalyptus oil in certain areas that are likely to experience rat activity (cellars, roof spaces, cupboards etc.).
You may even find that some commercial bug repellents include eucalyptus in their formulas.
5. Research on blood sugar levels
Research into how eucalyptus oil works is ongoing, which means there is still quite a lot that remains unknown and a lot of exciting discoveries still to be uncovered.
Some experts are exploring potential roles for eucalyptus in blood sugar management; however more research is needed before any recommendations can be made regarding its use alongside medication for diabetes treatment.
6. Freshening breath
The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil can make it very effective at fighting the germs that are responsible for bad mouth odours.
You may even find that some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain the oil as an active ingredient.
Although research is still ongoing, it is also believed that eucalyptus may be able to prevent the build up of plaque on teeth and gums by fighting the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
You can make your own homemade eucalyptus mouthwash by adding 1-2 drops to water, gargling and then spitting it out.
But you must take care to use a food grade oil, and not to swallow it when gargling as it can prove toxic.
7. Boosting energy levels
Many people find eucalyptus oil to be very helpful at soothing a crowded mind, with the scent alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety.
An older
Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters
Go to sourceinvolving 32 healthy participants, found that a combination of eucalyptus oil, ethanol and peppermint oil was able to improve cognitive performance when applied to large areas of the temples and forehead.
Researchers also found that using the essential oil blend helped to relax the muscles and allowed people to unwind.
8. Improving acne symptoms
People dealing with acne find that the skin becomes inflamed and painful to touch.
However, there have been some promising results presented by researchers relating to the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus.
According to
PubMed
Eucalyptus increases ceramide levels in keratinocytes and improves stratum corneum function
Go to sourcethe oil may be able to improve ceramide production.
Ceramides are made up of a substance called sphingosine and they play an important role in retaining moisture in the skin, helping to prevent germs from entering.
This is also partly the reason why a range of anti-dandruff shampoos include eucalyptus extract in their formulas.
9. Stimulating the immune system
PubMed Central
Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response
Go to sourceconcluded that eucalyptus oil may be able to stimulate an immune system response.
Researchers found that the immune system’s phagocytic response to pathogens in a rat model could be enhanced by the oil.
When the immune system consumes and destroys foreign particles in the body, this is known as a phagocytic response.
These findings could prove useful in other areas of medicine when it comes to tackling flu strains, fevers, arthritis, bladder diseases and many more conditions.
10. Killing off head lice
Whilst there are already a few effective treatments for head lice, researchers have also learned that eucalyptus could offer a natural alternative.
PubMed
The efficacy of Australian essential oils for the treatment of head lice infestation in children: A randomised controlled trial
Go to sourcefound that when eucalyptus oil was used in head lice treatment, compared to traditional treatments it proved to be more than twice as effective at treating head lice infestation.
In addition, when a eucalyptus solution was exposed to in vitro eggs and lice, it resulted in 100% mortality.