What are the Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil?

Ever heard of the eucalyptus tree? It`s the wonder tree that serves as an active treatment for a runny nose. Even more, is that the Eucalyptus tree is made up of volatile components that help it give off more fuel than ash. This fuel, which is eucalyptus oil, contains a number of antimicrobial agents that give swift recourse for runny nose and other nasal and respiratory conditions. Let’s learn more about the wonders of eucalyptus oil! But first, what really is it?

What is Eucalyptus Oil?

Eucalyptus oil is a powerful oil you can get from the eucalyptus tree. Although the oil has a pungent smell, it is packed with a great amount of anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antimicrobial active ingredients. These elements help to provide relief from a number of health conditions. Interestingly, eucalyptus oil has been used as a medical antidote since the time of the ancient folks.

What about the Eucalyptus Tree?

This wonderful tree has been around for ages. The most popular species is the Eucalyptus globulus. This is where Eucalyptus oil is extracted from. This miracle oil is also present in several other eucalyptus subspecies.

In the past, eucalyptus trees were mostly used as windbreakers. Wood from the trees was also used as fossil fuel. The trees were useful in pulping and tanning. Furthermore, extracts from the tree were deemed useful as anesthetics and inflammatory agents. Interestingly, the ancient folks believed that the eucalyptus tree was a natural mosquito repellent. According to them, no mosquito could survive around a eucalyptus tree. Interesting right?

We`ve said so much about the amazing health purposes of the eucalyptus tree and oil. Here are 8 ways inhaling eucalyptus oil can help you.

8 Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Provides Relief from Sinus, Cold and Flu

Eucalyptus oil or ointments containing eucalyptus oil can give relief from sinus, cold and flu. Eucalyptus oil is rich in phytochemicals called monoterpenes. These phytochemicals including pinene, cineol, and terpineol which help to relieve all kinds of nasal congestion.

In addition, experts say that applying liniments containing eucalyptus oil plus menthol and camphor to the neck and chest regions of children will provide relief from the flu. There is also the possibility that eucalyptus oil may be useful in the treatment of sinusitis. This is because inhaling eucalyptus oil can clear connections in the nasal cavity and lungs.

Cures Pain and Inflammation

Eucalyptus oil relieves pain. This miracle oil is rich in eucalyptol; a phytochemical that contains analgesic substances. This is why the oil is anti-inflammatory in nature. Eucalyptus oil also treats asthma, arthritis, and headache.

According to experts, the dominant phytochemical in eucalyptus oil inhibits the synthesis of cytokines in the body system. Cytokines are pro-inflammatory compounds. Interestingly, eucalyptus oil`s anti-inflammatory quality is as a result of its pungent smell. Research reveals that pungent smell accelerates the body’s central nervous system to secrete serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that inhibits pain and breakouts.

Improves Skin Health

If you want your skin to be healthy, then inhale eucalyptus oil often. Eucalyptus oil contains active ingredients that inhibit the growth of the propionic bacterium, which is the causal organism for acne, pimples and other skin breakout conditions. Eucalyptus oil also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is helpful in the treatment of abscess, sepsis, chickenpox, and other fungal infections. In addition, it can heal injuries, burns, cuts, and blisters. Despite its amazing healing properties, ensure you don`t apply this oil directly to the skin because it has mild to severe side effects. Instead, mix it into some coconut oil and rub it around the affected skin area.

Combats Sore Throat

Say goodbye to sore throat with eucalyptus oil. This oil helps to get rid of stubborn bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Like other notorious bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms on living and non-living things. These biofilms are often causal organisms of a number of chronic respiratory conditions like bronchitis.

An active combination of eucalyptus oil with mint and neem can destroy bacterial biofilms by killing the inhabiting microbes in the films. Eucalyptus oil treats cough, tuberculosis, and pharyngitis.

Great for your Meals

Instead of spending so much money on artificial food preservatives, how about you try out a drop or two of eucalyptus oil? This natural food preservative contains phytochemicals that have antifungal properties. Adding eucalyptus oil to your food ingredients will protect them from the action of spoilage yeast.

It`s an Effective Cleaning Agent

Eucalyptus oil also works as an excellent cleaning agent. All you have to do is add a spoonful to a bucket of hot water. Use this to mop the floor to get rid of dried in stains. Eucalyptus oil is also great as a disinfectant for surfaces.

It`s an Excellent Deodorizer

Because of its pungent smell, Eucalyptus oil works as an excellent deodorizer. You can apply the oil to the inner surfaces of your bathroom. You can also use it to deodorize your shoes, compost bins, and trash cans.

Great for the Lungs

Inhaling eucalyptus oil does a lot for the lungs. Little wonder the ancient folks used it to treat chronic respiratory ailments. It contains active anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent the swelling of lung tissues. This oil also triggers your immune cells to destroy resistant microbial strains from populating your lungs.

Side Effects of Eucalyptus Oil

Overdose

An overdose of Eucalyptus oil is poisonous and can lead to death if left untreated. Ensure you use it only in moderate quantities.

Ingestion

Ingesting as little as 3 milliliters of this oil can lead to burning sensations in the mouth and throat, stomach pain, vomiting and redness of the skin. Furthermore, it can also cause dizziness, epilepsy or an induced state of coma in some cases. What`s more? It can lower your blood sugar level and slow down your liver functioning.

Mixing with other Substances

Eucalyptus oil doesn’t work well when mixed with some substances. For example, combining eucalyptus oil with peppermint may alter your body’s drug absorption process.

Right Dosage of Eucalyptus Oil?

Since there’s no cure for eucalyptus oil poisoning, it’s important to know just how much of it is safe. Now, let’s get over with the scary part. Only 4-5 milliliters of pure eucalyptus oil can lead to total unconsciousness, while 2-3 milliliters of the substance can induce mild loss of consciousness. Generally, experts recommend between 0.05ml to 0.2ml of eucalyptus oil for oral administration, and 0.5% to 3% for surface application. Finally, keep this oil away from children.

How to Inhale Eucalyptus Oil

Since you should take eucalyptus oil in particular quantities, it is important for you to know how to inhale it the right way. There are two methods of inhaling eucalyptus oil.

Method 1

First, obtain your cup heater and a large mug. Next, heat both for about eight minutes, then add two to four drops of the oil extract into the warmed mug. Take off glasses, if any, and close your eyes. Now, inhale the heated substance through your mouth and nose for 3-5 minutes.

Method 2

To do this, you’d need a loosely woven fabric, a small wooden skewer, and a glass vial. Place the fabric in the vial in a cylindrical shape while using a skewer to balance it out. Add some drops of eucalyptus oil on the fabric. Ensure that the oil doesn’t saturate the cloth. Finally, hold the vial close to your nostrils and inhale for 3-5 minutes.

Now that you Know…

Eucalyptus oil sure does a lot for our health. From cleaning surfaces to treating nasal conditions, this oil has it all. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two of eucalyptus oil when next you visit the groceries. You’d be glad you did!