Eucalyptus essential oil comes from Aboriginal tribes who are indigenous people in Australia. This oil comes from its tree that is called Melaleuca leucadendron in Latin name. It is obtained or made from the process of extracting eucalyptus trees. This oil has a fragrant and refreshing smell which is good for the body and can be used for beauty treatment and medical health.

Properties of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Here are some properties that eucalyptus essential oil has :

• Insecticidal
• Analgesic
• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antiseptic
• Decongestant
• Bronchodilator
• Anti-asthmatic
• Deodorant
• Muscle relaxant or antispasmodic
• Antipyretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Vaso Dilator
• Anti-fungal
• Antimicrobial
• Stimulant

From these properties, here is presented the health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil.

1. Clean Hands, Feet, and Body

Eucalyptus essential oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can be used for cleaning the bacteria at some parts of the body. The bacteria can cause some problems or diseases in the future if we let them, so this oil can prevent the growth of the bacteria.

In addition, It is an excellent cleanser to remove oil and dirt and can rejuvenate hands and feet when mixed into bath salts. To do it, simply combine sea salt, Epsom salts, and eucalyptus oil to remove fat and dirt from the hands and rub it on the parts that are dirty or contain bacteria.

2. Treat Sinusitis and Allergies

A study from NYU Medical School found that using eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating sinusitis. Patients experience faster recovery when using eucalyptus oil for allergies and sinus. It is because of the fragrant smell contained in it.

A study published by Laryngoscope in 2004 showed that eucalyptus oil can treat non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis can heal faster when given a drug containing eucalyptus oil. To do it, we should smell the oil that is in the form of a bottle or the leaves and stick it to the nose for a while or inhale the warm water vapor that had previously dripped a few drops of eucalyptus oil into it.

3. Heal Minor Wounds

Eucalyptus essential oil has an effective antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties to treat wounds, burns, abrasions, and scratches. Eucalyptus oil can also be made an ointment to relieve insect bites and stings. In addition to acting as a natural pain reliever, eucalyptus oil is able to avoid injury from infected, thus speeding the healing process. Eucalyptus essential oil is often added to some plaster products to treat infections or skin lesions

4. Relieve Chest and Throat Problems

Eucalyptus essential oil is a useful herbal treatment for treating a feeling of tightness in the chest due to colds or asthma. It is because of the decongestant contained in this plant that can make chest and throat better.

In addition, it contains bronchodilator that is good for supporting the body by dilating the air passages in the lung, especially the bronchioles. To use this oil, apply it on your chest to loosen the chest that feels tight and to the neck which is near the throat.

5. Good For Respiratory System and Prevent Asthma

Eucalyptus essential oil is also widely used in aromatherapy and has many uses in the health field. According to the studies, when we burn a mixture of eucalyptus oil with water in the room, it can kill 70% of the bacteria present. Therefore, this oil is also very good for breathing.

In addition, there is anti-asthmatic in the eucalyptus essential oil. For people with asthma, they can also breathe hot water vapor that has been mixed with eucalyptus oil for therapy to use this. Inhale steam eucalyptus oil can also relieve colds and nasal congestion. This is caused by the antibacterial content in eucalyptus oil that can remove bacteria in the respiratory tract.

6. Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain

The properties in the eucalyptus essential oil that used to relieve pain in the muscle are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant/antispasmodic. It can reduce the damage of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This oil can warm the body when it is cold and but also can cool the body during hot air.

Eucalyptus oil is usually mixed with peppermint oil, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, etc. To use this oil, we should apply eucalyptus oil on joint areas or muscles that feel pain and gently massage them. It will have a relaxing effect on the nervous system and muscles.

7. Prevent Diabetes

Based on some studies, eucalyptus essential oil shows a great result for the blood and can serve as a vasodilator that can improve blood circulation in the body, so this benefits the diabetic patients who usually have poor blood circulation. To use this, we should massage the body that may be the source of blood circulation using eucalyptus oil. In addition, inhaling the eucalyptus oil vapor may be able to relieve blood vessel constriction, make blood vessels relax, and promote blood circulation in diabetics.

8. Reduce Stress

Eucalyptus essential oil has a fragrant and refreshing aroma that can make the mind and body more relaxed. It also has stimulant properties, so we can reduce stress just by inhaling this stimulating oil. It can also prevent anxiety, mental exhaustion, and feel sluggish. In addition, it also contains analgesic substances that can be used to calm your mind, reduce brain fog, lethargy, and improve concentration.

9. As An Alternative Sunscreen

It can not be denied if the skin continuously exposed to ultraviolet light exposure compounds, it will also be bad for the health of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to use sunscreen when outdoor activities. However, some sunscreen contains dangerous properties that may affect the skin and body in the future.

Fortunately, there is eucalyptus essential oil that acts as an alternative solution with anti-fungal properties that are good for the skin because it can overcome fungal that often sticks on the skin. To use it, we can mix eucalyptus oil on every sunscreen spread we use so that the performance in protecting your skin from the sun will be more optimal and less dangerous.

10. Reduce Fever

Eucalyptus essential oil contains antipyretic. It is very good for reducing fever and the heats in the body. To use it, simply put about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil into a bucket of water. Then, soak the cloth in this water and place the base cloth onto the skin. This will provide a cooling effect to help lower the fever, but stop this way if it already feels cold because the effects have already gone.

11. Overcome Oily Skin And Acne

Eucalyptus essential oil has strong astringent properties. It can help to reduce excessive oil content on the face. To use this, we need to mix a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil with clean water, then apply on the oily face using cotton or antiseptic tissue to get better benefits.

In addition, the high inflammatory properties of eucalyptus essential oil proved to be very suitable for treating acne and wrinkles based on some studies.

12. Take care The Teeth

Eucalyptus essential oil contains antimicrobial properties that can protect teeth from microbial growth which can give the teeth some problems. Therefore, mouthwash, toothpaste, and other oral hygiene products use eucalyptus essential oil to get this benefit.

According to the research published in the Journal of Periodontology, it shows that eucalyptus oil not only kills harmful bacteria in the mouth but also reduces the amount of plaque on the teeth. Eucalyptus oil can also reduce bad breath and gum bleeding.

More Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses

Here are more health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil.

1. Eliminate dandruff
2. Prevent diabetes and obesity
3. Treat stomach disorder
4. Can be used for manicure and pedicure
5. Treat tuberculosis (TBC) and pneumonia
6. Stimulate immune system

Cautions of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Here are some cautions before using eucalyptus essential oil.

1. Don’t Use it Around The Eyes

We should not use eucalyptus essential oil around the eyes because it can make eyes sore. There are some properties in this oil that are not good when they get in the eyes.

2. Food Ingredients

We know that some food items contain small amounts of eucalyptus oil as the flavorings, or for other therapeutical purposes. However, those are used with the right dosage and already proven by research that is not dangerous and gives damage to the body. So, we should not try to add eucalyptus oil to food items at home without consulting it first with the doctor.

That’s all the health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil and the cautions that we need to pay attention. Stay healthy and keep fit.