11 Advantages, Applications, and Diffuser Guidelines for Eucalyptus Oil
Take a whiff of this: Eucalyptus oil is the cool kid on the block in the essential oil world, and with good reason! Not only does it leave your nose tingling with a minty forest scent, it's chock-full of perks for your health. Here's a lowdown on the top benefits, along with safety tips to make sure you're using this superhero oil right.
Eucalyptus oil perks
Eucalyptus oil can be used topically or as aromatherapy, and it's got some pretty impressive tricks up its sleeve. Here are 11 potential benefits of eucalyptus oil:
- Luscious locks – Eucalyptus oil boasts herbicidal, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that may boost hair and scalp health, and even stimulate hair growth. It might also help you wave goodbye to dandruff.
- Buzz-free life – Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol, a natural insect repellent that keeps pesky mosquitoes and other critters at bay. Combine it with other essential oils for extra protection.
- Super bacteria fighter – Research shows that eucalyptus oil can help antibiotics work better against multi-drug resistant bacteria. It can also curb pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, including bacteria linked to infections like pneumonia and cellulitis.
- Skin savior – Topical eucalyptus leaf extract may boost ceramide production, helping maintain your skin's protective barrier and retain moisture. This is particularly helpful for folks with skin conditions like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
- Cold sores be gone – Eucalyptus' anti-inflammatory properties can aid in soothing herpes symptoms. However, avoid applying essential oil directly to cold sores. Instead, look for balms or ointments with eucalyptus as an active ingredient.
- Pain relief – Lots of over-the-counter pain creams for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis contain eucalyptus oil. Inhaling the oil can also help reduce pain and blood pressure.
- Dental care – Eucalyptus oil might help ward off cavities. Its antibacterial properties can lower your risk of tooth decay, promote gum health, and even freshen your breath.
- Immune boost – Eucalyptus oil may help boost your immune system, although more research is needed in humans to confirm.
- Clear sinuses – Eucalyptus oil can help relieve cold symptoms like nasal congestion. It can also help expand the bronchioles and bronchi of the lungs, which might be helpful if you have asthma or rhinosinusitis.
- Mood lifter – Some research suggests that eucalyptus oil helps decrease activity in your sympathetic nervous system (your stress response system), promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Lice vanisher – Eucalyptus oil might help vanquish lice, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Caveat: While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It's critical to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils and to research a brand's product quality. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
What is eucalyptus oil?
Eucalyptus oil is derived from the dried, crushed, and distilled leaves of eucalyptus trees, which belong to the Myrtaceae plant family native to Australia. There are various eucalyptus tree species used to make the oil, including lemon eucalyptus trees, which are also used to make oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). This oil is combined with para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) for added power against pests like mosquitoes and ticks.
11 benefits of eucalyptus oil
1. Hair growth advancement
Eucalyptus oil boasts herbicidal, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which might help your hair and scalp health. While it's thought to stimulate hair growth, more research is needed to confirm if it can truly turn you into Rapunzel.
A 2018 study found that a scalp lotion containing eucalyptus leaf extract and synthetic ceramide helped reduce scalp itchiness, redness, scaliness, and dryness. While the study showed positive results, its small sample size doesn't necessarily prove its effectiveness.
2. Natural bug repellent
Eucalyptus oil's insecticidal activity can help keep the buzz off. Studies show it can ward off mosquitoes and other irritating biters. Pro tip: Combine it with other essential oils for added effectiveness.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can also provide long-lasting protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Super bacteria fighter
Research indicates that essential oil derived from Eucalyptus camaldulensis may help antibiotics work better against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Another study found that eucalyptus oil can curb pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, including Haemophilus influenzae – bacteria linked to various infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and cellulitis.
4. Skin moisturizer
Topical eucalyptus leaf extract may boost ceramide production, helping maintain your skin's protective barrier and retain moisture. This can be particularly helpful if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
5. Cold sore soother
Eucalyptus' anti-inflammatory properties may aid in easing herpes symptoms. It's best to avoid applying the oil directly to cold sores, though. Instead, seek out balms or ointments with eucalyptus as an active ingredient.
FYI: Eucalyptus oil can't cure herpes. A healthcare professional can provide you with treatment options to keep outbreaks under control.
6. Pain alleviator
Lots of over-the-counter pain creams for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis contain eucalyptus essential oil. Inhaling the oil can also help reduce pain and blood pressure.
A 2013 study found that inhaling eucalyptus essential oil reduced pain and blood pressure in folks who underwent total knee replacement surgery.
7. Dental care
Eucalyptus oil might help keep the cavity creeps away. Its antibacterial properties can reduce your risk of tooth decay. One older study also found that eucalyptus extract in chewing gum can promote gum health.
Breath bonus: Since eucalyptus can prevent plaque buildup, it might improve bad breath.
8. Immune system booster
Eucalyptus oil may help boost your immune system, according to an older 2008 study. However, more research is needed to show its effects in humans.
9. Sinus clearer
Eucalyptus might come in handy if you're battling a cold. Some studies suggest it can help relieve cold symptoms like nasal congestion and inflammation. Research also shows it can expand the bronchioles and bronchi of the lungs, which is good news if you have asthma or rhinosinusitis.
10. Mood elevator
Some research indicates that eucalyptus oil helps decrease activity in your sympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. A 2014 study also found that inhaling eucalyptus oil helped reduce anxiety in folks who were about to have surgery.
11. Lice eliminator
Eucalyptus oil might help send those pesky lice packing. In one randomized study, eucalyptus oil was twice as effective as another head lice treatment in curing head lice. However, more research is needed to show its efficacy.
Eucalyptus oil side effects
Eucalyptus oil is generally safe to use on the skin. However, some essential oils can be hazardous. This is why it's essential to stick to top-notch products from reputable sources. The maximum dosage of diluted eucalyptus oil should be less than 5 percent. Any solution stronger than that can irritate or burn the skin.
Note: Pure eucalyptus essential oil is poisonous to consume. A 3.5 milliliter dose (less than a teaspoon) can be fatal, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Consuming even a teeny-tiny dose can result in severe side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage.
Caution: Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid eucalyptus oil until further research confirms its safety for infants.
Patch test PSA
Do a patch test before applying eucalyptus oil to your body. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your forearm. If you don't notice any irritation after 24 hours, you should be good to go. Just keep in mind, allergies can pop up over time.
How to use eucalyptus oil
Here's how you can use eucalyptus oil safely and effectively.
For skin
Find pre-blended eucalyptus essential oils online or in most health food stores. You can also DIY your own at home. Just add a few drops of pure eucalyptus oil to a cup of carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or almond, then dab a bit on your skin. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
P.S. Avoid your private parts and eyes. Trust us, that stings!
For teeth
Eucalyptus can be found as an active ingredient in lots of toothpastes, mouth rinses, and chewing gums. These products tend to be safer to use than actual eucalyptus essential oil,
In a diffuser
Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steam bowl or diffuser. If you don't have these, you can sprinkle a few drops on the side of your bath when you take a hot shower. The steam will help diffuse it.
As a bug repellent
Say adios to mosquitoes! To make your own bug repellent, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of witch hazel, and up to 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it around an outdoor area. But be careful – it can be toxic for children and pets.
- Eucalyptus oil can be used to promote hair growth and potentially eliminate dandruff, as it has herbicidal, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
- In online research, Eucalyptus oil shows potential in acting as a natural insect repellent, keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
- Eucalyptus oil's pain-relieving benefits can be found in over-the-counter creams for conditions like osteoarthritis, and inhaling it has been shown to reduce pain and blood pressure.
