It is native to Tasmania and Australia, there are over 700 different species of eucalyptus, of which at least 500 produce an essential oil. E. globules, is one of the medicinal oils that contains large amounts of cineol (or eucalyptol). They used it as a remedy for a fever, as well as for wounds, infections, aches and colds. Because of this, eucalyptus is often referred to as the Australian fever tree.

A German botanist and director of the botanical gardens in Melbourne introduced the eucalyptus tree to the rest of the world. Since then it has been cultivated in many sub-tropical areas, including Egypt, Algeria, Spain, South Africa, India, and California.

Eucalyptus globulus has long been a favorite household remedy in Australia. The leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as medicine.

Traditionally, the leaves and oil were used for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, and the dried leaves were smoked like tobacco for asthma. Eucalyptus oil was also used in all types of fever for its cooling effect on the body. Historically, the eucalyptus plant was also widely used for skin problems, aching joints, and bacterial infections in both western and eastern medicine.

Chemical constituents :

The Eucalyptus oil is a complex mixture of a variety of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and aromatic phenols, oxides, ethers, alcohols, esters, aldehydes and ketones such as 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol), citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, p-cymene, eucamalol, limonene, linalool, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, α-terpineol and aromadendrene.

the most important component is 1,8 cineole ( Eucalyptol ) which gives the oil its distinctive scent and medicinal properties

Benefits:

Relieves a cough, cold and sinus problems

There’s a good reason why eucalyptus is included in so many OTC remedies such as vapor rubs, cough drops and nasal inhalers. As a powerful anti-inflammatory and decongestant, it loosens phlegm and clears congestion to reduce sinus pressure and allow for easier breathing. Its cooling and soothing properties also help relieve uncontrollable coughing.

Eucalyptus oil has even been shown to help with bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Place 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Throw a towel over your head and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. Otherwise add 3-5 drops to a warm bath and breathe in its healing vapors while you relax.

Controls allergies

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can be an energy-sapping condition when the seasons change. Studies have shown that inhaling eucalyptus oil can quickly and meaningfully reduce the symptoms.

Diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil or burn a eucalyptus candle to keep allergies away.

Helps reduce symptoms of flu and fever

As a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-reliever, applying eucalyptus oil( diluted oil) as a chest and body rub can help reduce many flu symptoms and bring down a fever.

Relieves a sore throat

In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus oil is also a natural bacteria fighter, both of which help reduce the symptoms of a sore throat.

Add I drop of eucalyptus essential oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. Do NOT swallow.

Boosts immune health

Eucalyptus oil has been found to stimulate an immune response that reduces the chance of you catching any cold and flu viruses as winter starts.

It works by increasing macrophages in the blood that improves your immunity and encourages faster recovery from infections. Macrophages are white blood cells that work by destroying foreign particles.

Regularly diffuse eucalyptus oil throughout your home before and during the cold season.

Eases sore muscles and joint pain

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of eucalyptus oil, it can do wonders relieving muscle stiffness, sprains and strains after strenuous exercise. It can also help reduce the chronic pain, swelling and inflammation caused by backache, arthritis and injuries to joints like knees or elbows.

Rub diluted eucalyptus essential oil onto the sore area in a circular motion. Otherwise, the moist heat of a eucalyptus spa blanket can help ease away aches and pains.

Alleviates headaches

Due to its ability to relieve pressure on the sinuses, eucalyptus oil is most effective in helping to clear up a sinus migraine. However, it has been found to also help relax both the facial muscles and the mind, which could help soothe a headache.

Massage diluted eucalyptus essential oil into the temples, or alternate a hot and cold eucalyptus spa mask compress on the bridge of the nose to relieve sinus pressure.

Combats stress and soothes the mind

The invigorating scent of eucalyptus oil stimulates the senses. This not only helps refresh and re-energize the body, but also has a calming, soothing effect on the mind. It can also be used to reduce stress and mood disorders.

Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your morning shower. Scatter on the shower walls away from the water spray and breathe in the healing vapors.

Promotes mental clarity, clears brain and improve mood

By invigorating the senses, eucalyptus oil helps improve focus and concentration, effectively clearing the mind. It’s also found to improve brain function and improve mood.

Diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to refocus the mind, or regularly spray eucalyptus essential oil into the air at work or home.

Helps sores and wounds to heal

As a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus oil is ideal for use on small cuts, wounds and burns to keep the germs away, reduce pain and promote healing.

Create an antiseptic wound wash by combining 2 cups of water and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Spray onto a clean cloth and gently wipe down the affected areas twice daily.

Soothes insect bites and burns

Eucalyptus oil contains chemical compounds that create a tingling reaction on the skin that offers gentle soothing relief for bug bites and burns, helping to reduce redness and pain.

Apply 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball and put onto the affected area.

Relieves sunburn

Due to its ability to reduce redness, relieve pain and soothe burning skin, eucalyptus oil is also ideal for treating sunburn.

Mix together 2 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil, one teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel, and 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray all over skin for cooling, refreshing relief.

Helps get rid of acne

As a natural antimicrobial, eucalyptus oil has been found to effectively work against P. acne bacteria, and also helps to reduce sebum( oily, waxy substance produced by body’s sebaceous glands ) production, two of the conditions that lead to acne. It can also help treat cold sores, cysts and boils.

Add 7 drops of eucalyptus oil to 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel. Mix well, put onto pimples or apply as a moisturizer.

Fights fungal infections

Eucalyptus oil is packed with some powerful fungal fighting properties. Use it to treat athletes’ foot, thrush, ringworm and toenail infections.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to coconut oil and blend into the affected area.

Keeps insects and rodents away

As a potent natural pest and insect repellent, the scent of eucalyptus oil can chase away moths, rodents, flies, bed bugs, roaches and mosquitoes. It can even control mold and fungus spores.

Add 10-20 drops eucalyptus oil to 1 ounce of water and spray on and around targeted areas. You can also add a couple of drops to the washer when laundering your bedding.

Create a lasting bug-free eucalyptus oasis in your home by regularly using a natural eucalyptus diffuser, decorative candles and sachets in your closet. It will keep your house smelling fresh and clean too.

Natural anti-bacterial cleaner and deodorizer

With its pungent fresh scent, eucalyptus oil fights off bad odors from your smelly shoes and trash can to all corners of your home. Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball to drop into your trash can, car or anywhere else where bad odors exist.

It also keeps kitchen floors and surfaces germ-free. Add a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil to a bucket of hot water to mop floors. To clean surfaces, mix ½ cup white vinegar with 1 cup hot water, 12 drops liquid dish detergent and 6 drops eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and shake before each use.

Fights dandruff and lice

If you suffer from dry scalp, eucalyptus may be able to help. As a potent anti-fungal, eucalyptus has also been shown to combat a yeast-like fungus that is the most common cause of dandruff. The active ingredient in eucalyptus oil, 1,8 cineole, has also been shown to be effective in killing head lice.

Simply mix 2 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, apply to scalp, wait 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For lice, increase the mix to ½ teaspoon of eucalyptus oil with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and leave in for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to patch test beforehand.

Stimulates the scalp

The well-known anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil can be used to reduce any scalp irritation which in turn promotes healthier roots and hair growth.

Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to your favorite conditioner. Otherwise mix 4 drops of eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, massage into scalp and leave for 20 minutes. Jojoba oil has been shown to promote faster hair growth.

Promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps away bad breath

The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil have long been exploited in toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s been found to inhibit the formation of plaque, so fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease and bad mouth odor that makes bad breath.

Simply add 1 or 2 drops to water, gargle and spit it out. Do NOT swallow.

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.

Eucalyptus is a potent essential oil so must be diluted before using for aromatherapy or topically. Patch test some diluted oil on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours before use. Eucalyptus oil should also never be ingested.

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. Do not use directly on animals and be aware that cats are particularly sensitive to eucalyptus oil.

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.