You might love the refreshing and stimulating aroma of eucalyptus oil but did you know that eucalyptus has potent medicinal properties? Eucalyptus leaves contain flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants), antiseptic components like cineole, volatile oils, and tannins.1 The aboriginal people of Australia have traditionally used it for breathing difficulties, infections, and pain. And it is known as an antiseptic that purifies the environment.2 In fact, on warm days eucalyptus forests are sometimes covered in a blue mist because of volatile organic oils which have vaporized – that’s where the Blue Mountains west of Sidney get their name from – and historically people relocated to areas where these trees grew to improve their health.3 Let’s take a look at what eucalyptus can do for you. It can:
1. Treat Acne
Pus filled pimples can not only make you feel self conscious they can also be painful. And eucalyptus oil might just be that elusive remedy that you’ve been searching for. Acne is caused when the pores in your skin become clogged by excess oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The excess oil and cells in these pores causes bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) to grow which produces a lesion (otherwise known as a pimple).4 According to research, eucalyptus oil can reduce the size of sebaceous glands and decrease the amount of oil produced. But it doesn’t just tackle oily skin it also works against bacteria that causes acne. So dab on some diluted eucalyptus oil to get rid of those zits! 5 6
2. Clear The Air
Mold spores can irritate your nose and throat and give you a runny nose or make you sneeze. But eucalyptus oil might be able to help you control mold and fungus spores. Diffusing some eucalyptus oil in your room can be useful as it has antifungal properties. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water when you do your laundry can also take care of dust mites that might have made a home in your bed covers and pillow cases.7
3. Treat Respiratory Diseases
Eucalyptus oil can help loosen up phlegm. Try a steam inhalation with a few drops of euclalyptus oil. Diluted ecucalyptus oil can also be applied on your chest or nose to relieve congestion. And a gargle prepared with eucalyptus leaves in warm water might be just the thing to soothe a sore throat. So the next time you come down with a nasty cold or even bronchitis reach for your bottle of eucalyptus oil!8
4. Relieve Pain
A whiff of eucalyptus oil might be able to take away your aches and pains. Once study looked at the effects of inhaling eucalyptus oil on pain after total knee replacement surgery. Patients inhaled eucalyptus or almond oil for 30 min while undergoing rehabilitation therapy on 3 consecutive days. Pain was found to be significantly lower in the group inhaling eucalyptus than those inhaling almond oil. Researchers have suggested that the compound 1,8-cineole is at least partly responsible for the pain lowering effects of eucalyptus oil.9
5. Treat Dandruff
Do you have dandruff? An itchy scalp and white flakes of skin on your clothes can be embarrassing but eucalyptus oil might be able to help. It has an inhibitory effect on the fungus Malassezia furfur, which is associated with dandruff. Dilute the essential oil with some coconut oil, massage it into your scalp and wash it off.10 You can also try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo.
6. Give You Healthy Teeth And Gums
According to research chewing gum with eucalyptus extract can be great for your dental health. Studies which looked at people who used it for a period of twelve weeks found that it had a significant effect on plaque and gum disease (gingivitis). It may also take care of bad breath by reducing the accumulation of tongue coating. These beneficial effects of gum with eucalyptus extract can be attributed to its ability to act against oral pathogens. 11 12
7. Help With Diabetes
According to research eucalyptus leaf might be useful for diabetics. One study found that when eucalyptus was incorporated into the diet and drinking water of rats it lowered their blood sugar (hyperglycemia).13 But please don’t use eucalyptus to control your blood sugar without consulting with your doctor. Also, keep in mind that if you’re already taking medication for diabetes using eucalyptus might result in your blood sugar levels going too low.
Though the eucalyptus tree can offer you many benefits it needs to be used with care. Do keep in mind that eucalyptus oil should be diluted before it’s used topically. Also, eucalyptus oil can be toxic when taken internally, therefore it should not be consumed undiluted or without a doctor’s supervision. It’s also a good idea to avoid using eucalyptus oil for children or if you’re pregnant or breast feeding.14
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