7 Amazing Eucalyptus Oil Benefits

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from drying, crushing, and distilling the oval-shaped leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. The powerful oil was used by Australian Aboriginals as a natural remedy against aches, wounds, infections, and colds.

The main chemical components of eucalyptus oil are eucalyptol (cineole) and alpha-terpineol, known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This oil has a slightly citrusy, clean, and fresh fragrance, a soothing and cooling effect, and several health benefits. 

Table of Contents

1. What are the health benefits of eucalyptus oil?
2. What is the use of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy?
3. How to use eucalyptus oil
4. Eucalyptus essential oil: benefits
  4.1 Relieve symptoms of allergy and cold 
  4.2 Alleviate headaches
  4.3 Deter rats
  4.4 Improve oral health
  4.5 Soothe irritated skin
  4.6 Relieve soreness
  4.7 Ease joint pain

1. What are the health benefits of eucalyptus oil?

Throughout history, the oil of the eucalyptus plant has been used for pain relief, treatment of fungal and respiratory infections, and as a disinfectant. In addition, due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil is recommended to help with the symptoms of bronchitis, cough, cold, upper respiratory, and other viral infections. It also has strong purifying properties, which is why it is often added to mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote oral health.

2. What is the use of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy?

Eucalyptus essential oil is ideal for a soothing massage. You can also take advantage of its benefits by diffusing the oil. 

For inhalations, add three to five drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of steaming water or an electric vaporizer. Inhaling eucalyptus vapors can provide relief from cold and flu-related symptoms, headaches, and stress. 

You can also add a few drops in a bottle, along with water, and spray the mixture around the bathroom before taking a steamy bath. The lingering aroma will create a spa-like atmosphere in the comfort of your home. 

3. How to use eucalyptus oil

First and foremost, as a safety note, you must not ingest this essential oil, as it can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and ataxia. Also, eucalyptus oil is not safe for diffusions in children under 10 years of age. Finally, always dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil for topical applications. Here is how to use it:

• For joint pain: Mix one or two drops with a tablespoon of coconut or argan oil and rub the blend on the painful areas in a circular motion.

• For insect bites: For topical application, dilute 1-2 drops with 1 tsp of any carrier oil. You can also add the mixture to a cotton ball and then dab it around your clothes to repel insects.

• For bruises or wounds: Make an antiseptic wash at home for cuts and minor injuries by adding 8 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil (diluted in a tablespoon of carrier oil) to two water cups. Store it in a spray bottle.

• For sunburns: Mix 2-4 drops of eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel and add this mixture to a two-ounce bottle of purified water. Spray it on the area of concern. 

4. Eucalyptus essential oil benefits

4.1 Relieve symptoms of allergies and cold 

If you have mild respiratory symptoms due to allergies or the common cold, eucalyptus essential oil can help by opening airways and relieve a runny/stuffy nose, mild coughs, and sore throats. To alleviate cold or allergy symptoms, add five drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser or dilute 2-3 drops in a carrier oil and use it to rub your chest and throat. 

4.2 Alleviate headaches

If you have a headache due to stress, sinus pressure or exhaustion, aromatherapy with eucalyptus and peppermint oil can help in relieving pain and inflammation. A 1994 study found that a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus oil can help soothe headaches. You can either rub a drop or two (properly diluted in a carrier oil) on the back of your neck or add five drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser.

4.3 Deter rats

Using eucalyptus oil can deter rats in your home. A 2014 study found that rats avoided moving and eating in areas treated with eucalyptus oil. You can try this by dipping small cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and placing them in areas where you’ve spotted rats. 

4.4 Improve oral health

A 2008 study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that chewing gum with 0.3% to 0.6% eucalyptus extract can reduce dental plaque and gingivitis. Using eucalyptus essential oil can also improve bad breath in some people. In addition, you can dilute one drop of eucalyptus oil with carrier oils like olive or coconut for oil pulling. 

A 2009 study found that herbal toothpaste containing eucalyptus effectively improved gingivitis and reduced plaque buildup. So, add a tiny drop of eucalyptus oil to your favorite toothpaste to give it a boost of plaque-fighting ability. 

4.5 Soothe irritated skin

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects that help soothe irritated skin. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil (diluted in a carrier oil) to a cotton ball, then wipe it over minor skin irritations such as bug bites, blisters, shallow wounds, etc., to promote quick healing.

4.6 Relieve soreness

Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory effects that make it a beneficial natural remedy for muscle pain and soreness. For example, a 2013 study found that patients recovering from knee replacement surgery reported lower pain scores on inhaling eucalyptus oil than those who didn’t. You can also use it for treating everyday aches and pains by applying 2-3 drops to the affected area. 

4.7 Ease joint pain

Research suggests that eucalyptus oil reduced subjective pain in patients undergoing rehabilitation after total knee surgery. In addition, several popular over-the-counter pain relief creams and ointments for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain eucalyptus essential oil. It can reduce pain and inflammation associated with many conditions, including back pain, and can be helpful to those recovering from a joint or muscle injury. 

Our reccomendation:

WOW Eucalyptus Essential Oil

WOW Eucalyptus essential oil has decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and stimulating properties. You can diffuse 3-4 drops of WOW Eucalyptus Essential Oil, or, alternatively, you can blend three drops of essential oil in 10 ml of carrier oil for a gentle, relaxing massage on your soles, shoulders, and neck.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil is also a part of the Sore No More Essential Oil Blend that promotes muscular & joint pain relief, and Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend, which can help open the breathing passages. 

Browse through our WOW collection of 100% pure, natural, and cruelty-free essential oils that can help eliminate stress, improve sleep, and relieve muscle and joint pain!