The many benefits of essential oils go back long before I was ever born but one that has only more recently seen an upswing in interest is eucalyptus. For years, the benefits of eucalyptus oil as an aromatherapy option were largely unknown, but it has always been seen as a useful medicine with regards to skin care and as a medicine. In fact, using eucalyptus oil in medicine dates back to the early 1880’s when surgeons would use it for its antiseptic properties during operations and to clean catheters.
What Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Eucalyptus oil comes from fresh leaves from - you guessed it - the eucalyptus tree; sometimes referred to as the fever tree or blue gum tree. While it is native to Australia, it can also be found in Europe, South Africa and India and is often used in medicine like inhalers, mouthwash and rash creams. It is known best for it’s purifying properties but it can also be used to assist with relaxation and is known to promote a feeling of calmness.
Below I’ll take you through some of the major benefits and healing powers of Eucalyptus oil and how you can integrate it into your daily life.
It Can Heal Your Wounds
If you have a scraped knee, a cut, burn, or other sores, Eucalyptus oil can be an incredible asset. It’s an antiseptic that, like mentioned above, has been used by doctors for years given how effective it is at treating wounds. It not only protects open wounds from further irritation or infections but also soothes, so you’ll begin to feel better immediately.
It Repairs Your Respiratory System
Not only is Eucalyptus oil an antiseptic, but it’s an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, too, meaning it is highly effective in the treatment of many respiratory problems such as colds, running noses, sore throats, and asthma. By nature it’s a decongestant, so say goodbye to sinusitis and hello to eucalyptus!
A common home remedy for sore throats it to mix eucalyptus oil with warm water to gargle while a common treatment for asthma is to use a couple drops of diluted eucalyptus onto your chest in place of a standard vapor cream.
It Helps You Relax
More and more people are affected by mental exhaustion and stress today than ever before, but you can find relief from the afternoon slumps and lazy mornings by taking advantage of eucalyptus oils stimulating properties.
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See, eucalyptus has the ability to increase blood flow to your brain, which means that it can be a great sidekick for those suffering from exhaustion. With more blood circulating to your brain, you can be sure you’re brain is running optimally and thereby increasing your overall performance. Many classrooms will use eucalyptus to aid in students performance during high stress situations like tests and presentations.
It Relieves Sore Muscles
Whether you just finished a killer workout or experience chronic muscle and joint pain, using eucalyptus oil on the affected area has been shown to relieve pain and get you feeling like yourself again.
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The same properties than assist with relaxation are used to relieve sprained ligaments, aches and nerve pain simply by massaging the oil onto the surface of your skin daily.
It Eliminates Head Lice
If the idea of getting head lice makes your skin crawl, fret not! Eucalyptus oil is known to be an excellent natural remedy for ridding your scalp of head lice, which is particularly useful to know given how many dangerous chemicals are found in the alternative shampoos and treatment options. These same properties also make eucalyptus oil a necessary ingredient to homemade bug spray given it is a natural pesticide. Smells better, too!
Important Considerations Before You Begin Using Eucalyptus and Other Essential Oils
It’s important to note that many essential oils are harmful when swallowed as well as when they make contact with skin without heavy dilution, so be very careful when utilizing any home remedy. While we’re on the topic, they can also be very toxic and even fatal to infants and pets, so I’d also caution that you keep all essential oils in a safe place.
This isn’t to deter you from using oils, but just to keep you aware of the hidden dangers associated with their use.
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