8 Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

Top 8 Uses Of Eucalyptus Oil

  Eucalyptus essential oil has many uses, and almost as many health benefits. Used appropriately and with care, eucalyptus oil can be an excellent addition to your alternative medications. It has a wide range of actions; being useful for muscle aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor circulation; bronchitis, colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, flu, and asthma; burns, blisters, cuts, insect bites, and as an insect repellent; as well as headaches and neuralgia. CAUTION: Never take eucalyptus oil internally. Although eucalyptus is used as a flavoring ingredient in some cough drops, medications and foods; the pure essential oil is toxic in even small doses. In addition, it should not be used at all on anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, or epilepsy; and should never be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Eucalyptus oil should always be used diluted in a base oil like almond, coconut, or olive to prevent skin irritation; and should be kept away from eyes and mucus membranes. As long as these restrictions are followed, it is quite safe used externally. Although there are many possible uses, it is most effective for the following: Don’t own a eucalyptus oil? Click here to see the eucalyptus essential oil we recommend. 

Eucalyptus Oil For Respiratory Problems

- Bronchitis: mixed at a rate of 10 drops of eucalyptus oil per tablespoon of carrier oil and rubbed on the chest over the lungs, it will ease coughing and help to break up chest congestion. It has an expectorant action, which makes it easier to cough up the mucus that causes it to be so difficult to breathe; and is an antispasmodic that will reduce non-productive coughing and ease the coughing “spasms.” In addition, it has antimicrobial action, which, combined with the expectorant action that clears the lungs of mucus, can help to prevent developing an infection with the bronchitis. - Sinusitis: Using 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil rub a small amount over the sinuses to reduce congestion and the chance of developing an infection. When using in this area, apply very lightly, and keep it well away from the eyes. - Colds and flu: In addition to the symptom relief listed above for bronchitis and sinusitis, eucalyptus essential oil helps to ease the aches and pains that come with colds and flu when the oil mixture is added to an epsom salt bath. Increase the amount of eucalyptus oil to 15 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil, and add to a warm bath with two cups of epsom salt. (See the asthma warning at the end of the next paragraph before using this method.) Further Reading: Five Powerful Natural Methods To Prevent Cold & Flu

Another method of use for the respiratory problems listed above is to bring one and a half quarts of water to a boil, pour into a heatproof bowl, and add three drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Keeping your face far enough away from the pot to prevent burning yourself with the steam, lean over the bowl and drape a large towel over your head and the bowl to create a “tent” that will hold in the steam. Breathe normally for up to 15 minutes, and repeat as needed. This is excellent for getting the oil into direct contact with any bacteria or viruses in your lungs or sinuses and breaking up congestion. (If you have asthma, use this method with extreme caution, especially if you tend to react to strong scents. Keep your emergency inhaler close by in case it’s needed, and make sure there is someone with you the first time you try it. Sniff the eucalyptus oil while it’s still in the bottle to see if it is an irritant. If there is no reaction, you can try the steam, but have your “safety person” ready to take the steaming water out of the house if it triggers an asthma attack.)

Eucalyptus Oil For Pain Relief

- Muscle aches and pains or neuralgia: using the same mixtures as for respiratory issues, either rub the oil on the aching area, or take a warm bath with epsom salt and the oil blend. - Headaches: mix one tablespoon of carrier oil with 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Apply a small amount to the temples, massaging in with a gentle circular motion and keeping well away from the eyes. Massage the remaining oil into the neck at the base of the skull. - Poor circulation: Using 10 drops of eucalyptus oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, massage the area with long, firm strokes. Always massage toward the heart, lifting your hands away from your body and returning to the beginning area, not rubbing back and forth. You can also buy pain relief creams or lotions with eucalyptus oil in them, (such as this eucalyptus pain relief cream) but these are too strong to be used on the face.

Eucalyptus Oil For Insects

- Bites: To ease the itching and irritation of insect bites, mix at the rate of 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil. Apply a drop or two of this mixture to bites, massaging in a circular motion and extending a bit past the bite itself. - Insect repellent: For this you will need

• a glass spray bottle – such as this one (essential oils will dissolve plastic eventually, and will absorb chemicals from the plastic as well,)
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons citronella essential oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons lavender essential oil
• 3/4 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil, and
• 8 oz. Distilled witch hazel

Mix the oils in the spray bottle and shake well, then add the witch hazel and shake again. Spray on your body and clothes, being careful to keep it out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Reapply as needed, shaking well before each use. Essential oils are little miracle workers and eucalyptus is one of the best. Keep a bottle of this Eden’s Garden Eucalyptus Oil handy to use for your health, home and well being.