Noted for their distinct soothing and refreshing camphor-like aroma, this tincture obtained from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree showers us with immense health benefits. For hundreds of years, the Eucalyptus leaves and the oil extracted from it, have been extensively used for treating common respiratory diseases and other infections including cough and cold, fever, sore throat, congestion, joint pain, wounds, etc.
The tree which goes by the botanical name Eucalyptus globulus, though native to Australia is cultivated all over the world nowadays. The tree has over 300 species all known for its profound medicinal properties. The curative property of the tree which is also known as ‘Blue Gum’ comes from the oil extracted from its oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are dried, crushed and passed through the steam distillation method or cold-pressed to haul out the essential oil. The oil is colourless but possesses a strong woody aromatic fragrance which is generally diluted before using it directly.
In ancient times, the aborigines of Australia made extensive use of the tree. Be it chewing on the roots of the tree or sipping on eucalyptus leaf spiked tea, the medicinal properties of the oil present in the leaf or root helped people in managing fever, cold, body pain, and hence eucalyptus became famous as the ‘Australian Fever Tea’. It is then in the late 1800s when the concentrated oil was extracted, doctors reportedly noted that the oil stimulated sweating and provided relief from chest congestion and sore throat.
Later with more researches, doctors started prescribing this oil and formulations containing eucalyptus oil for various respiratory anomalies including asthma, bronchitis, flu, and coughs. Imbued with natural bioactive components and volatile oils like Eucalyptol, Globulol, α and β-pinene, Camphene, Limonene, Sabinene, p-Cymene, Camphor, Citronellal, α-phellandrene, Aromadendrin, and Piperidone, the oil portrays multifaceted curative properties like decongestant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, disinfectant, anti-microbial, and insecticidal properties.
Owing to its characteristic aroma, the benefits of the oil are now available in the form of liniments for tired, tender muscles, chest rubs for colds and congestion, cough and cold drops and lozenges, sore throat sprays, pain relief oil for joint pain, rash creams, inhalers, mouthwashes, soaps, shampoos and many more.
Apart from the medicinal benefits, the magic oil also has preservative properties and hence it is used in several foods and beverages to prevent spoilage. It is also used as a natural floor cleaner owing to its disinfectant properties to kill germs. Having a strong aromatic fragrance, it has also found its place as a natural deodorizer and used in several room sprays and potpourris.
Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil:The abundance of bioactive components and anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties, the essential oil plays a pivotal role in treating various upper respiratory tract illnesses like the common cold, cough, sinus and flu symptoms. It helps in reducing chest and nasal congestion gets rid of excess sputum and stops nasal discharge. It is also beneficial in treating sore throat, pharyngitis, bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.
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Inhale hot water infused with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to get relief from cough and cold congestion. One can also use warm water imbued with this oil to gargle and reduce pain and irritation in the case of a sore throat.
Augments Skin And HairEucalyptus oil being a powerhouse of antioxidants and volatile oils, diminishes skin inflammation, scalp infections and promotes overall skin and hair health. It is also extremely effective in treating eczema, burns and itching. The high amount of eucalyptol present in the oil decreases sebum production and controls the growth of acne, pimples, zits etc.
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil like virgin coconut oil or almond oil and use it as a mask on the face to prevent skin infections and get a clear, glowing complexion.
The potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties also prevent the growth of lice and dandruff on the hair scalp, stimulates blood circulation which in turn prevents hair fall and promotes the growth of new hair.
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Owing to the strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of the active component eucalyptol, this oil is extensively used for providing relief from pain and inflammation in case of arthritis and joint pain. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles as well as neuralgia. Its property to calm and soothe the mind also makes it useful in case of headache, and other inflammatory conditions.
Also Read: 5 Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Freshens BreathEucalyptus oil infused toothpaste, mouthwashes or dental gels hold high significance in battling the bad bacteria and hence preventing plaque build-up within the oral cavities that may ultimately lead to painful conditions like gingivitis, toothache etc. Being rich in eucalyptol and cineole, an antiseptic and a potent bioactive component, the oil also helps in preventing tooth infection and bestows an instant fresh breath.
Heals WoundsTouted for its antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, this oil effectively heals wounds and prevents skin infections. The soothing effects of the eucalyptus oil not only prevents itching and burning sensation but also helps in disinfecting the wound or bite to prevent further spreading of the infection. Being a natural antiseptic, it has also proven beneficial in case of bug bites, sores, ulcers, cuts, and burns.
Additional Benefits
Alleviates Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection that can cause sores to develop around the mouth or genitals. The anti-inflammatory properties present in eucalyptus oil can help to soothe symptoms of herpes. Applying eucalyptus oil to these cold sores can effectively speed up the healing process of such extremely painful blisters.
Keeps Lice At Bay
Eucalyptus oil has been used since antiquity to cure head lice. If you have recently had an outbreak of head lice, consider using eucalyptus oil as an effective and quick mode of treatment.
Cures Athlete’s Foot
Eucalyptus oil is packed with some powerful anti-fungal properties that make it very effective to cure athletes' feet, (a contagious fungal skin infection that begins between the toes. It also prevents the possibility of ringworm infection, other severe fungal problems as well as toenail infections. It works very well if it is blended with coconut oil and applied to the affected area.
