Whenever we feel congested due to a cold and cough, we always try home-remedies first, and eucalyptus oil is one of the best remedies. The evergreen eucalyptus tree is native to Australia. There are various types of eucalyptus trees, and among them, Eucalyptus Globulus is a source of eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is prepared from its dried leaves. It is available as an essential oil, which is useful to treat various problems. Chinese, Indian Ayurveda, Greece, Brazil, and other forms of medicines have been using this oil for ages.  

How to prepare eucalyptus oil?

Eucalyptus oil is prepared from its dried leaves. The leaves are dried, crushed, and steam distilled to extract the oil. The extracted oil is colorless with a strong, woody, and sweet smell. The main compound of eucalyptus oil is cineole, also known as eucalyptol. The oil also contains flavonoids and tannins, which acts as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants.  

Benefits and uses of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has so many benefits and uses as it is filled with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antiseptic, decongestant properties. It is useful to treat a variety of common diseases and also works amazingly when applied topically in diluted form. Here are some benefits and uses of eucalyptus oil –

1: Relieves stuffy nose  

The most effective way to relieve stuffy nose is steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil. This oil reacts with the mucous membrane and helps to clear the congestion. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic to combat infections.  

2: Clears respiratory complaints  

Eucalyptus oil is an excellent decongestant and cough suppressor. It helps to break down the mucus and phlegm and to open up the airways. It is a popular home remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, and cold. For best results, use fresh leaves in water to gargle to relieve sore throat and bronchitis, or you can have eucalyptus oil added during steam inhalation.  

3: Eases sore muscle and joint pain  

Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease your joint and muscle pains. This oil is also present in various analgesic ointments and is used in sprains, strains, backache, and arthritis. Mix one or two drops with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rub it on the sore area in a circular motion for better results.  

4: Post-surgery pain reliever  

Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation of the affected area. As per clinical studies, people who inhaled eucalyptus oil after knee replacement surgery felt less pain. This oil also lowers blood pressure.

5: Promotes oral health  

Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce dental plaques, gingivitis, and bad breath. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash have eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient. Add one to two drops of it into the water, then gargle and spit out or you can simply apply one drop to your toothpaste before brushing.

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6: Promotes scalp health and clear lice  

Eucalyptus oil promotes good scalp health and reduces dandruff, scalp fungal infection, etc. It is also an excellent remedy to clear lice by combining eucalyptus oil with tea tree oil. Add one drop of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo before applying it to your hair.  

In my experience, I have observed that eucalyptus oil might be beneficial for relieving spasmodic throat troubles, such as in croup. When applied externally, it may help alleviate the spasms and provide relief.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

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7: Boosts immunity  

As per studies, eucalyptus oil may stimulate the immune system where white blood cells are activated and fight against the existing disease.  

8: Disinfects wounds and cuts  

Eucalyptus oil helps to disinfect and heal wounds and cuts and prevents infection. In diluted form, it is used to fight against inflammation and promote healing. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that deal with all types of infections.  

9: Insects and rodents repellent  

Eucalyptus is an excellent insect and rodent repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches, bugs, and rodents. Add 20 drops to a large bottle of water and spray around the targeted areas. Eucalyptus oil also works wonders to disinfect your house. Specifically, lemon eucalyptus oil is very effective.  

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10: Controls blood sugar  

Eucalyptus oil is very effective to control blood sugar levels and managing diabetes. Always monitor your blood sugar level while taking diabetic medicines with eucalyptus oil.  

11: Reduces stress  

Eucalyptus oil can reduce stress and keep your mental state calm and balanced. Researchers also suggest that this oil is very effective to relieve anxiety before surgery.  

Based on my experience, I have observed that eucalyptus oil might possess hepatoprotective properties. This means that it could potentially protect the liver from damage caused by certain toxins. It is believed to involve the presence of ursolic acid, a compound found in the leaves of Eucalyptus hybrid E. tereticomis. Ursolic acid is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its ability to protect the liver cells from damage and promote their regeneration.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

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Side effects of eucalyptus oil  

Eucalyptus oil is possibly safe when taken by mouth in a small amount and when applied topically. Sometimes it can cause burning and irritation of the skin. Also, when ingested in a large amount, it may cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset.  

• Dosage- More than 3.5 ml of eucalyptus oil ingested by mouth can be extremely dangerous and even fatal (this is less than 1 teaspoon). Please use caution if you plan on consuming this oil. Eucalyptus oil benefits should be enjoyed only through dilution and under medical supervision.
• Overdose- When excess amounts are consumed (even in dilute form) it may make you dizzy, feel extreme muscle weakness, face difficulty breathing, suffer from seizures or a coma. Always dilute the oil well and use only a very tiny amount if you intend on consuming it (speak to your doctor first).  
• Aromatherapy- It may be safe to use during steam inhalation in diluted form, there isn’t much evidence for its safety or dangers of the same.  
• Allergies- If you have experienced an allergic reaction to other oils, you may also experience allergies to this oil.

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