![\"eucalyptus](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/eucalyptus-inhalation-towel-bowl.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/b>Eucalyptus oil has long been known for its many uses for health and the home. Widely used for medicinal and industrial purposes, it is known all over the world for its characteristic camphoraceous scent and refreshing property. Eucalyptus oil\u2019s versatility and numerous benefits have made it one of the most sought-after essential oils for purposes ranging from treating minor health ailments to being used in home disinfecting.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn more about eucalyptus oil and how you can apply its benefits to everyday well-being.<\/p>\n
Native to Australia and mainly noted as being the preferred food source of koala bears, the use of eucalyptus leaves by Australian Aborigines has been recorded. These people used the oil-containing leaves as a traditional medicine for a multitude of ailments such as fever, pain, wounds, infections, and respiratory illnesses.<\/p>\n
Learning such uses from the Australian natives, a story has it that an early English settler used eucalyptus leaves to bandage his stitched thumb, which was nearly severed by an ax. A doctor who later treated the man was amazed at how well the wound had healed, and remarked at how there was no sign of infection whatsoever.<\/p>\n
Such occurrences caused botanists, scientists and pharmacists to study the various species and parts of the eucalyptus tree in the late 1700\u2019s, with an interest in the potential healing effects that its leaves contained. Many experiments yielded promising results, leading to the eventual extraction of the oil.<\/p>\n
Its reputation spread in various countries such as Germany, England and the US. Soon after, eucalyptus oil was being used in hospitals and homes to treat respiratory ailments like bronchitis, coughs, asthma and flu. Its antiseptic properties also served well for treating skin ailments like wounds and burns, and for cleaning hospital apparatus like urinary catheters.<\/p>\n
In Europe, the original eucalyptus oil introduced was extracted from the Eucalyptus peperita <\/i>species, and was known as \u201cSydney peppermint.\u201d It was remarked to be more effective than the more well-known peppermint oil at that time for respiratory ailments, as it was \u201cless pungent and more aromatic,\u201d and was able to relieve congestion more quickly.<\/p>\n
Even scientists from China and India took to studying the oil. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, eucalyptus is an excellent remedy for promoting breathing and \u201cclearing lung-phlegm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eucalyptus takes its name from the Latin words \u201ceu<\/i>\u201d meaning \u201cwell,\u201d and \u201ccalypto<\/i>\u201d meaning \u201cconcealed or covered.\u201d This refers to the flower of the eucalyptus tree, which is covered by a tiny cap before budding.<\/p>\n
Today, eucalyptus trees can be found in many different countries for various purposes. Yet its main value lies in its essential oil, where simply rubbing two leaves together will give you that pungent, cooling aroma reminiscent of a refreshing gush of air.<\/p>\n
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the fresh or partially-dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree, also known as \u201cblue gum tree\u201d or \u201cfever tree.\u201d There are many species of eucalyptus, but this camphoraceous oil is obtained in particular from Eucalyptus globulus <\/i>of the plant family Myrtaceae.<\/i><\/p>\n
This colorless aromatic oil is obtained from the tree\u2019s oval-shaped leaves using steam distillation. It contains over a hundred different compounds, including 1,8-cineole, pinene, limonene, and terpineol. Its main constituent is 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, and is responsible for most of the oil\u2019s useful healing and antiseptic properties.<\/p>\n
The tall, evergreen, eucalyptus tree was originally native to Australia, but today is grown all over the world for its valuable essential oil.<\/p>\n
Be it for treating skin problems, respiratory ailments or simply getting your home clean and fresh, a bottle of eucalyptus oil is a must-have. In aromatherapy, its cooling and cleansing properties have associated it as an herb of purification. This may be true, as eucalyptus oil\u2019s antiseptic and disinfectant properties can kill off disease-causing microbes during infections and chase away nasty molds and germs from any surface in the home.<\/p>\n
Eucalyptus oil\u2019s wide range of beneficial effects is due to its active component, cineole, which has been studied extensively. Even now, its astounding potential in killing off leukemia cells is being further investigated.<\/p>\n
It is commonly useful in congestion and relief of respiratory conditions, and can also help boost immunity and circulation.<\/p>\n
![\"eucalyptus](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/eucalyptus-oil.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Eucalyptus oil\u2019s antiseptic properties can speed up the healing process of nasty scrapes, cuts, minor wounds, burns, boils and skin abrasions by fighting off germs and preventing the skin from getting infected. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties also help ease the pain associated with such wounds. A few drops added into a healing salve or ointment can be placed over scrapes, cuts, and even on insect bites. For boils, a dilute solution of eucalyptus oil in a carrier oil can be rubbed or spritzed onto the affected area.<\/p>\n
Related:\u00a011 EOs for Healing Scars<\/a><\/p>\n Aside from treating minor cuts and scrapes, eucalyptus oil\u2019s cooling effect can help remedy skin itching due to conditions like eczema, scabies, psoriasis and other skin irritations. It can also help prevent acne, skin eruptions and oily skin. You can either dab on a dilute blend of eucalyptus oil on the affected area, or you can also mix a few drops of oil with apple cider vinegar and apply on the problem area.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a010 EOs for Itching \/ Pruritis<\/a><\/p>\n A nasty cough and cold can easily be soothed by eucalyptus oil\u2019s cool, menthol-y scent, which is the trademark scent in a lot of vapor-rub formulations. This is because of the oil\u2019s expectorant properties, whereby it loosens up mucus and phlegm for you to more easily cough up or expel. The best ways to use the oil for this purpose are as a rub on the chest or breathing in the oil using a diffuser. You can also rub a few drops between your palms and cup your hands over your nose for easy inhalation. Alternatively, a steam inhalation session containing eucalyptus oil also makes for an effective remedy. Simply pour a cup or two of boiling water onto a bowl or small wash basin. Mix in 10-12 drops of eucalyptus oil, and inhale the vapors deeply with a towel draped over your head. When doing this, be sure to keep your eyes closed as the oil\u2019s cooling effect can make your eyes sting a bit.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a05 EO Remedies for Coughs<\/a><\/p>\n A variety of studies have looked into eucalyptus oil\u2019s effectiveness for asthma relief. Since asthma occurs due to inflammation of the airways, the oil\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties coupled with expectorant and decongestant effects have been shown to help patients breathe more easily.\u00a0 <\/span>Eucalyptus oil also helps clear out chest and nasal congestion experienced from a variety of respiratory ailments. You can use the same methods above for using eucalyptus oil to treat asthma. A side note when using this oil for treating asthma is to first check with your physician before doing so, as some anti-asthma medications do not interact well with eucalyptus oil. Also, this oil is not meant to take the place of anti-asthma medications that your doctor may have prescribed for asthma attacks.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a0How to Safely & Effectively Inhale EOs<\/a><\/p>\n In addition to relieving congestion, cough and colds, eucalyptus oil can also be used to treat respiratory infections. Its antibacterial action can help combat disease-causing bacteria found in conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, and even tuberculosis, along with other respiratory conditions. Inhaling the oil via steam inhalation or rubbing it on the chest can help with the symptoms that come with such infections. Again, take note that the oil is only a support therapy for such infections, and cannot take the place of antibiotics or other prescription drugs that your doctor may have given.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a05 EO Remedies for Sinus Infection \/ Sinusitis<\/a><\/p>\n Coming home for the day with tired muscles and joints means that a eucalyptus oil massage is in order.\u00a0 <\/span>The oil\u2019s energizing scent plus its analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions are ideal for relieving the pain in sore body areas. It can also be used for a variety of ailments like rheumatism, sprained ligaments, tendon pain, neuralgias and fibrosis. Simply massage a dilute blend of eucalyptus oil onto the affected areas in circular, soothing strokes.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a09 EOs for Sore Muscles \/ Muscle Pain<\/a><\/p>\n Shingles comes with very painful blisters that tingle, itch and burn until they have healed. Eucalyptus oil\u2019s cooling and pain-relieving abilities can help deal with the discomfort associated with this condition. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties can help soothe and speed up healing. To use eucalyptus oil for shingles, mix 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in a cup of warm water. Dip a soft washcloth in the mixture, squeeze out excess water, and place on the affected area as a warm compress. Repeat dipping and applying as necessary. If the blisters occur in a larger area, you can also add in about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to a warm bath to help soothe the pain.<\/p>\n Swelling and blockage of the sinuses due to bacterial infection can be quite bothersome. Eucalyptus oil, with its potent decongestant properties, can bring relief and help allay the annoying inflammation and pain. Additionally, its antibacterial effects can also assist in busting the bacteria responsible for the infection. Studies on eucalyptus oil have found that patients had a much quicker improvement from sinusitis and allergies when they used the oil to supplement their treatments. It also lessens the severity of seasonal allergies that affect the respiratory system. You can apply eucalyptus oil diluted in a carrier topically near the nostrils, inhale a few drops rubbed between your palms, or better yet, add it to a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a09 EOs for Allergies<\/a><\/p>\n A scratchy, sore throat can come with swelling and difficulty in swallowing. With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, eucalyptus oil can make the symptoms more manageable. Aside from this, many cases of sore throat can be due to a bacterial or viral infection, making eucalyptus oil quite useful in killing off those nasty germs causing the infection. To ease the pain and swelling of a sore throat, check out our recipe below on making your own \u201cEucalyptus soothing sore throat spray.\u201d<\/p>\n Related:\u00a08 EO Remedies for a Sore Throat<\/a><\/p>\n Aside from fighting off infection and inflammation, eucalyptus oil can also boost the immune system by stimulating the cells in the body that support immunity. This makes it quite handy when flu season comes around, or in instances when you know you\u2019re going to be exposed to crowds and have higher chances of catching a bug. Load the oil into a diffuser or use a personal inhaler to obtain the immune-boosting benefits of eucalyptus oil.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil\u2019s cooling and refreshing effect makes it an ideal for that mental pick-me-up when you feel mind fatigue and sluggishness setting in. Its ability to promote blood flow helps increase circulation to various body areas, including the brain. It is also able to ease tension and stress, providing a invigorating scent that helps aid in rejuvenation and alertness. Rub a few drops of the diluted oil on your temples or inhale via a diffuser to keep mental fog and stress at bay.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a014 EOs for Energy & Wakefulness<\/a><\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil\u2019s minty, camphoraceous scent makes it an ideal addition to mouthwashes and other oral hygiene products. Its antiseptic activity helps fight off dental problems like gingivitis, bad breath and even plaque buildup. Add a few drops to a mouthwash recipe and you\u2019re good to go!<\/p>\n Related:\u00a0EO Based DIY Mouthwash Recipes<\/a><\/p>\n By virtue of its ability to neutralize skin problems, eucalyptus oil helps heal an itchy scalp caused by dandruff or excessive oiliness. Its cooling effect is also ideal in soothing any annoying itchiness. Eucalyptus oil provides nourishment to hair and gives a clean, cool scent. You can use it on your hair and scalp as a hair rinse using our recipe below, or mix it with coconut oil for a moisturizing hair mask.<\/p>\n Nasty, smelly odors can often pop up here and there, and many of us are faced with bothersome, sometimes repulsive, odors around the home. Be it a stinky pet bed, a teenager\u2019s shoes, or a curiously smelly carpet, eucalyptus oil can help ward away bad odors. Place a few drops of the oil in water and mix, then, using a rag soaked in the mixture, wash or wipe the offensive object. Then, dry outside, preferably under the sun. You can also make an odor-removing spray using our recipe below, and use it on walls and other areas to eliminate odors from smoke, the trash bin or the toilet.<\/p>\n Mosquitoes and other bugs detest the scent of eucalyptus oil, making it an ideal insect repellent. Simply add a few drops to your bug spray mixture, or make your own homemade bug repellent spray. You can also combine it with other oils and spray near windows or use as a topical repellent.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a07 EOs for Bee Stings, Bug Bites<\/a><\/p>\n For many people, chemical cleaners may seem too strong and irritating, especially if you are sensitive to harsh odors or if you have kids and pets in the home. A great alternative to such cleaners is using a mixture of eucalyptus oil with vinegar, hot water, and dish washing detergent. Use this solution for cleaning your floors, toilet, windows, sink, and pretty much any surface around your home. Eucalyptus oil gives a clean, refreshing scent, while also infusing disinfectant properties into the solution and preventing any mold growth. Check out our recipe for a \u201cEucalyptus oil all-around cleaning solution\u201d below!<\/p>\n Ants, cockroaches, moths and other insect pests can be frequently found in cupboards and drawers. Wipe or spray eucalyptus oil onto cupboard walls, drawer liners or other storage areas to deter these tiny nasties. You can also place a drop or two on a padded coat hanger to keep cockroaches and moths away from your closets, or place a few drops on a cotton ball and place in pest-prone corners. A plus is that it gives a fresh, clean scent to your storage areas.<\/p>\n If your dog is a walking fleabag but you don\u2019t want to use any of those flea collars or flea powders with harsh chemicals, eucalyptus oil is the answer! The oil is safe for dogs and can safely be added to pet shampoo. Place 3-4 drops on your shampoo mixture and bath your dog the usual way. You can also make an organic flea collar. Get a bandana or a similar piece of cloth, and place 8-10 drops of eucalyptus oil on various spots in the bandana. Fold into a triangle and tie onto your dog\u2019s neck. Voila, you now have a happy, pest-free pet! Note that you may have to replenish the bandana with a few drops of the oil every few days as the oil evaporates into the air over time.<\/p>\n Be it spots on your carpet, clothes, sofa, or other fabrics, eucalyptus oil works as an effective stain remover. Simply mix a small amount of liquid washing detergent with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to make a paste, then dab onto the stubborn stain. Leave this on for about ten minutes, then wash as usual or wipe off the mixture with a wet washcloth if you\u2019re treating larger materials like a carpet or couch. Before trying it on the stain though, be sure to test it first in an unnoticeable area on the item to check that the oil doesn\u2019t react strangely to the fabric you intend to treat. Eucalyptus oil also removes most sticky material that has stuck to fabric like gum, wax and sticky tape. It also helps dissolve heavy oil stains on clothing.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil is a great alternative to chemical lice treatments, and can help keep a lice problem at bay. If it works for fleas, then it can be useful for a headful of lice as well. As an all-natural treatment for lice, place several drops of eucalyptus oil diluted with a carrier on hair and scalp. Comb the oil through the hair for a few minutes and leave on. You can repeat this procedure throughout the day, and rinse off the oil after a few applications. You can also opt to leave the oil on the hair overnight and rinse it off the next day.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil\u2019s cooling effect can help reduce the discomfort and heat that a fever brings. This is probably one of the reasons why eucalyptus oil is also named \u201cfever tree oil.\u201d Spritzing a few drops on your body can help your temperature cool down a bit. It\u2019s also great as a cooling spray when you simply want a relief from hot weather. Try making our \u201cEucalyptus-peppermint cooling spray\u201d recipe below for a freshly-scented temperature reducer.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil is generally safe to use, but as with all essential oils, precautions need to be taken to prevent any adverse reactions. The oil should not be taken by mouth except under the supervision of a physician. When used topically on the skin, eucalyptus oil is safe to use. Avoid using the oil or any eucalyptus salve or chest rub on the face and nose for children under the age of two. For babies and small children, its best to avoid using the oil, but if necessary, use only half the adult dose in preparations intended for a child. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have hypertension or epilepsy, it\u2019s best to avoid using the oil. If you have any other conditions and are not sure whether it\u2019s safe to use the oil, ask your doctor about this.<\/p>\n If you have sensitive skin, it\u2019s best to do a skin patch test first to check if you are allergic to the oil. When applying directly on the skin, make sure that the oil has been diluted properly with a carrier oil to prevent any burning or stinging. Excessive use of the oil my cause toxic effects on both adults and children. In all cases, avoid getting eucalyptus oil or its vapor in contact with the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable, so be sure to keep it away from excessive heat and open flames like stoves and fireplaces. Make sure that it is stored in an area that children and pets cannot access.<\/p>\n Eucalyptus oil can be mixed with other oils. It blends well with many essential oils such as lavender, thyme, cedarwood, rosemary, lemongrass, pine, frankincense and lemon.<\/p>\n <\/b>The versatility of eucalyptus oil for well-being and for a clean home makes it a must-have on your list of household supplies. Here are a number of ways and tips you can put this invigorating, disinfecting oil to good use.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n Mix the sea salt and honey with water and stir until fully dissolved. Then, mix in the apple cider vinegar and the essential oils. Pour into a clean, dry spray bottle. You can store this soothing throat spray in the fridge, where it can keep for up to six months.<\/p>\n To use this throat spray, shake the bottle first, then spray twice at the back of the throat. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the oils can help soothe the scratchiness and pain, while their antimicrobial effect also promotes healing from the infection along with the apple cider vinegar and sea salt. Note that this throat spray may not taste fantastic, but it sure is an effective way to combat a sore, itchy throat. It also gives a cooling sensation that makes your throat feel better.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n *You\u2019ll also need a candy thermometer and some plastic or silicone molds to shape your candies<\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n Over medium heat, place the honey into a small or medium-sized saucepan. When the honey comes to a boil, lower the heat and continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the honey reaches the \u201chard crack\u201d indicator on your candy thermometer. This temperature would be about 295 to 309 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and let the honey cool for about two minutes. Add in the essential oils and mix well, making sure that the oils are distributed evenly throughout the honey.<\/p>\n Grease the candy molds, and pour the mixture onto them until each mold is full. Cool the candies in the fridge until they have completely hardened. Remove from molds.<\/p>\n You can now wrap each piece of candy in parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the candies in a covered, airtight container to keep them from getting moist. Place in the fridge or somewhere with a cool temperature. You and your family can now use them as needed to ease sore throats and nasty coughs.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n In your spray bottle, mix together the baking soda and the white vinegar. Add in the eucalyptus oil, then put in several cups of water depending on the capacity of your spray bottle. Make sure to leave a little air space in the bottle for adequate mixing. Shake well to combine contents, then allow the sediments to settle. You can now spray it onto smelly surfaces or stinky corners of the house! Remember to test on an inconspicuous area if you intend to use it on clothes or fabrics to make sure it doesn\u2019t react badly to the color.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n In your spray bottle, mix together the vinegar and the hot water. Add the liquid dish detergent, and cool the solution until just aout warm. Add in the eucalyptus oil and shake well to mix. You can now use this on various surfaces around the home to clean out grease, molds, slime and dirt.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/b><\/p>\n In your glass spray bottle, mix together the witch hazel and aloe vera gel. When blended together, add in the essential oils. Mix well or shake until all components are combined. Spritz onto yourself whenever needed to help cool a fever, have relief from a hot summer day, or even to soothe the sting of sunburns and insect bites.<\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n2.) It keeps skin problems in check<\/h2>\n
3.) It helps in relieving cough and colds<\/h2>\n
4.) It alleviates asthma and congestion<\/h2>\n
5.) It can be used to support treatment for various respiratory infections<\/h2>\n
6.) It provides pain relief for aching joints and muscles<\/h2>\n
7.) It can help treat shingles<\/h2>\n
8.) It works for sinusitis and allergy relief<\/h2>\n
9.) It eases a sore throat<\/h2>\n
10.) It\u2019s a great immune system booster<\/h2>\n
11.) It combats tension and mental exhaustion<\/h2>\n
12.)\u00a0 <\/span>It can be used for oral hygiene maintenance<\/h2>\n
13.) It can be used for itchy scalp relief<\/h2>\n
14.) It removes nasty odors from the home<\/h2>\n
15.) It\u2019s a great insect repellent<\/h2>\n
16.) It effectively works as a natural home cleaner<\/h2>\n
17.) It can be used to deter pests<\/h2>\n
18.) It works for flea control<\/h2>\n
19.) It works like magic as a spot remover<\/h2>\n
20.) It can be used on head lice<\/h2>\n
21.) It can be used to help cool a fever<\/h2>\n
Things to keep in mind when using eucalyptus oil<\/h1>\n
Eucalyptus Oil Application Tips, Tricks and Recipes<\/h1>\n
![\"decongest](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/decongest-inhalation-essential-oils.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
<\/b>1.) Eucalyptus soothing sore throat spray<\/h2>\n
\n
2.) Eucalyptus-lemon cough drops<\/h2>\n
\n
3.) Anti-itch eucalyptus hair rinse<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
4.) Eucalyptus odor-removing home spray<\/h2>\n
\n
5.) Eucalyptus all-around cleaning solution<\/h2>\n
\n
6.) Eucalyptus-peppermint cooling spray<\/h2>\n
\n
7.) Eucalyptus laundry detergent<\/h2>\n
![\"tea](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/tea-green-tea.jpg\")
<\/p>\n