Eucalyptus essential oil benefits are truly a gift from God. Find out what the research says about the medicinal properties of this blessing from the eucalyptus tree.
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Eucalyptus is a Secret Weapon
Essential oils can carry many constituents in every drop, each with its own benefits and effects. Chemists analyze these components to determine what the oil is doing and how it helps us so we better know ways to use the oils safely and effectively. There are several varieties of eucalyptus trees that are used including eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, lemon eucalyptus (eucalyptus citriodora), and so on.
One of the strongest components in eucalyptus was named “eucalyptol,” indicating its uniqueness among other oils. We call it 1,8 cineole now, and its effects and potential are remarkable. Scientists can’t get enough of this powerful substance, with over a thousand studies returned on a search for cineole and many clinical trials showing benefits.
Eucalyptus introduced us to 1,8 cineole, with 80-95% of eucalyptus essential oil comprised of it, but scientists have since discovered that other plants can carry it as well. Some notable essential oils that contain cineole include ginger, helichrysum, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint – so, perhaps the initial association between eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil was not so far off base!
The similarities shared between plants and their essential oil derivatives may contribute to that amazing, mysterious synergistic effect that essential oil blends create.
Research About Eucalyptus Essential Oil
With so much research directed toward 1,8 cineole, there is much to say about studies done on the properties of eucalyptus oil and the possible implications of the studies.
Eucalyptus essential oil is proving itself as a strong support for respiratory issues, with anti-inflammatory effects and benefits for breathing. Not only do we enjoy it for respiratory symptoms like acute bronchitis, but a breakthrough study published in Drug Research looked even further – into chronic illness. This study evaluated the effect of inhaled eucalyptus essential oil in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and found it beneficial for long-term treatment with promising results. (1)
Another impressive find relates to the antibacterial properties of eucalyptus essential oil. Drug-resistant bacteria are a major public health concern worldwide, with both treatment and prevention desperately needed. So, researchers at the University of Illinois looked to eucalyptus for an answer:
“…responds to the need to reduce the number of contagious MDR/XRD-TB patients, protect their immediate environment, and interrupt the rapid spread by laying the groundwork for an inhalation therapy based on anti-TB-active constituents of the essential oil (EO) of Eucalyptus citriodora.”
By analyzing the reactions between eucalyptus and the resistant tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, they found that some constituents of the oil successfully killed the bacteria more than 90% of the time. (2)
On what seems to be a completely different note, French scientists shared their findings with the Journal of Food Science after evaluating six different oils with antioxidant properties for their ability to address hypertension (high blood pressure). (3) The efficacy of eucalyptus oil on heart relaxation was significant, showing improved blood flow and circulatory health. So while we cannot say this research means you should neglect antihypertensive medications, the research is promising and we hope to see further details emerge over time.
History of Eucalyptus
Folklore and oral history may not be as solid as scientific evidence, but they tell a story about an Australian fever tree that is worth acknowledging.
The story goes that an English settler in Australia badly wounded his thumb with an axe. His father, who knew Aboriginal remedies, suggested tying a eucalyptus leaf to the thumb like a tight bandage once it had been stitched closed. This remedy was known as “kino,” and was used frequently. The settler’s surgeon later commented on how well his thumb had healed without succumbing to infection. With this and similar stories circulating, Joseph Bosisto and other pharmacists saw the opportunity to begin producing eucalyptus essential oil commercially, which they did in 1852.
Migrating all the way from Down Under to China, the current top producer of eucalyptus essential oil comes from the Australian native Tasmanium Blue Gum tree, an evergreen with a relatively recent medicinal history. It’s one of the most common of several trees in the eucalyptus family that become essential oils today and for good reason. Eucalyptus essential oils have benefits from medicinal to cleansing and more!
Upon first Western discovery, eucalyptus was dubbed “Sidney Peppermint” thanks to similarities to the English Mentha piperita. Current uses indicate similarities between the two, but we know now, as they quickly realized then, that eucalyptus essential oil stands out as a strong, efficient oil in its own right.
8 Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits
In the light of popular use, to excuse the pun, towns used eucalyptus oil that was converted into a gas to light their homes, hotels, and shops. Little did they know that they stumbled upon some pretty powerful aromatherapy benefits as well!
While we don’t light our homes with eucalyptus, we have tried a few of these 8 unique and effective remedies which include the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil:
1. Expectorant and Purifier
When you’ve got a cold or the flu, you might feel like your head will explode if it cannot expel mucous. Eucalyptus works as an expectorant to ease that discomfort, and as a bonus, it can help the body remove toxins and threats that make it all feel worse. Try dropping several drops of eucalyptus oil into that room’s diffuser while you sleep to help clear your breathing and improve your sleep.
Or, for a more powerful application, drop 2-5 drops into hot water, then lean over it with a towel “tented” around your head. Breathe deeply for five to ten minutes and enjoy the relief. Any kind of respiratory tract infection is likely to benefit from this oil. See all our essential oils for respiratory support if you want to create a blend.
2. Scalp Tonic
Cleanse and refresh your scalp and hair with a few drops of eucalyptus oil mixed with coconut or olive oil carrier oil. The carrier oils will moisturize while the eucalyptus relieves itchy skin irritation, greasy scalps, and dandruff. Or add it to your favorite unscented, all-natural clarifying shampoo.
3. Hands & Feet Cleanser
Grease can’t stand a chance against eucalyptus, making a strong case for its inclusion in homemade cleansers – or, if you’re up for a real treat, a refreshing salt soak for hands or feet. Try the foot bath variation of our detox bath using eucalyptus essential oils. Its benefits against fungal infections will help keep your skin from infections.
4. Potent Cleaning Agent
If you enjoy the fragrance of eucalyptus, you may already include it in your cleaning recipes. What you may not know is that it is highly antimicrobial, helping to clear surfaces of potential illness. If you’re making a cleaner of any sort, try adding lemon eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle of other natural cleaning ingredients.
5. Home Filters
Spread the love! Eucalyptus dropped onto the air filter in your home can help circulate fresh, rejuvenating scents to the whole house. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is one of our favorite choices for this purpose. You can add it to your essential oil diffuser blends for the amazing aromatic benefits.
6. Stain Removal
If you have stained fabric surfaces, give eucalyptus essential oil a try at removal. Of course, you want to make sure (in an inconspicuous spot) that the oil is compatible with the blend of fabric you have – just in case a random synthetic blend reacts poorly.
7. Air Freshener
Refresh the mind and lift the spirits with a spritz bottle. With ten drops of eucalyptus oil added to a small spray bottle filled with distilled water after a long day at work, you can make this happen. Simply spray 12 inches from your face and enjoy inhaling the gentle mist. If you don’t use the spray in one sitting, use 190-proof grain alcohol instead of water.
8. Odor Control
After a long day of summer play, the summer laundry room can become quite noxious. Spritz your gym clothes with a linen spray of 190-proof grain alcohol with eucalyptus when they come out of the dryer. For shoes, spray a rag and place it down into the shoe. This can help prevent odors as well as help keep the shape intact!
And, yes, even Fido can enjoy the benefits of eucalyptus oil. (See more about the dos and don’ts of using essential oils with pets.) Centuries of use suggest that eucalyptus is safe in nearly any application, as long as common sense is followed. Keep it out of eyes and wounds (both yours and your pets!) for safety, and always dilute properly.