eucalyptus oil benefits eucalyptus oil benefits

13 Healthy Eucalyptus Oil Benefits

This article will give detailed eucalyptus oil benefits 1and multi-purpose essential oils2 that will benefit and enrich your daily life.

1. Origin of Eucalyptus Oil

With almost 700 known species in Australia – Eucalyptus trees belong to the myrtle family, with common characteristics like clean and sweet camphoraceous scents3. They can survive with a large amount of water in low fire and quickly recover.

Other terms for Eucalyptus tree are Blue Gum Tree, Fever-Tree, and Stringy Bark Tree.

Eucalyptus oil benefits vary according to the location like its disinfectant, and expectorant properties are used in Greek, European, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine.

2. How to Get the Eucalyptus Essential Oil? 

Almost 500 species of Eucalyptus produce the essential oil, which comes from the Eucalyptus Globulus leaf extract4.

In the Blue Mountains of Australia, we can see a blue haze surrounding the eucalyptus trees, the leaves of which produce eucalyptus oil.

This essential oil is collected through steam distilled, which carries the aromatic compounds from the leaves to the tube, later cooling down into the water from which it is separated. This can give out a strong, woody, and sweet scent.

2.1. Main Components of Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

The main constituents found in many varieties that provide eucalyptus oil benefits are –

2.1.1.  A – Terpineol

It is responsible for anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2.1.2. 1,8 Cineole

It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, and antitussive properties. It also increases blood flow and reduces headaches.

2.1.3. Pinene

It is an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, a bronchodilator, and has antiseptic properties.

2.1.4. Sabinene

It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

2.1.5. Camphene

It gives out antioxidant, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2.1.6. Camphor

It is responsible for antitussive, decongestant, absorbent, warming, cooling, and anesthetic properties.

2.1.7. Globulol

It acts as a regenerative, filled with antioxidant properties.

2.1.8. Citronellol

It exhibits anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and antifungal properties.

2.1.9. Aromadendrene

It helps treat infections due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

2.2. Different Varieties of the Eucalyptus Family 

Eucalyptus oil benefits that differ according to the variety found in specific places are –

2.2.1. Blue Mallee or Eucalyptus Polybractea 

It is found in Australia and France, helpful for promoting easy breathing, relieving tired muscles, and freshening the air.

2.2.2. Peppermint Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus Dives 

It is found in Australia and is used to energize the body, provide fresher and cleaner scents, and ensure good mental health.

2.2.3. Narrow Leaved Peppermint or Eucalyptus Radiata 

Found in Australia, this is good for aching muscles and joints, mental focus, and improving moods, and is filled with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

2.2.4. Eucalyptus Globulus 

Found in China, this is the main oil used for general health, from reducing inflammation, an effective decongestant to relieving pain and providing good skin.

2.2.5. Eucalyptus Citriodora or Lemon Scented Gum 

This is found in Brazil and treats muscle spasms soothe joint pain, boosts blood circulation, and gives relief from colds and coughs.

2.2.6. Eucalyptus Organic Oil or Globulus 

This is found in India and is beneficial for skin-related problems, pain relief, and reducing cold symptoms.

These provide the many purposes of Eucalyptus oil – fragrance, medicinal needs, cosmetic uses, dental health, and industrial solvents. Let us look at it in more detail.

3. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits

The medicinal properties of eucalyptus essential oil are attributed to the compound – Eucalyptol (or cineole), which also produces its evergreen scent.

It purifies, cleanses, clarifies, and boosts the immune system as an essential oil. These healing benefits are due to their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, and other properties, as described in detail below. 

3.1. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Include Antimicrobial Properties

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By the end of the 19th century, Eucalyptus oil was known for its purpose of cleaning urinary catheters in England.

This is backed by present studies that prove eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils5 have antimicrobial properties, which could be more effective when used with antibiotics, especially to treat wounds and infections.

Eucalyptus oil Inhalation can help with respiratory tract disorders like sinusitis and even asthma, although this can depend on whether someone is allergic to the essential oil or not.

The antibacterial eucalyptus oil benefits also extend to the pathogenic bacteria isolated in the upper respiratory tract, like Haemophilus influenzae6, which causes many infections, as shown in studies. Working against the P. Acne Bacteria helps reduce oil production that prevents acne.

3.1.1. Home Remedy

  • It can be put in a spray bottle and used as a disinfectant or air freshener to remove the toxicity in the environment.
  • An effective mix would be using white vinegar (1/2 cup), hot water (1 cup), liquid dish detergent (12 drops), and eucalyptus oil (6 drops) to clean surfaces.

The antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of eucalyptus oil make it a natural and effective household disinfectant. It is also an active ingredient in almost 30 cleaning products approved by a nonprofit environmental research group, capable of even removing the bacteria E.coli

An easy mix would be – a water solution, white vinegar, and eucalyptus oil. Click here to check out other essential oils used for the same purpose.

3.2. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Help with Cold And Respiratory Problems

Cough Lozenges and Inhalants use eucalyptus essential oil to relieve cold symptoms.

Home remedies focus on using essential oil as a decongestant for colds and bronchitis. In comparison, herbal remedies include using fresh leaves in a gargle for cases of sore throat, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Many cough medications like Vicks and Vapor Rubs also use eucalyptus oil as an expectorant – helpful in loosening phlegm and reducing congestion (around 1.2 % with other ingredients.) Inhaling eucalyptus oil used in the vapor or a eucalyptus oil rub can also give the same effects.

More research on the therapeutic eucalyptus oil benefits for respiratory problems must be undertaken. 

3.2.1. Home Remedies

  • Use a double boiler to melt 2 tbsp of unscented shea butter; add eucalyptus oil (10-12 drops) once heated. You can also use the essential oil as a chest rub.
  • For steam inhalation, place some drops of the oil with steaming hot water in a bowl. Put a towel over your head, and then stand at arm’s length from the bowl. Breathe in deeply, and let the vapor in (5 to 10 minutes should work.)
  • Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water; inhaling the steam would help with cold symptoms. Click here to know more.

3.3. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Help with Dental Care

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus oil7 are used in various dental preparations, which help fight tooth decay and periodontal health.

This essential oil helps fight germs causing mouth odor, which is found in many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash bottles. They also help prevent plaque buildup by attacking bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Studies also show that eucalyptus extracts from chewing gum are beneficial for dental health as they prevent plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and gum bleeding.

3.4. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Include Good Skincare

The purifying and cleansing properties of the oil can help relieve minor skin conditions, especially by increasing the ceramide content.

This could be helpful for those suffering from dry skin, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Ceramide helps retain the moisture content pretty effectively.

Eucalyptus oil benefits also include treating sunburn. Mixing this popular essential oil with pure aloe vera gel (1 tsp) and distilled water (2 ounces) can provide refreshing relief.

3.5. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Help with Fungal Infections, Wounds, and Allergies

It is known that Australian aborigines use eucalyptus leaf extract to prevent any infection and cure wounds. Diluted eucalyptus oil promotes healing and fights inflammation. Many creams and ointments used for the same purpose contain this ingredient.

Studies show how eucalyptus is part of the essential oils beneficial for its antifungal properties. While others focus on how the nanoparticles present in it help with wound healing.

Many common allergic conditions like hay fever or allergic rhinitis can also be avoided by inhaling this essential oil.

3.5.1. Home Remedies

  • Diffusing five drops of eucalyptus oil or burning a eucalyptus candle.
  • A mix of eucalyptus and coconut oil can also help fight ringworm and toenail infections.

3.6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Acts as an Insect Repellent

Eucalyptus essential oil was registered as an insecticide and miticide for killing ticks and mites by the United States in 1948.

Studies show that topically applying a few drops of eucalyptus oil can work up to 8 hours in keeping insects and mosquitoes away.

Especially, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is helpful as a mosquito repellent as it contains a chemical called PMD. It can easily replace a DEET spray bottle, already used by brands like Repel And Off! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also lists this oil derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree as an effective insect repellent.

Studies have also shown that eucalyptus oil benefits include keeping houseflies away. 

3.7. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Hair Health

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Research also indicates it as an option for treating head lice. By combating a yeast-like fungus, it tackles dandruff.

The anti-inflammatory eucalyptus oil benefits reduce scalp irritation and promote healthier hair growth.

3.7.1. Home Remedies

  • Add the essential oil (2-4 drops) with coconut oil (2 tbsp), and apply to the scalp. Wait 20 minutes, then rinse.
  • Mixing 1/2 tsp of the oil with 3 tbsp coconut oil can work for head lice. Let it be there for around 30-40 minutes, then rinse accordingly.
  • Essential oils like jojoba that help with hair growth can be mixed with eucalyptus to massage the scalp.

Note – A patch test to be done beforehand is advised.

3.8. Eucalyptus Oil Provides Pain Relief

With analgesic properties, Eucalyptus essential oil can act as a pain reliever. The products made out of this essential oil proved to be effective in studies.

This is attributed to eucalypt mint – also known as methyl salicylate topical, used for muscle and joint pain, mostly sprains and strains, bruising, arthritis, and backache.

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil also include soothing, simple back pains to helping with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Using carrier oil with eucalyptus oil also helps relieve pain after a knee replacement surgery and in case of high blood pressure. Inhaling this mix has been effective, as shown in studies. However, more research is required when other studies point in the opposite direction.

3.8.1. Home Remedies

  • Rubbing the diluted oil in the sore area helps, or the moist heat from a eucalyptus spa blankie can also relieve any bug bites and burns. Combining it with other essential oils can be more effective.
  • For sinus headaches, using diluted eucalyptus oil to massage the temples or a hot and cold spa mask on the nose can relieve pressure.
  • Breathe a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a diffuser to treat general aches and pains.

Here, any carrier oil can also be used. You can choose other essential oils here that can provide the same relief.

3.9. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Help with Cold Sores

The anti-inflammatory properties are useful to ease symptoms of herpes simplex virus and cold sores, reducing pain, as shown in studies.

 Whether this can effectively replace traditional cold sore treatments is not clear. However, if you are willing to use it as a natural alternative, it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent any irritation or burns that can be caused.

Many over-the-counter balms use several essential oils, including eucalyptus, which you can buy.

3.10. Eucalyptus Oil Stimulates the Immune System

Studies have shown that eucalyptus oil enhances the phagocytic response of the immune system to pathogens, which consumes and destroys any foreign particles. However, this focused on rats, and human studies have not been conducted yet.

Nevertheless, it ensures faster recovery from any infections, which can be more helpful once you regularly diffuse the oil in your home during seasonal colds and allergies.

3.11. Eucalyptus Oil Benefits Help Control Blood Sugar

Diabetes medication is also mixed with eucalyptus essential oil; however, whether this can be considered an effective treatment is yet to be researched by the scientific community.

Studies indicate a positive effect, but they have been restricted to Animals. Plus, there is a higher chance of better results with essential oils like Cinnamon, Rosehip, Coconut, and Olive, as they have been better researched. Click here to learn more

3.12. Eucalyptus Oil Helps to Control Pests

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One of the eucalyptus oil benefits is to avoid pests like pantries, mice or rats, and moths. The chemicals in it, like cineole, keep these away and are more environmentally friendly than alternative medicine.

3.12.1.  Home Remedies

  • Make a spray of eucalyptus oil (10 – 20 drops) and Water (1 ounce). Use this in the targeted areas.
  • One of the ways you can use this is to apply two to three drops of eucalyptus oil to cotton balls and keep it in places that are most likely to be entry points like doorways, windows, baseboards, cabinets, and drawers. This will ensure the pests remain outside.
  • A natural eucalyptus reed diffuser, sachets, and candles are other options to create a pest-free environment.

However, if you have domesticated pets like cats or dogs, it is better to use this oil with caution.

3.13. Eucalyptus Oil Helps to Relax

The anti-anxiety properties of Eucalyptol help relax in many cases, especially before surgery, as found in studies.

Eucalyptus oil works by decreasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system or the stress response system, providing relaxation by increasing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. More research might give new benefits.

Refreshing the senses can also provide more focus and concentration, with studies proving that they help improve brain function.

Its fragrance refreshes the brain’s emotional powerhouse, especially applying eucalyptus oil in the hand while taking a shower can promote vitality. Adding this immune-boosting oil during a warm bath on the walls can also help breathe in the healing vapors.

4. Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe to Use?

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) states that pure and genuine essential oils are safe to use with precautions.

For Eucalyptus Oil, the best way to safely dilute it with other oils – the mix can be 1-5% of eucalyptus with remaining of the other oil.

Here are the common side effects one might face –

  • If used too close to the eyes, it can cause irritation and a burning sensation
  • It is best to do an allergy test beforehand – use a diluted version with another oil to check. If no signs are visible within 24 hours, then it’s safe. Here are some guidelines.
  • Eucalyptus oil poisoning can also occur when you take it orally, as studies have indicated. Especially with asthma patients, it can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea.

5. Things to Note at the End

Precautions should be taken when children and pregnant women are using it. Oil might also interact with almost 100 different drugs, for which a doctor’s recommendation is best.

Special care needs to be taken in case of overdose when side effects like dizziness, muscle weakness, and even seizures might occur. It is best to use the mix rather than the pure form.

So, Eucalyptus leaves or oil, while having many benefits, can also be hazardous in the above cases.  

6. Frequently Asked Questions

6.1. Can you apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin? 

It is always recommended to mix the oil with a cream, gel, or other essential oils to apply directly to the skin.

6.2. Is inhaling eucalyptus oil good?

No! It is known that inhaling eucalyptus oil in undiluted form is extremely toxic. It is advisable not to inhale the oil directly and to seek a doctor’s help before using it for any cure.

6.3. Where should you apply eucalyptus oil?

If mixed with any other cosmetics, cream, or oil, apply eucalyptus oil in a diluted form is completely safe for apply anywhere on the body. however, keep track of not applying too much and a direct application of eucalyptus oil can have side effects.

6.4. Is smelling eucalyptus oil safe?

Yes. Many people find the eucalyptus oil smell to be soothing and also helps in calming their anxiety.

6.5. Can you sleep with eucalyptus oil under the feet?

Yes! Eucalyptus oil helps in relaxing and relieving congestion in the chest which causes discomfort in sleeping. Therefore, applying eucalyptus oil helps in good sleep.

Also, check out essential oils for Toenail Fungus.

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  1. Sadlon, Angela E., and Davis W. Lamson. “Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices.” Alternative medicine review 15.1 (2010): 33-43. ↩︎
  2. Harismah, Kun, Mahmoud Mirzaei, and Necmi Beser. “Multi-purpose Plants of Essential Oils in Residential Gardens.” Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA. Vol. 6. No. 1. 2023. ↩︎
  3. Oyama-Okubo, Naomi, and Toshiaki Tsuji. “Analysis of floral scent compounds and classification by scent quality in tulip cultivars.” Journal of the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science 82.4 (2013): 344-353. ↩︎
  4. Salari, M. H., et al. “Antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on pathogenic bacteria isolated from specimens of patients with respiratory tract disorders.” Clinical Microbiology and Infection 12.2 (2006): 194-196. ↩︎
  5. Sabo, Verica Aleksic, and Petar Knezevic. “Antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. plant extracts and essential oils: A review.” Industrial crops and products 132 (2019): 413-429. ↩︎
  6. Turk, D. C. “The pathogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae.” Journal of medical microbiology 18.1 (1984): 1-16. ↩︎
  7. Gilles, Martin, et al. “Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils of three Australian Eucalyptus species.” Food chemistry 119.2 (2010): 731-737. ↩︎

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