Eucalyptus Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Sep 14, 2020
Gathered from the dried leaves of towering evergreen trees, Eucalyptus oil offers many medicinal and balmy benefits. This beneficial plant has been used since the days of yore by primitive dwellers. Eucalyptus oil, also known as Nilgiri tel is one ingredient that can have ample effects on our overall well-being. This oil is a colorless liquid with a strong wood like and fresh scent.
Eucalyptus
Cited as “eucalyptol” by the scientific community, the health gains of eucalyptus oil come from a chemical called cineole — a biological compound which holds startling medicinal effects. Eucalyptus oil can act as antibacterial, anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory. The fundamental components of Eucalyptus oil are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol.
Eucalyptus oil, infused from the evergreen Eucalyptus globulus trees, have a huge list of traditional uses. Eucalyptus was used to heal wounds and reduce fever by early Australians. Eucalyptus was accepted as a disinfectant and expectorant by European, Chinese, Greek and Ayurvedic medicine later.
Nutritional Value of Eucalyptus
Research shows that eucalyptus oil helps curb over 90% tuberculosis infection and other drug-resistant bacterial infections. Due to its impressive anti-inflammatory property the perks of inhaling eucalyptus show similarly astonishing results.
The cineole commonly found in eucalyptus oil works as an effective long-term therapy which restrains Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) symptoms and improve asthma. Another notable benefit of eucalyptus is that it helps in lowering high blood pressure.
Health Benefits of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil popular among people as beard grow oil as it holds natural properties of nourishing and stimulating hair growth. You can also use eucalyptus herb for its healing properties as it contains good antioxidants.
Use eucalyptus leaves to treat a dry skin problem, anti-inflammatory compounds present in leaves not only helps in relaxing muscles but also reduces pain. Mentioned below are the best health benefits of using Eucalyptus in various ways. We also discuss the adverse effects of eucalyptus in various health conditions.
Follicle Stimulation
Blending a few drops of eucalyptus oil with some coconut or olive oil provides the hair with a moisturizing pick-me-up. The active elements in eucalyptus oil stimulate hair follicles and the blood vessels. This in turn improves circulation of blood around follicles and keeps the hair healthy.
Eucalyptus Acts as Insect Repellent
Eucalyptus oil is a natural and healthy alternative to chemically toxic bug sprays available commercially and is very effective. Placing a few soaked cotton balls in pest-infested areas repels ants, cockroaches and pests as they despise the smell of eucalyptus oil.
Get Relieves from Cough & Congestion Using Eucalyptus
The active elements present in eucalyptus leaves act as expectorants which help to eradicate surplus phlegm and mucus from the sinuses and respiratory tract. Also, it eliminates the environment for bacteria to generate and spread. Making a steam bath by pouring a cup of boiling water mixed with eucalyptus oil and inhaling deeply with a towel over one’s head is one of the most effective ways to restrain cough.
Eucalyptus Oil Massage Relaxes Sore Muscles
Besides its pain relieving effects, eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and anodyne effects which help to soothe tired and sore muscles. Improvement of blood circulation is enlivened as eucalyptus oil is a native vasodilator and widens blood cell.
Eucalyptus Oil for Healing Wounds
Antimicrobial and antiseptic properties present in eucalyptus oil are effective at treating sores, burns, wounds, cuts, etc. It can be made into a DIY ointment to apply on stings and bug bites. Along with relieving the pain from the affected area, it also prevents from any possibilities of getting infected.
Use Eucalyptus Oil for Joint & Muscle Pain
Eucalyptus oil is one of the vital ingredients in many ointments found over the counter that are used to soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research suggests that inhalation of eucalyptus oil is effective in alleviating pain and controlling blood pressure.
Eucalyptus Cures Respiratory Problems
Eucalyptus oil is remarkably useful when it comes to treating respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Usage of eucalyptus oil for asthma is a tested cure as it expounds the blood vessels allowing more oxygen into the lungs. Due to its antioxidant contents, eucalyptus oil strengthens the immune system during a flu, cold, or other illness and also helps fight infection. Possessing anti-irritation qualities, eucalyptus tea is consumed as a therapy for throat irritation.
Eucalyptus for Oral Health & Hygiene
Eucalyptus oil kills germs in the mouth, reduces plaque and helps to prevent gum diseases that are caused due to microbial action. This oil performs antibacterial activity against tooth decaying bacteria and fights germs that cause bad odour. Eucalyptus oil is an active ingredient used in several mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Eucalyptus Oil for Mental Health Benefits
Eucalyptus is revitalizing and its sweet aroma is effectively stimulating. Eucalyptus oil is appropriate for developing concentration and keeping your vitality level elevated. The smell of Eucalyptus oil encourages feelings of relaxation, thus it should be diffused for a better night’s sleep.
Eucalyptus Oil for Acne Scars & Marks
Eucalyptus oil destroys bacteria that clogs the pores and prevents it from spreading making it one of the best natural treatments for acne. The familiar, minty smelling oil works as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb and not only aids in killing bacteria, but also to dry the affected area and provides relief to irritated skin. Using eucalyptus oil on acne affected areas can reduce oil production.
Uses of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a comprehensive range of health benefits. It is one of the most powerful forms of natural medicine ever. Apart from medicinal uses, it is also used for cleaning, deodorizing, repelling bugs, industrial purposes, and so on.
Eucalyptus oil can be used internally, topically, or aromatically. Its oil good for hair regrowth and offers various skincare benefits. During pregnancy to boost the immune system, use Eucalyptus oil. Even in some dental procedures, this oil is very effective, you can easily get rid of bad breath, toothaches, and gum problems by regular use of Eucalyptus.
Another benefit of this oil includes improvement in blood circulation which makes Eucalyptus oil, one of the best beard oil. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help in the fight against common cold and cough issues.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Eucalyptus
Precaution must be exercised while consuming eucalyptus supplements. Eucalyptus oil is quite concentrated. It must not be used before being diluted. Some side-effects of eucalyptus oil are nausea, stomach problems and diarrhoea. It can also be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Adults should be careful when using eucalyptus oil for oral hygiene.
Cultivation of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus originated around 35 to 50 million years ago. With the arrival of the first humans about fifty thousand years ago, fires became much more persistent and eucalyptus soon came to account for approximately 70% of the Australian forests. Presently, around 5% of eucalyptus comes from Australia while the remaining 95% is supplied by China.
References
- Hardel DK, Laxmidhar S. A review on phytochemical and pharmacological of Eucalyptus globulus: a multipurpose tree. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy (IJRAP). 2011;2(5):1527-30. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Dhakad AK, Pandey VV, Beg S, Rawat JM, Singh A. Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2018 Feb;98(3):833-48. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
- Attiwill PM, Adams MA. Nutrition of eucalypts. CSIRO Publishing; 1996 Jan 1. [Cited 24 June 2019]. Available from:
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