9 Amazing Eucalyptus Oil Benefits You Need to Know (2024)

Overview

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world and used for their medicinal properties. Their healing power comes from eucalyptus oil, which is made from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves.

The leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as medicine. Here are nine benefits of eucalyptus oil.

For many years, eucalyptus oil has been used to relieve coughing. Today, some over-the-counter cough medications have eucalyptus oil as one of their active ingredients. Vicks VapoRub, for example, contains about 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil along with other cough suppressant ingredients.

The popular rub is applied to the chest and throat to relieve cough symptoms from the common cold or flu.

Are you coughing but nothing is coming up? Eucalyptus oil can not only silence a cough, it can also help you get the mucus out of your chest.

Inhaling vapor made with the essential oil can loosen mucus so that when you do cough, it’s expelled. Using a rub containing eucalyptus oil will produce the same effect.

Mosquitoes and other biting insects carry diseases that can be dangerous to our health. Avoiding their bites is our best defense. DEET sprays are the most popular repellants, but they’re made with strong chemicals.

As an effective alternative for those who aren’t able to use DEET, many manufacturers make a botanical compound to repel the pests. Brands such as Repel and Off! use oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep the pests away.

The Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection. Today the diluted oil may still be used on the skin to fight inflammation and promote healing. You can purchase creams or ointments that contain eucalyptus oil. These products may be used on minor burns or other injuries that can be treated at home.

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis may be helped by inhaling steam with added eucalyptus oil. The oil reacts with mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough it up.

It’s also possible that eucalyptus blocks asthma symptoms. On the other hand, for people who are allergic to eucalyptus, it may worsen their asthma. More research is needed to determine how eucalyptus affects people with asthma.

Eucalyptus oil has potential as a treatment for diabetes. Although we don’t know much at this time, experts believe that it may play a role in lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Researchers haven’t yet figured out how the essential oil works. However, until more is known, the scientific community recommends careful blood sugar monitoring for people using diabetes medication with eucalyptus oil.

The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus can ease symptoms of herpes. Applying eucalyptus oil to a cold sore may reduce pain and speed up the healing process.

You can buy over-the-counter balms and ointments for cold sores that use a blend of essential oils, including eucalyptus, as part of their active ingredient list.

Mint isn’t the only weapon against stinky breath. Because of its antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil can be used to fight the germs that cause unfortunate mouth odor. Some mouthwashes and toothpastes contain the essential oil as an active ingredient.

It’s possible that eucalyptus products may also help prevent plaque buildup on the teeth and gums by attacking the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Research suggests that eucalyptus oil eases joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the- counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain this essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with many conditions. It may also be helpful to people experiencing back pain or those recovering from a joint or muscle injury. Talk to your doctor about if it may be right for you.

9 Amazing Eucalyptus Oil Benefits You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

What benefits does eucalyptus oil have? ›

Eucalyptus oil can relieve your allergies, ease headaches and pain, ward off mosquitos, combat stress, treat wounds and burns, disinfect your home, and even help with skin and hair conditions like acne, dandruff and lice. Plus many more… This essential oil does pretty much everything.

What are the benefits and uses of eucalyptus oil? ›

Eucalyptus oil is available as an essential oil that is used as a medicine to treat a variety of common diseases and conditions including nasal congestion, asthma, and as a tick repellant. Diluted eucalyptus oil may also be applied to the skin as a remedy for health problems such as arthritis and skin ulcers.

What happens when you rub eucalyptus oil under your feet? ›

When massaged into the base of your three middle toes, the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of eucalyptus oil are believed to relieve sinus congestion and ease muscle pain. Whilst a few drops of lavender oil massaged into tired feet before bed, should give a calm and restful sleep.

What does eucalyptus oil do to the brain? ›

Although the Eucalyptus essential oil can help increase the Theta and Alpha brainwaves spectra while inhaling. Theta and Alpha brainwaves are essential for concentration and analytical thinking, and enhance working memory (Zaehle et al., 2011).

Does eucalyptus oil help with sleep? ›

Put some Eucalyptus in a diffuser before bedtime. The aroma of Eucalyptus oil will promote feelings of relaxation, preparing you for a better night's sleep.

Is eucalyptus oil good for muscle pain? ›

Eucalyptus oil

Like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil creates a cooling effect when applied topically. The feeling may reduce muscle soreness and related inflammation. In one study, eucalyptus oil relieved pain in adults who had knee replacement surgery.

Does eucalyptus oil cure toenail fungus? ›

Vaporizing ointment: Although designed to relieve cold symptoms, the active ingredients in vaporizing ointment—camphor and eucalyptus oil—can also treat toenail fungus. Apply a small amount once a day.

How do you use eucalyptus oil to clear your lungs? ›

A person may want to try:
  1. adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil and rubbing the mixture onto the chest and throat.
  2. diluting eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.
5 Aug 2019

What happens when you apply eucalyptus oil? ›

Eucalyptus is a key ingredient in some topical analgesics. These are pain relievers you apply directly to your skin, such as sprays, creams, or salves. While it's not the main painkiller, eucalyptus oil works by bringing a cold or warm sensation that takes your mind off the pain.

Does eucalyptus cleanse the body? ›

Eucalyptus rejuvenates your spirit, can aide your respiratory system and cleanses us by removing bad energy and spirits.

What does putting essential oils on the bottom of your feet do? ›

Essential oils can be easily absorbed through your feet.

Did you know that the pores on the bottoms of your feet are the largest on your body? This makes your feet a uniquely absorbent place to apply essential oils that can help support your self-care routine.

Does eucalyptus open sinuses? ›

Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. It acts on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes, leading to less stuffiness.

Does eucalyptus oil prevent Covid? ›

Taken together, data from both preclinical and clinical trials point towards the promising therapeutic potential that resides in eucalyptus oil and its active constituent, i.e. eucalyptol in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Does eucalyptus open the lungs? ›

Eucalyptus is widely used as a natural cold remedy and is a common ingredient in cold and cough products. Research has shown that it can decrease mucus and expand the bronchi and bronchioles of your lungs. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory agent ( 5 , 6 ).

Is eucalyptus good for blood pressure? ›

Commonly associated with cold relief products like cough drops, eucalyptus is also good for your heart. According to one study, inhaling air infused with eucalyptus oil can significantly lower your blood pressure.

Where do you put eucalyptus oil on your body? ›

Eucalyptus oil contains a natural antiseptic that can be used on bug bites, ulcers, sores, cuts, and burns. It also has antimicrobial properties that work to prevent the growth of new germs. Apply two to three drops on a clean cotton ball and rub the area of concern twice daily.

Is eucalyptus oil good for nerve pain? ›

Eucalyptus oil is great for neuropathy because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. It can assist with improving blood circulation in nerve conditions such as neuralgia and sciatica. Geranium oil acts as a sedative and helps with pain relief.

Why put essential oils on back of neck? ›

Put it at the back of your neck and massage with your hand. This will provide relief from pain by reducing muscle tension. Tea tree and eucalyptus oil can help provide relief from runny nose, sore throat or cough.

Which is the best oil for joint pain? ›

Here's what some small studies found:
  • Black cumin. Older people rubbed black cumin oil into their achy knees 3 times a day for 3 weeks. ...
  • Eucalyptus. People who breathed in eucalyptus oil had less pain and lower blood pressure after total knee replacement.
  • Frankincense and myrrh. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Lavender. ...
  • Lemongrass.
5 Aug 2022

What oil is good for toenails? ›

Other popular essential oils for toenail fungus

cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum) eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus) lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) lemon essential oil (Citrus limon)

How can I make my toenails healthy again? ›

How to Achieve and Maintain Healthy Toenails
  1. Understand Nail Health. ...
  2. Let your feet breath. ...
  3. Expose feet and nails to the sun. ...
  4. Remove nail polish and other barriers to the nail bed. ...
  5. Avoid cotton socks. ...
  6. Wear shoes that are naturally shaped. ...
  7. Decrease nail bulk. ...
  8. Apply topical antifungal creams.
6 Jul 2017

What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus? ›

Oregano oil

According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties. To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together. Both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

What essential oil heals lungs? ›

Eucalyptus oil has been used widely for centuries as a home remedy for respiratory conditions. Eucalyptus oil contains an ingredient called cineole. A 2013 study found that cineole had antimicrobial effects on some bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses.

How do you break up phlegm? ›

Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones can help with mucus flow. Water and other liquids can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping liquids, like juice, clear broths, and soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, and lemon water.

Can you put eucalyptus oil directly on your skin? ›

Eucalyptus oil contains tannins, which are compounds that boast astringent properties. While it shouldn't be applied to the skin on its own, in cosmetics, it can help clean the skin and hair and reduce excess oiliness.

Can we apply eucalyptus oil on stomach? ›

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.

Can I use eucalyptus oil on my face? ›

While eucalyptus oil can work wonders in a variety of ways, Galper stresses the importance of diluting the essential oil before directly applying it to your skin—and steering clear of sensitive areas. “I wouldn't recommend it in a blend for the face, and it could be irritating if applied directly on skin,” she says.

What does eucalyptus oil remove? ›

Not only can eucalyptus oil remove existing mould and mildew, it can also help prevent its recurrence in prone areas. Add a few drops of the oil to a cup of hot water and wipe down all affected surfaces – this could be in the shower, bathroom tiling or fridge shelving and containers.

Does eucalyptus have side effects? ›

Eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, and coma. When applied to the skin: It's possibly unsafe to use pure eucalyptus oil. It can cause serious problems with the nervous system.

How do you use eucalyptus oil for back pain? ›

Essential oils can be used during a massage or rolled directly onto your back, but you must dilute them first. Mix up to 6 drops of your selected oil with 6 teaspoons of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil. Do a patch test of your diluted oil on a small area of skin.

Which oil to apply on feet before sleeping? ›

A routine of massaging your feet gently with coconut oil for 5 to 10 minutes before bedtime can improve your blood circulation system.

What happens when you rub olive oil on your feet? ›

Using olive oil for skin moisturizing

You can massage your feet with olive oil after a bath before bed. It softens and moisturizes the feet. By doing this, dryness and roughness of the skin are avoided. Soaking your feet in water and using a pumice stone on calluses before using olive oil will hydrate the skin.

How do I keep my feet healthy as I age? ›

How to care for aging feet
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet for good hygiene.
  2. Wear a fresh clean pair of socks and change them daily.
  3. Keep the insides and outsides of your shoes clean.
  4. Rotate your shoes — don't wear the same pair two days in a row.
  5. Wear properly fitted shoes.

How do I unblock my nose with eucalyptus oil? ›

For inhalation, put around 12 drops of eucalyptus oil in 150 ml of boiling water, cover the container and your face with a fresh towel, and take steam three times a day. Make it a daily ritual in winters to completely clear your nasal passage.

Who shouldnt use eucalyptus? ›

Eucalyptus shouldn't be topically applied to or diffused around children under the age of 10 years.

How long should you breathe eucalyptus? ›

Eucalyptus inhalation is recommended for colds, flu and sniffles. Add 1 to 2 drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl and pour over 1 litre of boiling water. Cover your head with a hand towel and inhale the steam for approx. 5 minutes.

What essential oils are good for killing viruses? ›

Tea tree oil has been found to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, and may be able to inactivate airborne viruses when applied to an air filter. Diffuse tea tree oil in your home or use it in a diluted cleansing formula to clean household surfaces.

What keeps Covid from getting worse? ›

To care for yourself, follow these steps:
  1. Keep a daily routine, such as taking a shower and getting dressed.
  2. Take breaks from COVID-19 news and social media.
  3. Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of fluids.
  4. Stay physically active.
  5. Get plenty of sleep.
  6. Avoid use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

How do you use eucalyptus oil for a cough? ›

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to calm a cough in several ways. A person may want to try: adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil and rubbing the mixture onto the chest and throat. diluting eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.

Does eucalyptus break up mucus? ›

Cough and cold

Eucalyptus ointments are also used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people breathe in eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu.

Is eucalyptus good for kidneys? ›

In this regard, we suggest that Eucalyptus globulus exerts an in vivo antioxidant activity against harmful reactive oxygen species generated following acetaminophen oxidation, and could therefore prevent kidney damage.

Is eucalyptus good for your heart? ›

Eucalyptus. Commonly associated with cold relief products like cough drops, eucalyptus is also good for your heart. According to one study, inhaling air infused with eucalyptus oil can significantly lower your blood pressure.

Can eucalyptus oil used for leg pain? ›

Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery.

What are the disadvantages of eucalyptus oil? ›

Eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, and coma. When applied to the skin: It's possibly unsafe to use pure eucalyptus oil. It can cause serious problems with the nervous system.

How do you use eucalyptus oil for a stuffy nose? ›

Using these products can help ease your discomfort from nasal congestion and stuffiness. Eucalyptus oil can be used the same way you would use peppermint oil. Put a few drops into your bath or a warm bowl of water and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use it with a diffuser in your room.

Can you apply eucalyptus oil directly to skin? ›

It should never be applied undiluted directly to the skin, and doing a patch test first is always advised. You can find eucalyptus oil in many bath and body products, and it is especially appreciated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Does eucalyptus help your lungs? ›

Eucalyptus ointments are also used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people breathe in eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu.

What essential oils open up the lungs? ›

Essential Oils for Respiratory Health
  • Eucalyptus essential oil. Many people use this oil without realizing it. ...
  • Rosemary essential oil. Rosemary is a common garden herb. ...
  • Peppermint essential oil. ...
  • Frankincense essential oil. ...
  • Oregano essential oil. ...
  • Thyme essential oil. ...
  • Geranium essential oil. ...
  • Cinnamon essential oil.
5 Aug 2019

Does eucalyptus oil raise blood pressure? ›

Commonly associated with cold relief products like cough drops, eucalyptus is also good for your heart. According to one study, inhaling air infused with eucalyptus oil can significantly lower your blood pressure.

Does eucalyptus oil grow hair? ›

Eucalyptus and hair growth

A 2010 study concluded that eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Although not proven by clinical research, advocates of eucalyptus oil for hair believe that the oil can reduce scalp inflammation to create an ideal environment for hair growth.

Can eucalyptus damage lungs? ›

VOCs are chemical gases that worsen air quality and can irritate the lungs.” Adds Dr. Neha Solanki, MD, a pulmonologist with the Cleveland Clinic Asthma Center in Ohio, “Specifically, diffused eucalyptus and lavender release terpene, toluene and benzene. We know that these compounds have respiratory side effects.

Why do you put essential oils on the bottom of your feet? ›

Essential oils can be easily absorbed through your feet.

Did you know that the pores on the bottoms of your feet are the largest on your body? This makes your feet a uniquely absorbent place to apply essential oils that can help support your self-care routine.

Can I put eucalyptus oil on my pillow? ›

If you won't want to keep your oil diffuser running all night long, another simple alternative is to add a spritz or two of eucalyptus oil onto your pillowcase. Your pillow will smell fresh, and those antimicrobial properties minimize allergy- and cold-inducing dust mites and other bacteria.

How can I permanently cure my sinuses? ›

Medical therapies for chronic sinus infections
  1. Intranasal corticosteroids. Intranasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. ...
  2. Oral corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids are pill medications that work like intranasal steroids. ...
  3. Decongestants. ...
  4. Saline irrigation. ...
  5. Antibiotics. ...
  6. Immunotherapy.

Where do you rub eucalyptus oil for headaches? ›

The forehead, back of the ears, back of the neck, and temples are common places to ease headaches. You can also massage it into the area where you're experiencing pain the most. Before using, be sure to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as almond, olive, or jojoba oil. Keep out of your eyes!

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