Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil with a range of different applications as a remedy. Here is a look at the background of eucalyptus oil, and the potential uses of this plant-based extract.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
The eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) is native to Australia. Eucalyptus is a unique tree. It is the primary food source for koala bears. There are different types of eucalyptus, with some growing as high as 230 feet. The medicinally loaded eucalyptus leaves are large, dark green, and shiny.
Oil extracted from these leaveshas long been used for medicinal applications and in various other types of products.Aboriginal people use eucalyptus to heal wounds and fungal infections. Chinese and Greek cultures used eucalyptus differently, consuming it for certain purposes. Depending on its form, eucalyptus can be used externally or internally, but eucalyptus oil should not be consumed by mouth unless recommended by a doctor.
5 Excellent Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can be applied to the skin or inhaled for its benefits. Here are five useful, practical applications of eucalyptus oil:
Relieving cold symptoms: When you have a cold, the sinuses usually become congested with mucus. Eucalyptus oil can be inhaled, such that the body can break down excess mucus and clear the nasal passageways. You can do this by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a small pot of boiling water, and gently wafting it toward your nose and inhaling it.
Chest congestion can also be treated by inhaling eucalyptus oil. Whether it is due to a cold or some other ailment, chest congestion can cause persistent coughing. Inhaling eucalyptus oil helps the body expel mucus and move the sufferer past a cough much quicker.
Soothing cold sores: Applying eucalyptus oil to a cold sore could reduce the pain that they cause as well as speed up the healing process. This is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil. It is ideal that eucalyptus oil be diluted in water or another essential oil before being applied to the skin.
Pain reduction, such as after a surgery, could be accomplished by inhaling eucalyptus oil. Research suggests that inhaling eucalyptus oil infused with steam helped adults recovering from knee surgery see a reduction in their pain. Eucalyptus oil could also be applied topically and gently rubbed into the skin, in order to reduce muscle ache. Once again, this is due to eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Treating minor skin wounds or boils can be done by applying eucalyptus oil diluted in olive oil. This can help clean minor cuts, skin abrasions and the like, and can also hasten the healing process.
Eucalyptus oil is a natural essential oil that is of very practical use for clearing congestion, relieving pain, and treating minor skin wounds. Consider this product for its small size, yet effective healing power. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before trying any supplement or health product, and that includes eucalyptus oil.