Are you looking for an essential oil to help boost your immune system, protect you from various infections, and relieve respiratory conditions? Eucalyptus essential oil is now available. It’s a great essential oil for sore throats, coughs, seasonal allergies, and headaches. The benefits of eucalyptus oil stem from its ability to boost immunity, provide antioxidant protection, and improve respiratory circulation.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil — Eucalyptus Oil – More Than Just A Smelling Salt!
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil extracted from the oval-shaped leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. Manufacturers extract eucalyptus oil from the leaves by drying, crushing, and distilling them. More than a dozen eucalyptus tree species are used to produce essential oils, each with its own distinct blend of natural compounds and therapeutic benefits.
While eucalyptus oil’s evergreen scent and many of its medicinal effects are primarily due to a compound known as eucalyptol (also known as cineole), eucalyptus oil is packed with numerous natural compounds that work in synergy to produce a variety of health-promoting effects.
Eucalyptus oil has a long history of medicinal use dating back to its origins in Australia. The Aborigines would crush the leaves to make a poultice for treating wounds and inflammations. Early European settlers observed this practice and began studying the plant more closely. They discovered that eucalyptus oil was effective in treating a variety of respiratory ailments, including colds, bronchitis, and asthma. By the mid-19th century, eucalyptus oil had become widely used in Europe and America as an inhalant and antiseptic. Today, eucalyptus oil is still used medicinally, but its uses have expanded to include household cleaning, pest control, and even personal care.
Uses Of Eucalyptus Oil
You might be surprised to learn that eucalyptus oil has a wide range of uses beyond being that smelly liniment grandma used to put on your chest when you had a cold. This powerful essential oil has a host of benefits and can be used in many different ways around your home. Here are just a few of the ways you can put eucalyptus oil to good use.
Inhalant Or Chest Rub
Eucalyptus oil can be used as an inhalant or chest rub to help relieve congestion from colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. To use as an inhalant, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the vapors for 5-10 minutes. To make a chest rub, combine 1 ounce of carrier oil with 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Rub it on your chest and throat as needed. Be sure to test for skin sensitivity before using any essential oils topically.
Use It As An All-Natural Cleaner
Eucalyptus oil is a great all-natural disinfectant. Mix together equal parts water and white vinegar with 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle, and voila! You’ve got yourself a non-toxic, all-natural cleaner that will Devi smell great, too. Use it to clean countertops, floors, and other surfaces throughout your home.
Household Cleaner
You can create an all-purpose household cleaner by combining 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a spray bottle. This cleaner is great for countertops, floors, windows, and other surfaces.
Make Your Own Fabric Refresher Spray
Fabric refresher sprays are great for getting rid of musty smells in closets, draped over armchairs, or sprayed on curtains. They can get a bit pricey, though. Making your own is super easy and economical. Simply add 30 drops of eucalyptus oil to 2 cups of distilled water in a spray bottle, shake well, and voila! You’ve got yourself a fabric refresher spray that will freshen up any fabric in your home—and it’ll smell amazing!
Pest Repellent
Eucalyptus oil can also be used as a natural pest repellent. To repel ants, mix equal parts eucalyptus oil and water in a spray bottle and sprayed around areas where ants are active. To repel spiders mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 cup water in a spray bottle and spritz around baseboards and windowsills. You can also keep insects at bay by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your diffuser.
Eucalyptus Oil For Stress Relief
Eucalyptus oil can also be used topically to soothe tired muscles. Simply add 5–10 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Apply the mixture to tired muscles and massage gently. The combination of massage and eucalyptus oil will help to relax both your body and mind.
According to some studies, eucalyptus oil can help reduce activity in your sympathetic nervous system (aka the stress response system). This may promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Read more about eucalyptus oil for stress relief – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23853660/
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Dogs
Many essential oils are toxic to pets, including eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang. These are toxic whether applied to the skin, diffused, or licked up in the event of a spill.
The ASPCA classifies eucalyptus as a toxic plant for dogs, and the Blue Cross classifies it as “very poisonous to dogs” due to the presence of eucalyptol in the plants. Although dogs are not allergic to eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol can be toxic due to liver or kidney damage.
Read here about how safe essential oil candles are for dogs
Where To Buy Eucalyptus Oil
It’s easy to get eucalyptus oil. You can simply order it from Amazon and get it. Do ensure that there is a lifetime warranty for replacement or refund in case you are not satisfied with the product. Do also look out for good essential oil eucalyptus products that provide good home aromatherapy to scentify your home well.
Moving On
Eucalyptus oil has a wide variety of uses both medicinally and around the house. The next time you reach for the Vicks Vapor Rub® take a moment to consider trying one of these home remedies using eucalyptus essential oil instead! As always be sure to do your research prior to using any essential oils especially if you have medical conditions or are pregnant/nursing. If you give any of these recipes a try let me know how they worked out for you in the message below! Thanks for reading!
