We are so busy in life that we ignore traditional and effective home remedies for health troubles. Instead we opt for medicines that can have multiple side-effects on our health. What we need to understand is that these simple yet useful home remedies do save a lot of our time, money, and effort.
Eucalyptus oil is one ingredient, which can have far reaching effects on our overall well-being. This amazing oil is obtained from dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree. These sweet scented leaves are steam-distilled to make the oil. This oil is a colorless liquid with a strong woody and sweet scent. Today, around 5% of the oil comes from Australia, while the remaining 95% is contributed by China.
Uses of Eucalyptus Oil:
Eucalyptus oil is so beneficial for our health, that it’s surprising that more people are not aware of it. Eucalyptus oil can be used as:
- Analgesic
- Antibacterial
- Anticatarrhal
- Anti-Infectious
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Antispasmodic
- Insecticidal
- Expectorant
It’s no wonder, that several naturopaths use this oil extensively!
Skin Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil:
Eucalyptus Oil can give the soft, blemish free skin you so desire!
1. Treatment for Skin Problems:
The oil is largely used for first aid purposes because of its vast remedial and healing properties. It is used for the treatment of cuts, minor wounds, blisters, and bruises. Application of the oil also helps heal skin irritation and insect bites. Especially appropriate for skin eruptions and oily complexions, it is also used for herpes, acne and chicken pox. For an effective homemade remedy, mix eucalyptus essential oil with an equivalent amount of apple cider vinegar and dab on problematic areas. This mixture can also be used as an antiseptic on boils, wounds, and insect bites.
2. Aromatherapy:
Drops of this essential oil can be added to a bath tub of hot water before you step in. This will help you to benefit from the essential oils through inhalation of the scent through the steam and also by absorption of the oil through the skin. As essential oils are not water soluble, you will have to mix your chosen oil with a dispersant before adding to the bath water. Usually, whole milk or bath salts work well for this purpose.
3. Relaxes Sore Muscles:
Eucalyptus oil can be used in relaxing or therapeutic massages. Just add few drops of this essential oil to coconut or almond oil and apply on skin with a gentle rubbing motion.
Hair Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil:
Eucalyptus oil has many antifungal properties that can help ward off infection, restrain residue build up and clogging of pores on the head. Lets check out some benefits of eucalytpus oil for hair:
4. Follicle Stimulation:
Eucalyptus oil is a great choice for stimulating the hair follicles and the scalp. Massage a small amount of this useful oil into your scalp on a regular basis to help grow stronger, healthier hair.
5. Improved Hair Health:
Eucalyptus oil improves shine, thickness, and overall health of your hair. However, too much use can actually reduce shine and result in greasy scalp. Most experts suggest using eucalyptus oil for hair an hour or so before bathing, then using a good shampoo to remove the residue, followed by a good conditioner.
6. Eucalyptus Oil Usage:
You’ll Need:
- 50 ml olive oil
- 5 ml eucalyptus oil
Mix together eucalyptus and olive oil and gently massage this warm oil onto the scalp to stimulate blood flow to the hair roots and comb. Shampoo and condition normally.
7. Relief from Itchy Scalp:
You’ll Need:
- 50 ml white vinegar
- 5 ml eucalyptus oil
- 1 liter water
To relieve an itchy scalp, combine the above ingredients properly. Rinse hair several times over a basin with the solution to ensure even distribution. Immediately shampoo and condition your hair to get instant relief.
8. Head Lice:
Head lice spread very quickly and once hatched, they lead to an itchy scalp. Unfortunately, normal hair washing does not help to get rid of them. Eucalyptus oil has traditionally been used to help kill head lice and their eggs because of the eucalyptus vapors. During an outbreak of head lice, try the following:
You’ll Need:
- 3 ml eucalyptus oil
- 30 ml regular shampoo
Add eucalyptus oil to your regular shampoo in the ratio mentioned above (for example, in 60 ml of shampoo mix 6 ml of eucalyptus oil). Shampoo hair and cover it with a plastic shower cap for 10 minutes. Remove the cap, rinse hair and towel dry it. Comb hair with a fine tooth (nit) comb to help remove eggs.
Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil:
The list of eucalyptus oil uses and health benefits just goes on and on. Few of its healthy uses are given below:
9. For Fresh Breath:
This oil can be used as a mouthwash to kill staphylococcus bacteria, a bacterium that causes bad breath and other mouth problems.
10. Asthma:
Massage few drops of eucalyptus oil on the chest during an asthma attack or inhale the aroma directly to breathe better.
11. Bronchitis:
Massage the oil on the chest, back and throat, or inhale from a bottle, or drop the oil on your shirt collar to get instant relief from Bronchitis related symptoms.
12. Congestion:
In order to get instant relief from nasal congestion, inhale few drops of the oil. This will not only help clear nasal passage, but will also make you feel rejuvenated.
13. Cooling:
Yes, eucalyptus oil even cools the body down! During the hot summer months, heat strokes become common place. In case your body needs immediate cooling down, just place few drops of the oil along with some peppermint oil (optional) in a bottle and spray it all over the body. Your body temperature will instantly start to fall.
14. Cough:
Diffuse the oil throughout the room and massage it into the reflex points of the feet and on throat, back and chest to get relief from incessant cough. The vapors emanating from eucalyptus oil can sooth the nasal passage and the throat, offering respite from cough.
15. Diabetes:
Because of the vasodilation, using eucalyptus oil daily can increase circulation in diabetic patients. You can also massage eucalyptus oil into the body, along with some lotion after each bath, as the massage helps increase blood circulation.
16. Dysentery:
Massage few drops of the oil over the abdomen in a counter clockwise direction in order to ease diarrhea, inflammation, and to fight infection.
17. Ear Inflammation:
Never put essential oil directly into the ear cavity. However, you can easily massage the oil around the outer ear for relief.
18. Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones can really bring a person down. This painful condition can be debilitating. Thrice in a day, massage 1-2 drops of the oil over the afflicted area to get some relief from the unbearable pain. But if the pain persists, seek medical advice.
19. Measles:
Diffuse eucalyptus oil throughout the home till the illness lasts and also massage few drops of it into the reflex points of the feet. Repeat this for at least 2-3 times a day to get good results.
20. Over exercised Muscles:
Whenever you feel strain and fatigue in your muscles, carry out a gentle massage of eucalyptus oil. Remember to massage towards the heart, in order to move the lactic acid build up through the lymphatic system.
21. Tuberculosis:
Eucalyptus oil fights bacterial infection, clears the lungs, and reduces inflammation. Massage 2 drops of it into the chest and over the back for better results. Note: Never depend on a home remedy to treat a serious disease like tuberculosis. These home remedies should be used along side conventional medicine.
Side Effects of Eucalyptus Oil:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
Signs of Eucalyptus Oil Poisoning:
If you notice the following symptoms after using eucalyptus oil, stop and rush to the doctor.
- Dizziness
- Feeling of suffocation
- Small pupils
Eucalyptus oil benefits and uses are extensive and it is now gaining a lot of popularity all around the world. Try using it and do not forget to leave your feedback below.
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