Eucalyptus: Understanding Its Health Benefits
Updated Mar. 14th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Medical Properties Found in Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus Supplement Varieties
- Cautions & Side Effects
The Australian Aborigines were the first to use Eucalyptus for its medicinal properties. They would use the oil externally to heal wounds and infections. It is both an antiseptic and astringent and, therefore, effectively dries up and cleans the affected area.
Medical Properties Found in Eucalyptus
The oil's primary active ingredient, eucalyptol (cineole), is what gives the leaves this anti-septic quality and its effectiveness against a variety of bacteria, especially Staphylococcus. Eucalyptus has the common name of fever tree, not only because it brings down fever, but more so because it helped to wipe out Malaria in the 1800s. The roots of these trees absorb a huge amount of water, thus drying up mosquito-infested marshes, sending the mosquitoes packing and stopping the spread of the deadly disease.
Eucalyptus is also an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, deodorant and anti-spasmodic. Ointments made of this oil can be applied under the nose or over the chest to relieve congestion and loosen phlegm in the case of a dry cough. It is often added to cough drops, cough syrups and chest rubs for this purpose. Diluted eucalyptus oil can be used as a soothing rub for rheumatism, neuralgia, bruises, sprains, and sore muscles. Some individuals will use these teas and tinctures as an internal deodorant for bad breath and body odour. As an anti-spasmodic, eucalyptus is again used for cough relief and to reduce menstrual cramping.
Eucalyptus Supplement Varieties
Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment, essential oil, or lozenge. Many health food stores carry this fresh or dried leaf in bulk.
It can be ingested through the use of teas or tincture preparations, inhaled, or applied externally. Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested.
Cautions & Side Effects
As an oil, this should never be ingested. Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems, collapse, suffocation, or death.
When applied topically, this oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed, or other vegetable oil before applying it to the skin. Applying this oil to the skin may cause a rash in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus. Eucalyptus tinctures should include 5-10% essential oil, at a dose of 1-3 ml/day. Ointments should contain 5-20% essential oil to be effective.
I have been purchasing eucalyptus for years now. As I suffer from allergies, it usually helps relive my blocked nose for some time. Eucalyptus oil is great as it can be used in the Vicks humidifier that I have. It is great that it can be used within all seasons. I was also happy to learn that I can use eucalyptus oil for my infant in the winter months to help him feel less decongested in case that might be the case. Overall, great oil and absolutely recommend it to everyone.
Hello Tia,
Eucalyptus does have many benefits due to its healing properties. It's excellent to decongest sinuses and nasal passages from allergies or cold season. Diffusing it or diluting it and applying topically are great applications. When diluted it also supports sore muscles by rubbing it on them and it's antibacterial properties help clean the air when diffused. It also has a pleasant and fresh scent too. We're glad you enjoyed our article, we think you'll like our other article on the oil as well.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/essential-oils/eucalyptus-essential-oil/
Have a healthy day!
I have always known that eucalyptus was great for colds but I had no idea that it was also great for coughs, sinus congestions and fever as well. It is good to know that undiluted eucalyptus oil is toxic, I had no idea! Is Eucalyptus tea available and if so, is it safe to drink? Great article with very important information, especially pertaining to the cautions of eucalyptus. People, including me sometimes forget that just because something is natural that does not mean that it is always completely safe.
Hello,
Eucalyptus has so many benefits, it's actually used in chest and cold rubs, but you can make your own by diluting a couple drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil (to make it safe for the skin) like grapeseed. You can add a couple of drops of peppermint to the mix if you desire. Eucalyptus can also be diffused to keep your nasal passage clear and clean the air!
Here's our article on peppermint if you'd like to learn more:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/peppermint/
Have a healthy day.
I use this in a vaporizer and a bit internally to combat a head cold
Hello, Sharon,
Thank you for sharing. Eucalyptus is excellent for inhalation when feeling stuffed up. It's actually an ingredient in vicks vapo rubs. You can make your own by mixing eucalyptus essential oil with grapeseed oil and apply as a chest rub. Learn more about eucalyptus essential oil here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Rdh_cs7hs
Have a healthy day