Using this oil is as easy as it can get. You can simply add it to your warm bathwater to help soothe your skin. Some individuals also suggest eucalyptus oil is beneficial for the hair, but there is little scientific evidence to back this claim. In this article, we discuss the health benefits of eucalyptus oil, its potential side effects, and how to use it effectively to tap its maximum potential. Let us get started!
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is made from the oval-shaped leaves of the eucalyptus tree native to Australia. The leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to extract this oil. Eucalyptol is the main component of this essential oil and is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a remedy for colds, wounds, and infections and to relieve muscle aches. It is used as the main ingredient in many products such as bath salts, cleansers, pastes, mouth freshers, and tinctures. In addition, it is known for its strong, woody-like aroma and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a well-known expectorant. Inhaling this oil can relieve a stuffy nose, congestion, wounds, headache, and microbial infections.
1. May Help Clear Sinus, Cold, And Flu
Eucalyptus oil was found to help alleviate symptoms of cold and flu. Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Traditionally, the oil is used to treat nasal congestion, asthma, runny nose, cough, sinusitis, and sore throat (2). Eucalyptus oil contains phytochemicals called monoterpenes, including cineol, terpineol, and pinene. Inhalation of the oil (as part of aromatherapy) along with other essential oils was found to alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (3). Aromatherapy oil inhalation could be a safe and effective complementary therapy to improve the quality of life in those with allergic rhinitis (3). Applying vapor rub containing menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil on the neck and chest of children was also found to reduce the severity of flu (4).
2. May Aid The Treatment of Lung Ailments
Traditional medicine uses eucalyptus oil to address acute and chronic respiratory disorders. Its principal active component, eucalyptol or 1,8-cineole, showed anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties in cases of lung infection and inflammation (5). Further studies may give us more elaborate information on eucalyptus oil and its related properties (5). It blocks the effect/damage caused by overexpression of pro-inflammatory compounds on lung cells. Eucalyptus oil compounds may also combat drug-resistant human pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus (5). The anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils, like eucalyptus, may help those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6).
3. May Treat Sore Throat
As per folk medicine, eucalyptus oil may help ease a sore throat. It also was used in folk medicine to treat pharyngitis, among other infections (7). Aromadendrene, a constituent of eucalyptus essential oil, was found to be effective against microbes that may cause sore throat (8).
4. May Relieve Pain And Inflammation
The oil can relax muscles and help relieve pain. It may also relieve headaches. The most abundant monoterpene across the Eucalyptus species is eucalyptol. This monoterpene exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) activities (9). Further investigation is needed to develop analgesic drugs from components of eucalyptus oil (10). A combination of essential oils (including eucalyptus oil) was found to have a mentally relaxing effect. The oil could be used for treating headaches, though more research is warranted to prove this effect (11). Diluting the oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the affected area may help in the treatment of a headache. Eucalyptol inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines) in your immune system. Rat and human studies demonstrate its analgesic properties. Inhaling eucalyptus oil reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation in patients under postoperative care (9). The proposed mechanism behind this activity could be the effect of odorants on the brain (olfactory centers). Strong/pungent smells can stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) to secrete serotonin – a critical neurotransmitter involved in pain and inflammation management (9).
5. Can Help Manage Fungal Infections
The bioactive ingredients of eucalyptus oil have potent antifungal and fungicidal activity. They help combat several fungal species. According to laboratory experiments, this oil is effective against six pathogenic fungal strains. These include Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus flavus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Bipolaris sorokiniana (12). Eucalyptus oil can be used to manage fungal infections like toenail and nail bed infections, superficial onychomycosis, etc. (13).
6. Acts As Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and other bugs carry diseases, which are dangerous for your health. From studies, a 30 percent lemon eucalyptus worked as a potential mosquito repellent (14). A combination of eucalyptus and clove essential oils acts as an effective and safe mosquito repellent (15). In addition, when you compare neem oil with eucalyptus oil, eucalyptus oil was more effective against mosquito larvae at lower concentrations (16). Note: Many essential oils like eucalyptus are not safe for pets. Hence, exercise caution and consult a vet doctor in case of any emergencies.
7. May Freshen Your Breath
The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil may help fight the germs in the mouth that cause a bad odor. It is used as a natural mouthwash, which helps combat bad breath. Many types of mouthwash contain eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient. In addition, this essential oil may also prevent plaque buildup. Note: Add 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil to the water, gargle it, and then spit it out. Remember that it should not be swallowed.
8. May Help Treat Wounds
Eucalyptus oil has been used to treat wounds and minor burns. From studies, eucalyptus oil can effectively decrease inflammation, improve healing rates, and reduce infection risk (17). The antibacterial and antifungal properties of this oil may help fight against cold sores, insect bites, cuts, and blisters. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil may help ease symptoms of herpes. However, limited research is available to prove these claims.
9. Promotes Skin Health And May Aid Acne Treatment
Eucalyptus oil was found to treat acne and other common skin ailments. In rat studies, volatile oils from eucalyptus showed antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. The oil was found to decrease sebum production by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands. This can help control the spread of acne (18). Propionibacterium acnes are bacteria that cause acne (19). Eucalyptus oil is also used to treat abscesses, sepsis, bacterial dermatitis, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, insect bites, shingles, sores, burns, boils, and chickenpox (20). Note: Never use eucalyptus oil (or any essential oil) directly on your skin. You might experience allergic reactions and skin rashes. This is the case with almost all undiluted essential oils (21). Unless mentioned, use a diluted preparation. Add a few drops of this oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply the blend to the affected area.
10. Acts As Food Preservative
Eucalyptus oil is a natural food preservative. Its major constituents are limonene, terpinene, pinene, and cineole. These phytochemicals have antifungal properties. This oil protects a variety of foods and beverages from the action of spoilage yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Hence, it can serve as a potential food preservative (22). However, additional research is needed to confirm this application. Essential oils have long been used for promoting human health. Among those, eucalyptus oil ranks towards the top. A part of the research has confirmed some of the benefits of the oil. In addition to what we have discussed, the oil has other uses.
How To Use Eucalyptus Oil?
Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the diffuser. You can sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil into your bath.
Leaves: Hang a mesh bag filled with eucalyptus leaves in your shower or add them to your bath.
Tea: Use fresh eucalyptus leaves for preparing tea or tea bags made from ground leaves.
Natural Floor Cleaner: You can add a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil to a bucket of hot water. Use this to mop and scrub floors. The oil works as a disinfectant or a natural floor cleaner.
Deodorizer: This pungent-smelling oil is a perfect deodorizer. Add a few drops to the inner cardboard ring of the toilet rolls. Or put it in those areas of your washroom where water cannot reach. It can also be used to deodorize smelly shoes, trash cans, and compost bins.
The most important use of eucalyptus oil, as we have discussed, is for our health. In the following section, we have discussed how you can use the oil for maximum benefits.
What Is The Recommended Way To Take Eucalyptus Oil?
Some evidence suggests that oral intake of oil may cause toxicity (23). Hence, avoid ingesting the oil. Scientific studies suggest that doses as low as 2-3 mL are enough to induce mild loss of consciousness (23). Patients receiving about 4-5 mL or more of pure (100%) eucalyptus oil would get unconscious completely (23). You could use formulations with 0.5%-3% of this oil or extract for topical application. However, there is less evidence regarding the safe dosage. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor. Eucalyptus oil treatment is not recommended for infants and children. Studies have found that 3-5mL of 100% eucalyptus oil is sufficient to cause fatal complications in them (23). Do not ingest eucalyptus oil as it can have undesirable effects. The topical application may also cause side effects in some individuals.
Side Effects And Risks Associated With Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil overdose is toxic and can get fatal if untreated. Ingesting as much as 3 ml of eucalyptus oil can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and throat, stomach pain, vomiting, erythema (skin redness), and lethargy (24), (25). An overdose of this oil may cause seizures, and in severe cases, even coma (25). A mixture of peppermint and eucalyptus oils could alter the absorption of an anticancer drug. But these herb-drug interactions are yet to be studied in detail (26). There is no antidote to neutralize eucalyptus oil poisoning. Hence, its usage needs to be limited, and it should never be taken via the mouth. In terms of topical application, we suggest you use any essential oil only after diluting it. Essential oils, when used as part of aromatherapy, may cause skin allergies in certain individuals (21). Overdose of eucalyptus oil may cause some adverse reactions. Essential oils like these should be used with caution. But how do you select the best eucalyptus oil? Read on to know more.
How To Choose The Best Eucalyptus Oil?
If you want to buy eucalyptus oil, you should consider some important points.
Go For Organic Formulas
In general, essential oils are available in very concentrated forms. If you want to make sure that you are not exposing any synthetic ingredients, choose the oils with organic seals.
Look For Third-Party Verification
Always choose products from a reputable seller. They usually have the reports, which are given by the third parties after checking the products thoroughly. Also, these agencies verify the chemical breakdown of the products and ensure they are not tampered with.
Check Labels
Always check labels carefully when choosing eucalyptus oil. In general, high-quality oils are packed in amber or blue light-resistant glass. In addition, look for the species they are derived from, processing methods, and country of origin. Can you inhale too much of eucalyptus oil? More research is warranted here. Some evidence links inhaling eucalyptus oil to possible seizures, but the research is limited (27). Does eucalyptus oil work for hair growth? How to use it? There is no research that eucalyptus oil can promote hair growth. However, it may help eliminate head lice. In one study, most subjects that used a solution with eucalyptus oil as one of the ingredients found that their head lice dead (28). Is eucalyptus oil good for sleeping? Inhaling eucalyptus oil may induce a feeling of relaxation and might promote sleep. More research is needed to prove these effects. Does eucalyptus oil clog pores? There is no evidence stating that the oil may clog pores. Can you use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser? Yes, you may. But check with your doctor about the safety of inhaling the oil. Too much of inhalation of its aroma may cause harm. Is eucalyptus oil effective for Covid? Essential oils act as an effective alternative for the treatment of Covid-19. The presence of eucalyptol in eucalyptus oil can be utilized as a potential inhibitor against Covid (29). However, more research is warranted to prove these claims. How many times in a day can you steam with eucalyptus? You can steam with eucalyptus 2-3 times a day. Steam for at least five minutes or as advised by your doctor. Is eucalyptus oil good for anxiety? Yes. Eucalyptus oil contains 1,8 cineole, a major active compound in eucalyptus, inhaling which helps in reducing stress and anxiety (30).
