Eucalyptus is a native, fast-growing tree in Australia. It is now used in various health care and beauty products for its ayurvedic properties. This ayurvedic product is gaining traction because of its abundant eucalyptus medicinal uses.
The oil extracted from eucalyptus is mostly used in antiseptic products, flavouring agents, dental preparations, industrial solvents, cosmetic products, etc. People have been using this tree to treat various health conditions for years.
Wondering what is eucalyptus and how you can benefit from it?
Well, the market is full of several ayurvedic products infused with eucalyptus oil that aids in your well-being.
This post will take a closer look at the eucalyptus you must know, tips, precautions to take when using it, etc.
List of Proven & Powerful Benefits of Eucalyptus
In the world of ayurveda, eucalyptus is known to be an essential source of heating energy. The green, long leaves of this tree have a pungent taste and strong aroma. These properties of eucalyptus offer various medical benefits and are popular for increasing Pitta and reducing Vata dosha. Alpha-terpineol and eucalyptol are the two main chemical agents present in this tree.
It possesses antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, making eucalyptus a beneficial ayurvedic component. Keep reading to know how incorporating eucalyptus oil can benefit your health and body.
1. Enhances Respiratory Health
The leaves of eucalyptus contain active compounds with expectorant properties which aid in eliminating extra mucus and phlegm from your respiratory tracts and sinuses. It minimises the chances of bacterial infections growing and multiplying. Health experts highly recommend using eucalyptus for people seeking natural or herbal therapy to boost immunity for colds, bronchitis, flu, or fever. This is one of the incredible benefits of using eucalyptus as an active ingredient in cough and cold medicines.
2. Improves Skin Health
Eucalyptus leaves antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for enhancing skin health. The best way to use it is to rub the leaves on your skin for antiseptic purposes. Eucalyptus oil is recommended if you are seeking a natural way to treat inflammation. It also helps to improve dry skin conditions while increasing the ceramide level of the skin. The ceramides are known for protecting the skin’s natural barrier and keeping the skin moisturised. People with dry skin have a low ceramide level and often suffer from dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. Hence, mixing eucalyptus oil with their skin care products can give great relief.
Image by Alexandr Ivanov from Pixabay
3. Relieves Stress
Eucalyptus oil has shown proven benefits in relieving stress. It has a powerful aroma that functions as a good stimulant. It is a great mood booster that refreshes, boosts energy, and de-stresses the users. Inhaling this essential oil is a great way to get an instant boost. It also helps to reduce anxiety and blood pressure. Eucalyptus oil also activates the parasympathetic nerves to promote relaxation.
4. For Maintaining Good Hair Health
Among the several benefits of using eucalyptus as an ayurvedic product, boosting hair health is also one of them. It treats head lice and dandruff effectively while its cooling effect relieves itching. Moreover, it encourages hair growth by improving blood circulation. Stress is one of the major factors in hair loss issues. The soothing effect of this oil on your mind and body reduces stress to prevent hair loss. Using it in diluted form can benefit your hair to a greater extent.
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
5. For Dental Health & Elimination of Bad Breath
As mentioned earlier, eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties that are best for people seeking natural ways to eliminate bad breath. This oil is packed with certain effective ingredients that fight the bacterial growth responsible for causing bad breath. Moreover, eucalyptus has an agent known as eucalyptol advantageous for maintaining good dental health. Chewing gums often contain eucalyptus oil extracts that reduce plaque build-up on teeth and minimise gum diseases. Today, you will find several mouthwashes and dental care products infused with eucalyptus oil.
Also read:
6. Disinfection of Wounds
People have utilised the ability of eucalyptus oil or leaves to treat or disinfect wounds for ages. It has incredible antiseptic properties that boost the healing process of wounds and cuts. When using it for wounds, make sure to dilute the eucalyptus juice or oil before disinfecting the affected area. Minor scrapes, injuries, bruises, etc., benefit to a great extent from this oil and prevent it from getting infected due to its anti-microbial and antibacterial components.
Image by Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay
Ways to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Hair, Skin, and Aromatherapy
For starters, you must note that you must never use eucalyptus oil directly for topical application unless the product usage direction mentions it. Moreover, consuming this ayurvedic product orally is not safe and should be strictly avoided. It could give rise to several side effects in the body such as ataxia, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, etc. But you can get eucalyptus capsules benefits by taking them under medical supervision.
Regardless of its use, using eucalyptus-infused essential oils in diluted form is highly recommended. You can use it with any carrier oil too. So, if you are wondering what is eucalyptus oil used for, here are some tips for using eucalyptus oil to reap the most benefits.
Eucalyptus Oil for Skin
- For joint pain
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with carrier oils like argan or coconut oil. Use this mixture on painful areas like the knee and massage it in a circular motion. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil will help to alleviate the pain effectively.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
- For Insect bites and as Insect Repellent
Preparing a soothing insect bite lotion with eucalyptus oil is easy. Dilute one or two drops of the oil to one tablespoon of your preferred carrier oil. Apply this mixture topically. You can also use it with a cotton ball by dabbing it on your clothes to repel insects.
- For Bruises or Wounds
A cut or open wound often leads to an infection if left untreated when it occurred. Even if you don’t disinfect a wound, it could become infected. So, you can make a homemade antiseptic product. Mix 10 ml of eucalyptus oil with 2 cups of water to prepare it. Mix them well, and you may store them in a spray bottle. When using this solution, spray or pour it on a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area.
- For sunburns
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with aloe vera gel. Store it in a spray bottle filled with water. You can use it when required to soothe skin and get relief from sunburns.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Eucalyptus Oil for Hair
- For Dandruff
If you want a natural way to treat dandruff, mix one or two drops of eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and apply it evenly onto your scalp. Let it sit for twenty minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo.
- For Hair Growth and Shine
If you want to boost hair growth using this oil, mix two to four drops with carrier oils. Preferably, you must use a light carrier oil to get maximum benefits. Gently apply this mixture on your scalp and massage thoroughly. Spread it evenly through the hair length using a comb and let it settle for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing it with a mild shampoo.
Eucalyptus Oil for Aromatherapy
If you want to use eucalyptus oil as an inhalant, mix a few drops in a bowl containing steaming water. Inhale the vapours to get instant relief from flu or cold-related symptoms. It would also give you relief from headaches and stress. You may also spray it around your house or bathroom walls when taking a steamy bath. The strong and lingering aroma effectively gives you a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Precautions To Take When Using Eucalyptus Oil
- Eucalyptus oil or leave’s juice is only meant for topical application and not for oral consumption. Here are some preventive tips for you when using this oil:
- Avoid using eucalyptus oil if you have an allergy.
- Never administer them to children without a medical professional’s instructions.
- Keep a check on the oil dosages, and it is wise to avoid large doses.
- Pregnant women or lactating mothers must strictly avoid using eucalyptus oil unless recommended by a medical professional.
Remember not to purchase eucalyptus-based products from unknown brands, as they could be unsafe for your body. You can look for reputed and 100% authentic brands like Zandu. Zanducare is among the best brands selling authentic, pure, and scientifically tested eucalyptus ayurvedic products. For instance, the Cold & Flu Reliever Spray with eucalyptus as an active agent is enriched with ginger, peppermint, and black pepper. It is chemical-free and a great remedy for treating colds and flu.
Conclusion
Eucalyptus is enriched and packed with several benefits that enhance well-being. Using it as a natural therapy for treating various ailments, including skin and hair, has shown proven benefits for years.
To reap the benefits of this tree, incorporate the goodness of its leaves and oil into your lifestyle and see the results for yourselves.
