4 Uses for Eucalyptus Oil to Improve Health: Learn How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Better Health

Categories : Herbal medicine
Tags : Alternative medicine

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Eucalyptus Oil Overview

Eucalyptus essential oil is a strongly scented and vigorous essential oil derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. The eucalyptus tree originated in Australia though it’s planted all over the world now. The active ingredient is euclyptol (similar to menthol) which gives the oil the strong scent. Learn four healthy uses for eucalyptus oil below.

Improves Respiratory Conditions

Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser in your bedroom at night or onto a warm compress applied to the chest to ease a cough help you sleep.

You could also put two or three drops into a container of hot water or onto the floor of a shower and then breathe the steam coming off the hot water to help with respiratory conditions. Finally, another eucalyptus oil use is to massage a few drops (mixed with a massage oil) directly onto the chest to help with coughs.

Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial Properties

Eucalyptus oil helps to kill viruses and bacteria which is why diffusing it into the air when you or family members are sick is a good way to help prevent illness. Add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser or even to a humidifier at night to cut down on viral and bacteria proliferation.

For wounds, add a drop to a compress over a wound to help kill bacteria. You could also add a drop of eucalyptus oil to warm water and soak a compress in the solution. Then press the compress onto the wound.

Mosquito Repellant

One of the greatest eucalyptus oil uses is preventing mosquitoes from biting you. Simply add a drop to a carrier oil and massage the solution into your wrists, temples and back of the knees to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Relieves Muscular Aches

For an invigorating and muscular releasing massage, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a massage oil (about half a cup). Eucalyptus oil may also help with muscular strains, pulls and even sprains. Massage a little of your eucalyptus massage oil into the affected area or apply a drop of oil to a warm compress and cover the area.

Warnings

Avoid using eucalyptus essential oil when pregnant, breastfeeding or on children. Do not use if you have high blood pressure or blood sugar issues as eucalyptus essential oil can lower blood sugar. Eucalyptus essential oil is very strong so use caution when using it; it only takes a few drops to receive health benefits.

Essential oils should never be ingested unless recommended by a care provider. In addition, never apply essential oils directly to the skin without a carrier oil. Caution should be taken with essential oils during pregnancy and if breastfeeding. If you have any serious health condition, please check in with your care provider before using essential oils since they may worsen your condition.

Disclaimer

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This post is part of the series: Using Essential Oils to Improve Health

Essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass are important natural remedies to many health conditions such as headaches and even lice.