If you’ve ever taken a whiff ofeucalyptus essential oil,you know the stuff isstrong!
As it turns out, that intense aroma signals some pretty potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is eucalyptus oil?
Health benefits of eucalyptus oil.
This powerful oil holds promise asa topical pain reliever2, particularly after workouts.
Theanti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil4may be to thank for these pain-relieving properties.
It may be a useful antifungal wound treatment.
It may improve air quality.
Using a eucalyptus oil in an diffuser may be particularly beneficial for this purpose.
It may help treat dandruff and lice.
There’s evidence thateucalyptus promotes hair growth8, as well as treats dandruff.
Eucalyptus oil may also be an effective natural treatment for head lice.
It may ease cold symptoms.
Onestudy11found that eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.
The oil has also been used as a natural way to relieve cold symptoms like coughing and sore throat.
It may help fight gum disease and freshen breath.
Another area with some research supporting eucalyptus oil’s benefits is dentistry.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, the oil seems to helpfight off the bacteria13responsible for tooth decay.
It may help balance blood sugar.
In some traditional medicines,eucalyptus is used to treat diabetes15.
Again, more research needs to be done before this becomes a legitimate Rx.
What’s the best way to use eucalyptus oil?
Eucalyptus oil can be inhaled or used topically to reap its varied benefits.
Even easier, add a few drops to anessential oil diffuserto reap its aromatic benefits for a few hours.
you’re free to also add eucalyptusessential oil to your bathfor a steamy, sauna-like experience.
Or, combine 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and massage directly into your scalp.
Allow to sit about 30 minutes before shampooing.
Here’s more information onhow to use essential oils for lice.
However, you should never swallow eucalyptus oil.
Any side effects to look out for?
There are some groups of people who should avoid eucalyptus oil altogether, including young children and pregnant women.
National Library of Medicinedeems the oil likely unsafe for children, as it may impair or slow breathing.
If you do so, you will likely experience significant irritation.
Finally, there’s always the potential forallergic reactions to eucalyptus oil17, especially with topical use.
The bottom line.
Remember, plant medicine is powerful stuff!
