We are all conversant with eucalyptus in our lives, it is a common feature in most products we use from creams to drugs and sometimes it’s an additive in the food we eat, so we are no stranger to this food. But there is more to this amazing plant than meets the eye and today I am going to reveal that, let’s start with what exactly eucalyptus is.
The eucalyptus tree is a famous tree that is actually native to the Australian continent, there are many types of eucalyptus but the one that eucalyptus oil is primarily derived from is Eucalyptus Globulus which its leaves are dried and crushed to extract the sought after oil. Eucalyptus oil has been around for ages and so many civilizations have seen it uses such as the Chinese, Indian Ayurveda, Greece, and Mayans and so on, they have widely used it as an essential oil.
How to prepare eucalyptus oil
The way to use extract the eucalyptus oil is actually quite simple, The leaves of the tree are dried, crushed, and then distilled with steam to extract the oil which is a is colourless fluid with a strong, woody, and sweet smell. The oil mainly contains cineole, also known by its popular name of eucalyptol along with flavonoids and tannins, which are the main anti-inflammatory components of the oil
The Benefits of eucalyptus oil
This essential oil has so many amazing benefits largely stemming from the fact that it is packed with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antiseptic and decongestant properties. Most common diseases that plague man are commonly treated with eucalyptus oil.
So below is a list of the amazing health benefits of eucalyptus oil
- Relieves stuffy noses
If you happen to have a runny stuffy nose that won’t let you rest then steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil will clear that up for you quite nicely. This is because that eucalyptus oil is reacting with the mucous membrane in the nose and buy doing so clears the mucous congestion. It also prevents the runny nose from coming back again with its antiseptic properties, which are very good at fighting infections.
- Clears respiratory complaints
You may not know it but eucalyptus is an effective decongestant and cough suppressor and is very good if you have a recurring chronic cough. It does this by breaking down the mucus and phlegm trapped in the throat opens up the airways in the throat. Because of this, it has been used as a cure for asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, and cold for so many ages. It is recommended that if you want to get this benefit of eucalypts oil, then you are to use the fresh eucalyptus leaves in water to gargle to help cure your sore throats and bronchitis, or you can do steam inhalation with it.
You probably know by now that Eucalyptus has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which are very effective for treating joint and muscle pains. It is a common ingredient in ointments and balms used to treat sprains, strains, backache, and arthritis and so on. To use it, you are required Mix a few drops with a carrier oil, e.g. coconut oil and rub it on the sore area for relieve.
- Post-surgery pain reliever
Most people dread the pain that they will feel after the anaesthetic wears off after surgery, but luckily Eucalyptus oil helps in that aspect too by reducing the pain and inflammation site. Studies show that people who inhaled eucalyptus oil after knee replacement surgery felt less pain when the surgery was over and because the oil reduces blood pressure, it prevents patients from going into shock after surgery.
- Helps to Promotes oral health
The oil is very useful in treating dental plaques, gingivitis, and bad breath issues. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties reduce the bacteria in your mouth thus preventing all sorts of tooth diseases. That’s why oil is an active ingredient in almost every toothpaste and mouthwash. If you wish to use it for oral hygiene, then gargle with some drops of it and spit out or apply one drop of the oil to your toothpaste before brushing daily
- The oil Promotes scalp health and clears lice
The oil is amazing for good scalp and hair health and gets rid of dandruff and other infections. Combining eucalyptus oil with tea tree oil clears all forms of lice from your hair and makes your hair squeaky clean, that’s why it’s advised to add one drop of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo before applying it to your hair for best results.
- Helps Boosts immunity
One very amazing benefit of the oil is that it helps keep the immune system in tiptop condition helping it fight against diseases.
- The oil Disinfects wounds and cuts
Eucalyptus oil is an amazing disinfectant and so is great at healing wounds and cuts and is used as a wound washer tom prevent infection. It is used to fight against inflammation and is actually very powerful because its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it effective for all sorts of infections.
- As an Insect and rodent repellent
Eucalyptus oil is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes, cockroaches, bugs, rodents and all sorts of vermin. Adding 20 drops of the oil to a bottle of water and spraying you can get rid of all vermin.
- It helps Controls blood sugar
When it comes to controlling blood sugar and managing diabetes, then eucalyptus is your sure bet. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor your blood sugar level if you are taking diabetic medicines with eucalyptus oil.
- Helps Reduce stress
The oil keeps your mental state calm and balanced and studies show that also suggest that it is very effective to relieve anxiety before surgery, so I recommend it.