9 Reasons You Need Eucalyptus Oil in Your Wellness Regimen

Congested? Sore? Anxious? There’s an essential oil for that.

Raise your hand if you have ever gone through that “essential oil” phase. The one where you purchase just about every custom blend you can get your hands on because they boast so many natural benefits. Yeah, us too. Some buy essential oils for stress relief, headache relief, cramp relief, the list goes on and on. However, there is one versatile essential oil that boasts an impressive list of benefits—eucalyptus oil.

Initially sourced as a traditional remedy in Australia, eucalyptus has slowly gained popularity in the states. Eucalyptus trees are cultivated worldwide and used for their medicinal properties. Their healing power comes from eucalyptus oil, made from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves.

How is it made? Eucalyptus leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to create an essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it should be diluted before it is used as actual medicine.

Now, let’s talk about some eucalyptus oil benefits for your body and soul.

Helps with coughing

Eucalyptus is hailed as a natural alternative for treating respiratory illnesses and coughs. Its various antimicrobial properties and its ability to help clear airways can be effective at combating annoying cough side effects. It is best to diffuse the essential oil into the air or incorporate it into a homemade chest rub as a cough antidote.

Aids in headache relief

With its crisp medicinal scent, eucalyptus oil is known to provide headache relief, especially for those with chronic sinus issues. Its astringent scent can help clear any mental fog, while also decreasing sinus pressure. If you want to take it even further, combine eucalyptus with other headache-relieving oils like peppermint and lavender to create a customized pain-relieving blend.

Fights respiratory illness

Next time you need an antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory oil, eucalyptus is your go-to. Eucalyptus can combat respiratory illnesses, according to NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). The oil can alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory ailments, like cough, fever, shaky chills, and shortness of breath.

Helps disinfect wounds

It’s said that Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat injuries and prevent infection. Today this diluted oil may still be used to fight inflammation and promote healing. You can even purchase creams or ointments that already contain eucalyptus oil. These products can also treat minor burns or other small injuries at home.

Boosts immunity and mental clarity

You know that dreaded feeling when you don’t think you’re sick, but you still feel drained and deprived of energy? This is a definite sign that your immune system needs a natural boost. Eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial in boosting the immune system and preventing that slump from turning into an illness.

Eucalyptus oil can fend off common illnesses like colds and the flu by strengthening your immune response. The next time you’re not feeling 100 percent, keep your oil on hand to instantly enjoy its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties. Eucalyptus oil can also clear the airways and allow more oxygen into the lungs, promoting mental clarity. The recommended dose is five drops at home or work to refocus.

Eases Joint Pain

Due to its high cineole content, eucalyptus oil can aid with muscle and joint pain. Many popular over-the-counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions like arthritis contain this essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with many diseases and can help people recover from a joint or muscle injury. Give eucalyptus oil a try the next time you’re dealing with sore muscles and joints after a grueling workout. Add a few drops of the oil and some Epsom salts to warm water for a relaxing and therapeutic bath.

Keeps bad breath at bay

The antimicrobial properties in eucalyptus oil can fight bad breath and act as a natural mouthwash. Add a couple drops to water, gargle, spit it out and rinse your mouth. Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested.

Helps with sunburn relief

Eucalyptus is known for it’s natural cooling sensation, making it ideal for soothing a painful sunburn. Grab a two-ounce spray bottle and fill it with purified water. Add between two to four drops of eucalyptus oil and one teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel, which acts as a natural emulsifier. Shake well and spray on the skin for instant relief.