Eucalyptus Oil – A Rich History and Multiple Contemporary Uses!

Know How to Use Eucalyptus Oil in Daily Life!

Eucalyptus is well known for its sharp camphorous scent and medicinal benefits among users. The Eucalyptus globulus tree is the source of many useful substances. Besides wood, the leaves and twigs of the tree are used to extract essential oil and hydrosol through steam distillation. The eucalyptus globulus oil is colorless to pale yellow thin oil with the characteristic smell of eucalyptus with soft woody notes. It is a highly concentrated oil while eucalyptus hydrosol obtained during steam distillation is aromatic water with a mild flavour of eucalyptus & properties.

The oil has purifying, analgesic, antiseptic, and decongestant properties. It is effective in conditions of nasal congestion and bronchitis. Its inhalation reaches the lungs and bronchioles and eases chest congestion and infection. The eucalyptus globulus oil also helps reduce joint and muscle pain. It cleanses skin and treats acne. It helps fight bad breath and toothache. It helps increase the shelf life of the products due to its high antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. It blends well with basil, lemon, cedarwood, clove, cajeput, ginger, citronella, and tea tree for various purposes.

Eucalyptus Oil Uses

Eucalyptus oil is used in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwashes. It also finds application as flavour, wellness ingredient, antiseptic, fragrance, repellent in various end products. It contains a cineole compound that is used in pharmaceutical preparations such as cough sweets, inhalants, lozenges, and ointments to relieve symptoms of influenza and cold. The vapor of eucalyptus oil works as a decongestant. The eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol compounds present in the oil make it soothing and cooling for spasms. 

The oil also acts as an insect repellent. It finds application as a flavouring agent in minimal amounts in baked goods, meat products, confectionery, and beverages. It is used as a fragrance in soaps, detergents, perfumes, and body lotions due to its pungent and non-toxic aroma. The oil is used in space cleaning products, wool wash liquid, and solvents for removing grease and sticky residue.

Day-to-day Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

1. Add 5-6 drops of eucalyptus oil and 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle containing water and spritz it to wipe the surfaces of the office, home, and kitchen.

2. Dilute a drop of the oil to lotion and apply it to cleanse the skin and heal acne.

3. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and take its steam for 8-10 minutes to relieve nasal, throat, and chest congestion.

4. Add 3-4 drops and 2-3 drops of frankincense oil to the water in a diffuser and diffuse it for mosquito repelling and inhalation before sleeping.

5. Dilute 4-5 drops of the eucalyptus oil with sesame oil and rub it in circular motions on the sore muscles and joints.

Cautionary notes

Inhalation and topical application of the oil are safe, while its ingestion is not recommended by eucalyptus globulus oil suppliers and users at large. Dilution with carrier oil penetrates the skin better in conditions of skin disorders.

References: https://www.atoallinks.com/2022/eucalyptus-oil-a-rich-history-and-multiple-contemporary-uses/