Eucalyptus Oil

When you think of eucalyptus, the image of Koala lazily munching upon leaves in the wilds of Australia most likely comes to mind. There is so much more, however, to eucalyptus oil that you may not have considered and it has become a component that is widely used across the world for a number of reasons, primarily medical.

The wonders of essential eucalyptus oil is partly down to the many properties of cine-ole oil, and the potency of the extract. Oils produced from just a single leave can have an astonishing effect because of the concentration and effectiveness, and this fact has been exploited in Australia – and now around the world – for a long time. It was the Aborigines that first discovered the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil. Later a Melborne pharmacist named Bosisto – whose brand can still be purchased today – researched its use as a disinfectant, and by the 1880s it was being used in surgery.

Today the number of uses for eucalyptus oil is vast and constantly growing, with products containing the extract being used globally. In industry, eucalyptus oil has been proven to be effective in preventing against the separation of ethanol and petrol and has been cited as a potential fuel itself, however this is far from being economically viable. Many house-hold products contain eucalyptus essential oil to some degree. It is used in insecticides, cleaning products and toiletries for its disinfectant properties and fragrance – if you have ever bought anything for its “clean and fresh scent” then there is a good chance it contains some eucalyptus. In small and diluted amounts it can even be used as a flavoring and an agent in dog shampoos!

Of course the main use of essential eucalyptus oil is for medical purposes. The product is still widely used for disinfectant and antiseptic reasons, but as research continues, new uses are being found. Dentists take advantage of the antimicrobial properties in some dental treatments and some use eucalyptus oil as a treatment for joint pain, but the most common use is as an aid for colds and respiratory problems. The oil is great for reducing inflammation and mucus in the respiratory tracts and also for boosting immunity, resulting in welcome relief for flu sufferers and asthmatics. The cine-ole is said to kill bacteria and inhibit the production of cytokine, making it easier for people to breathe and get over the symptoms of colds and flu.

Eucalyptus oil can be used and administered in a number of ways. As a disinfectant the oil can diluted and applied directly to wounds, however it must be stressed never to use an undiluted form else it could be hazardous. Cold remedies are wide spread, with many choosing to add the oil to boiling water or shower to breathe in the beneficial vapours, however ointments and inhalers are often considered to be a far more convenient and instant method. Alternatively, patients can try lozenges or aromatherapy to reap the rewards. Aromatherapy may not allow you to inhale the same concentration of molecules and is therefore less effective as a remedy, but it is a great way to let the refreshing fragrance into your home.

In the right concentrations, using eucalyptus essential oil can be perfectly safe, but it is recommended to never use it on children, people with hypertension and epilepsy or pregnant women because of the stimulant effect and other potential issues. Users should always be sure to dilute oils and never ingest it because of the dangers of toxicity. Dangerous levels of eucalyptus oil can lead to stomach complaints, dizziness, weakness and feelings of suffocation. In extreme cases it can also be fatal.

This is just the start of what eucalyptus oil can do – both for your health and your household – and as more research and home remedies are uncovered there is the potential for even more uses to be discovered. Once the full implications of using the oil in correct dilutions is understood, we could see an even greater variety of effective product on the market that extend beyond the usual cold remedies and cleaning products. Essential eucalyptus oil is clearly an advantageous extract for the health and well-being of your family, therefore no home should be without it.

To learn more about Eucalyptus Oil, click HERE.