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Top Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil
Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com
Eucalyptus is one of those seemingly magic plants used in traditional folk medicine that has gone on to take the world by storm. Originally used by the Aboriginal people in Australia, eucalyptus has become renowned for both its healing properties and its soothing emotional effects.
In the early 1800’s, Aboriginal peoples showed settlers from Britain how to use eucalyptus to clean wounds by tightly binding the cut with leaves to form a bandage. They were amazed by how quickly the wounds would heal, and the ability of the plant to prevent infection. News quickly spread across this young country and by the 1850’s, eucalyptus oil was being distilled for commercial and medical purposes.
Eucalyptus is a type of flowering tree. Also known as “Kino” or “Tasmanian Blue Gum” trees, there are more than 500 species eucalyptus, the overwhelming majority of which are native to Australia. Some animals found only on the Australian landmass, such as koalas, feed almost exclusively on the leaves of these trees. While eucalyptus is now grown other parts of the world, the vast majority of eucalyptus products are still exported from Australia.
Eucalyptus leaves can be used directly or distilled to form an essential oil. This oil can be used topically and for aromatherapy purposes. The oil from eucalyptus is famous for its very strong, distinct scent, and an intense, cooling feeling on the skin.
The list below will focus on the specific applications and benefits of eucalyptus oil.
1. Cleaning Cuts and Wounds
Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which make it ideal for sanitizing wounds and preventing infection. Apply a small amount of the oil into minor cuts, scrapes, sores, or burns either on its own or with a bandage. Eucalyptus provides a natural cooling feeling that will sooth pain and will also speed up the healing process.
2. Relief for Respiratory problems
Eucalyptus oil has natural antifungal and decongestant qualities, which make it ideal for reliving symptoms of respiratory problems. Inhaling the scent and rubbing some oil on the chest can provide immediate relief. The next time you have a persistent cough or a cold, try using eucalyptus oil with a diffuser or applying some to a cotton ball and inhaling directing to take in the aroma, and see if it doesn’t alleviate symptoms.
3. Soothing Muscle and Joint Pain
Eucalyptus oil is a key ingredient in many pain relieving gels and creams, and with good reason: Its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe muscle and joint pain. It is also ideal for easing discomfort caused by strained tendons and ligaments, and even rheumatism. Eucalyptus oil is also fine to apply to affected areas by itself. Rub a generous amount onto the skin of the sore region, and the cooling sensation will penetrate down into the tissue and ease away pain.
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