Not Just for Koalas: an introduction to Eucalyptus Essential Oil

High up in a eucalyptus tree, you might just find a koala munching on its lunch.  A koala’s diet consists primarily of eucalyptus leaves and is one of the only creatures in the world able to survive on such a diet.  Even though humans do not generally consume eucalyptus like the koala, it has been used for hundreds of years for other health and wellness reasons.

With its Australian roots, the eucalyptus tree was used extensively by the aborigines because of its impressive healing properties.  The aborigines considered the leaves of the tree as a first-aid treatment for fevers, sores, intestinal problems, muscle aches, and even colic.  The tree even has a remarkable ability to purify the air and soak up vast amounts of water, so much so that the trees have been planted in wet, marshy areas to dry the soil and to help curb the spread of malaria.  To this day, people still praise the eucalyptus tree as one of the earth’s greatest natural healers. 

One of the easiest ways to experience the benefits of the tree is by using a high quality eucalyptus essential oil.  In this article, we will discuss what the oil can be used for and how to use it properly for maximum results.

Respiratory & Sinus Health

Respiratory problems are a common concern for humans around the world.  Whether you are suffering from a cold, asthma, sinusitis, or bronchitis, eucalyptus essential oil can be used to help soothe painful and annoying symptoms.  To treat a runny nose, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion or other respiratory issue, you can simply inhale the oil or create a vapor rub for the chest.  Inhaling the oil has been known to clear air passages and sinuses, increasing oxygen in the bloodstream.  To inhale safely, you can dilute 10-15 drops of the oil in a boiling pot of water and breathe in the steam.  You can also add 10-15 drops of the oil to a vaporizer.  To create a chest rub, simply mix 12 drops of essential oil with an ounce of a cold-pressed oil, such as jojoba oil.   To create a chest rub for children or for someone older than 60, you should use five or six drops per ounce. 

Air Purification

Many people frantically clean their homes when a family member gets sick, disinfecting every surface.  However, many don’t realize that the air in the home carries a lot of the germs.  For an easy way to sterilize your environment, simply diffuse eucalyptus oil in a diffuser or vaporizer.  This will create an environment that will help prevent the spread of airborne illnesses. 

Another way to improve air quality is to create a room spritzer. Combine 15 drops of eucalyptus, 5 drops of orange, 10 drops of lemon, and 10 drops of tea tree essential oils in a four ounce spritzer bottle.  Add a tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka (this helps enhance the fragrance), then fill with purified water. 

Headache, Migraine, & Fever Relief

Stress, tension, fever, panic attacks--there are so many ways to get a headache or migraine.  In fact, thousands of people search the internet daily trying to find ways to get rid of them.  One possible remedy is using eucalyptus essential oil.  You can create a rub by mixing 4 drops of eucalyptus oil with 10mL of a carrier oil in a roller bottle for easy, mess-free application.  Use the rub by applying to the temples, tip of nose and on the chest.  You may also blend with another oil that relieves headaches such as lavender or peppermint.  For example, you can create a headache relief mixture by combining three drops of lavender and two drops of eucalyptus oil in 10mL of carrier oil. 

Another great way to get tension relief is to create a spa.  Mix 15 drops of eucalyptus oil in a pan of water and boil.  Drape a towel over the back of your head and over the pot, making sure you trap most of the steam. Breathe in deep, relax, and enjoy quick pain relief. 

If your headache is caused by a fever, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of ice water and use the water to make a compress for the forehead.

Sore Muscle Relief

After a hard day at work, sometimes your body just hurts. Thankfully, eucalyptus oil can help soothe your achy, tired muscles. Simply combine a pound of sea salt or Epsom salts, six drops of eucalyptus and 12 drops of lavender essential oils.  Use a half-cup of the mixture in a warm bath and soak for up to 30 minutes.  Store the rest of the salt for later in an airtight container.  You may also create massage oil using 12 drops of eucalyptus oil in an ounce of a cold-pressed carrier oil.  Massage the oil mixture onto the affected areas.

Great Blends

Eucalyptus has a potent, yet wonderful, herbaceous scent with soft woody undertones.  It mixes particularly well with cedarwood, cypress, geranium, chamomile blue, eucalyptus lemon, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, peppermint, petitgrain, pine, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme.  Mix and match to create your own signature fragrance. 

Precautions

With a price less than most cold and sinus relief medicines, this essential oil should be a staple in everyone’s medicine cabinet!  However, as with any oil, there are a few precautions to consider:

Get your Bottle Today!