10 Benefits and Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

The native people of Australia were the first to enjoy the benefits of eucalyptus oil, with the plant also originating in Tasmania and nearby islands.

Within their culture, eucalyptus leaves were infused with other plants to provide natural treatments for a variety of ailments such as coughs, sinus congestion and pains and aches.

Today, true eucalyptus oil is produced by a wide variety of countries, including Portugal, Spain, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and Eswatini.

Over the years, various studies have highlighted the potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties of the oil, which is why it has come to prominence in aromatherapy.

We wanted to explain more about its uses and versatility, revealing more about the many eucalyptus oil benefits you can enjoy and some of the best ways to use it.

How does eucalyptus oil work?

Eucalyptus oils are composed of more than 100 different compounds. Limonene, aromadendrene, 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, a-phellandrene, terpinen-4-ol, globulol, epiglobulol and b-pinene are its main chemical components.

Eucalyptus oil blends particularly well with lemongrass, lavender, benzoin, thyme, pine and lemon.

The oil can be used in a variety of ways, with vapour therapy helping to ease respiratory issues, boost concentration or offer protection against insects.

When used as a massage or bath oil, eucalyptus can provide benefits for conditions such as asthma, colds, headaches, arthritis, fatigue and muscle aches and pains.

Some people also use eucalyptus essential oil for pain relief by adding a few drops to a cream or lotion, which could speed up the healing of ulcers and wounds.

Benefits of eucalyptus oil

Some of the best benefits of eucalyptus essential oil include:

1. Easing respiratory conditions

According to a 2004 study, researchers found that eucalyptus could reduce the inflammatory effect of chronic bronchitis, whilst also stopping the blocking of airways and inhibiting the hypersecretion of airway mucins to make it easier to breathe.

A later study, conducted in 2013, discovered that cineole (one of the oil’s main components) was able to reduce cough symptoms experienced by people with bronchitis.

These scientific studies help to explain why eucalyptus is so widely used by people with cold and flu symptoms, as the oil’s properties can help to ease congestion, coughing and breathing difficulties.

2. Fighting off infections

The antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus essential oil can make it a very effective ingredient for homemade cleaning products.

Its antibacterial benefits were shown to be true in a 2012 study, with researchers finding that it can effectively fight against infections caused by E. coli and staph.

Eucalyptus oil also contains anti-fungal properties that when diluted and applied to candida and toenail fungus, can produce a positive effect, which has been reported by numerous people who have tried this remedy at home.

3. Reducing pain and inflammation

Eucalyptus essential oil can also prove very useful in the management of muscle pain and in reducing swelling around injuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

In 2013, researchers found that eucalyptus oil was able to reduce inflammation and pain in a group of patients who had just undergone total knee replacement surgery.

The oil’s expectorant properties can help to alleviate sinus pressure, which offers a natural remedy for combating earaches and headaches.

Some users of the oil have found that applying it to facial muscles can ease tension, which can also help if you are experiencing a headache brought on by exhaustion or stress.

4. Repelling rodents and rats

Researchers investigated the possibility that eucalyptus could be effective as a natural pest control agent.

This was tested by spraying certain sections of a lab cage containing rats, after which they saw that the food was not consumed.

This is something that could be tried safely at home by spraying eucalyptus oil in certain areas that are likely to experience rat activity (cellars, roof spaces, cupboards etc.).

You may even find that some commercial bug repellents include eucalyptus in their formulas.

Mixing the pure form of the oil with other oils such as citronella or peppermint, could also be used to make your own homemade bug repellent spray to use at home.

5. Controlling blood sugar levels

Research into how eucalyptus oil works is ongoing, which means there is still quite a lot that remains unknown and a lot of exciting discoveries still to be uncovered.

It is believed that it may have potential as a treatment for diabetes, with some experts believing that it could play a crucial role in lower blood sugar levels.

However, until research can provide solid evidence to support this claim, it is recommended that people with diabetes continue to use their prescribed medication to treat the condition.

Taking eucalyptus with diabetes medications could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, so until more is known about how to control eucalyptus, it should not be used as a standalone or complementary treatment.

6. Freshening breath

The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil can make it very effective at fighting the germs that are responsible for bad mouth odours.

You may even find that some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain the oil as an active ingredient.

Although research is still ongoing, it is also believed that eucalyptus may be able to prevent the build up of plaque on teeth and gums by fighting the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

You can make your own homemade eucalyptus mouthwash by adding 1-2 drops to water, gargling and then spitting it out.

But you must take care to use a food grade oil, and not to swallow it when gargling as it can prove toxic.

7. Boosting energy levels

Many people find eucalyptus oil to be very helpful at soothing a crowded mind, with the scent alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety.

An older study conducted in 1994 involving 32 healthy participants, found that a combination of eucalyptus oil, ethanol and peppermint oil was able to improve cognitive performance when applied to large areas of the temples and forehead.

Researchers also found that using the essential oil blend helped to relax the muscles and allowed people to unwind.

8. Improving acne symptoms

People dealing with acne find that the skin becomes inflamed and painful to touch.

However, there have been some promising results presented by researchers relating to the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus.

According to a 2012 study, the oil may be able to improve ceramide production.

Ceramides are made up of a substance called sphingosine and they play an important role in retaining moisture in the skin, helping to prevent germs from entering.

This is also partly the reason why a range of anti-dandruff shampoos include eucalyptus extract in their formulas.

9. Stimulating the immune system

Findings published in BMC Immunology concluded that eucalyptus oil may be able to stimulate an immune system response.

Researchers found that the immune system’s phagocytic response to pathogens in a rat model could be enhanced by the oil.

When the immune system consumes and destroys foreign particles in the body, this is known as a phagocytic response.

These findings could prove useful in other areas of medicine when it comes to tackling flu strains, fevers, arthritis, bladder diseases and many more conditions.

10. Killing off head lice

Whilst there are already a few effective treatments for head lice, researchers have also learned that eucalyptus could offer a natural alternative.

A study published in 2017 found that when eucalyptus oil was used in head lice treatment, compared to traditional treatments it proved to be more than twice as effective at treating head lice infestation.

In addition, when a eucalyptus solution was exposed to in vitro eggs and lice, it resulted in 100% mortality.

How to use eucalyptus oil

Common eucalyptus oil uses include:

As an aromatherapy treatment

Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to unlock the benefits of eucalyptus oil. To diffuse the oil, add 5-7 drops to water and use it with an oil burner or diffuser to enjoy its wonderful aroma.

Alternatively, you can also add a few drops to a hot steam bowl and inhale with your head placed underneath a towel, which can do wonders for clearing your airways.

As a skincare solution

Skincare eucalyptus oil benefits can help to retain moisture and improve its overall condition.

To see for yourself, mix a couple of drops of the oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil) or with your favourite skincare lotion and apply as normal.

If it is your first-time using eucalyptus on your skin, it is a good idea to complete a patch test to ensure it is compatible.

History of eucalyptus oil

The native people of Australia considered eucalyptus to be an ancient remedy, naming it “kina” (which means “cure-all”) due to the wide range of benefits it offered.

During the First World War, eucalyptus oil benefits also came to the fore, with the oil being used to manage the spread of influenza and meningitis amongst soldiers in the trenches.

Whilst researchers are still exploring the benefits provided by the oil’s expectorant properties, that has not prevented it from becoming a household favourite.

Eucalyptus oil has come a long way since being used in leaf infusions as a traditional medicine by native Australians and is now a firm favourite around the world in modern aromatherapy culture.

Eucalyptus oil FAQs

Does eucalyptus essential oil help your sleep?

Some people may find that inhaling eucalyptus oil can help them relax and enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Its expectorant properties may also prove helpful, as it could be used to unblock stuffy sinuses, whilst diffusing it in the bedroom may be able to help people who snore at night.

Can you ingest eucalyptus oil?

Eucalyptus oil is highly concentrated, which means it can be very toxic for the body if ingested.

Even if it is diluted with a carrier oil, it could still produce some side effects, which can vary from muscle weakness and dizziness to stomach pain and severe drowsiness.

Can I use eucalyptus as a massage oil?

One of the most common uses of eucalyptus oil is as a massage oil, helping to relax and de-tense muscles to help you relax and unwind.

Simply dilute a few drops with your chosen carrier oil, warm lightly in the palm of your hand, and gently rub into the target area.