The Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, and they grow very fast. They are most often used as an ingredient in products like Sacksythyme herbal heating pads aimed at helping people who have sinus and respiratory issues due to colds or allergies. The oil is also available in creams and ointments to help reduce the pain from sore muscles or injury.

 

Eucalyptus oil is a highly versatile and multifunctional substance that finds application in a variety of industries due to its unique properties and distinct aroma. It is commonly utilized as an antiseptic for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as a key ingredient in perfumes and aromatherapy products for its refreshing and invigorating scent, in cosmetics for its potential skin-soothing and purifying effects, and in dental preparations for its potential oral health benefits.

Traditional Chinese medicine and Greek and European healing methods have incorporated the medicinal properties of eucalyptus into their treatments for thousands of years.

Eucalyptus Trees

There are many different eucalyptus trees, but one of the most common is the evergreen Eucalyptus globulus, also known as "Blue Gum." Distilled from the leaves, essential oil from 'Blue Gum' is commonly used in aromatherapy because of its distinct aroma.

Leaves can be distilled to extract the oil, a colorless liquid with a strong, sweet, woody scent and a pungent odor. This oil contains 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol.

In addition to the bark, the leaves are edible and contain flavonoids and antioxidants. They can be beneficial in reducing pain or inflammation in your joints or body.

Health Benefits and Uses of Eucalyptus

Many believe that eucalyptus has numerous medicinal properties, but research into these benefits still needs to be completed. However, there are some documented public health benefits to using eucalyptus, which are as follows: 

Antimicrobial properties

Eucalyptus oil is prevalent in many cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing products. It works because eucalyptus is one of nature's most volatile aromatic oils and has a high vapor pressure. This means it evaporates quickly into the air, whereas other oils do not. It's this evaporation that allows it to both have such a delightful aroma and clear out undesirable odors at the same time!

In the 19th century, doctors knew how to harness the benefits of eucalyptus oil. It was commonly used in most hospitals in England for cleaning catheters around the late 1800s. Modern research is now starting to back this practice up.

In 2016, researchers in Serbia discovered that eucalyptus could kill certain microorganisms. The antimicrobial action of eucalyptus essential oil results from the high levels of 1,8-cineole and p-cymene present in its chemical composition.

Recent research shows Eucalyptus camaldulensis - a tree belonging to the Eucalyptus family - as a helpful remedy for certain bacterial infections.

Their findings reveal how essential oils derived from the Eucalyptus family can positively interact with existing antibiotics and lead to new treatment strategies for certain infections.

Researchers hope that using this compound may eventually reduce the need for antibiotics.

 A recent publication in Clinical Microbiology & Infection has revealed that eucalyptus oil possesses potential antibacterial properties against pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, such as Haemophilus influenza and certain strains of streptococcus. This promising discovery suggests that eucalyptus oil may be a natural alternative to traditional antibiotics.

Colds and respiratory problems

Eucalyptus has been used to alleviate respiratory problems like a stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and coughing since dawn. Historically, it's been used in a range of preparations, including cough syrups and vapor rubs.

 According to traditional herbal remedies, fresh leaves can be utilized in a gargle to alleviate symptoms associated with a sore throat, sinusitis, and bronchitis. While no concrete evidence suggests that inhaling eucalyptus oil vapor is a decongestant, it remains a widely used home remedy for individuals seeking relief from colds and bronchitis.

Sometimes referred to as an expectorant, eucalyptus oil is used in many medicinal products and has been found to reduce an individual's phlegm and ease congestion associated with a persistent cough. With so many different ways of applying the oil (liquid, lotion, vaporizer), eucalyptus can come in handy when faced with a cough or cold symptom, not just in times of illness but year-round, too!

A team of researchers from the University of London has called for further studies on how eucalyptus leaf extract can be used for therapeutic purposes. For example, this answers how it can help treat respiratory diseases like COPD, asthma, and bronchitis.

Eucalyptus and dental care

Several mouthwash and dental products contain eucalyptus' antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Eucalyptus is very beneficial for your oral health. Daily consumption of eucalyptus may help ensure that you don't develop cavities as quickly, help you maintain healthy gums, and prevent gum disease, too!

According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, eucalyptus extract in chewing gum may promote periodontal health by reducing harmful bacteria.

Fungal infections and wounds

Insect repellent

Eucalyptus is an essential natural bug repellent for those with issues with insects. Native to Australia and found in many parts of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East—and with about 800 different kinds of eucalyptus trees (and counting)—the oil extracted from leaves has proven to be one of our best defenses against ticks, mites, fleas, and mosquitoes.

The oil of lemon eucalyptus is commonly recommended as an insect repellent. For example, it can keep pesky mosquitoes away when appropriately applied.

In the study, oil from a plant in Japan called Akita Eucalyptus was tested and found to be active against larvae and pupae of the housefly. Therefore, eco-friendly products could be a viable option for controlling houseflies.

Pain relief

Eucalyptus oil may function as a pain reliever; research suggests that the oil has analgesic properties. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by researchers from Melbourne's University of Natural Therapies indicates that applying Eucalyptamint to the skin of 10 people on their anterior forearms could bring about a reduction in pain sensation that lasted for about 90 minutes.

Eucalyptamint is an excellent painkiller, and there are so many ways in which you can use it. One of the most effective ways to benefit from this medication is by rubbing a quantity of it on your back, calves, or thighs right before bedtime, at least two hours after eating and drinking.

Many people find it enhances their sleep experience because the product has a naturally occurring compound called chloroformic acid that works wonderfully alongside regular medication. Also, did you know that Eucalyptamint is better when used with other medicines?

To kick an addiction to prescription drugs without going cold turkey! It perfectly complements prescription drugs like Percocet or OxyContin and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug available, which results in it working faster for longer and offering some much-needed pain management if you're trying.

Scientists have been studying how to help athletes warm up before physical activity since ancient times. Over these few thousand years, scientists have concluded that "Eucalyptamint produced significant physiologic responses that may be beneficial for pain relief."

Reduce stress

Could stress management be as easy as breathing the scent of eucalyptus and ongoing regularly? So. A research study published in the evidence-based complementary and alternate Medicine journal discovered that preoperative anxiety decreased when patients inhaled the oil of eucalyptus. It's all due to cineole, a primary ingredient in the leaves of eucalyptus.

Stimulating immune system

Findings published in BMC Immunology suggest that eucalyptus oil may stimulate an immune system response, possibly benefiting patients undergoing cancer treatments or recovering from surgeries.

As mentioned in a recent study by scientists at the University of Sao Paulo, Eucalyptus oil can increase the ability of phagocytes in the immune system to consume and destroy foreign particles or pathogens. A rat model was used to test this theory, showing an average of 64% increase after consuming Eucalyptus oil for four weeks.

Other conditions that eucalyptus may help with include:

• Wounds and burns
• Flu
• Cold sores – perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Arthritis – potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Diabetes – eucalyptus might help lower blood sugar
• A blocked nose
• Bladder diseases
• Ulcers
• Fever

Precautions:

• Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to eucalyptus, including skin reactions, respiratory problems, and headaches. If you experience any adverse reactions after using eucalyptus, stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of eucalyptus oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established. It is advisable to avoid using eucalyptus oil during these periods unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Children: Eucalyptus oil should be used with caution in children. It is important to dilute the oil properly and avoid using it near the face or eyes.
• Interactions with Medications: Eucalyptus oil may interact with certain medications. Consult with a healthcare professional before using eucalyptus oil if taking any medications.

Tips for Using Eucalyptus Oil:

• Dilute the oil: Eucalyptus oil is concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before topical application.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: Eucalyptus oil can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid applying it near the face or eyes.
• Perform a patch test: Before using eucalyptus oil on a large skin area, perform a patch test on a small area to check for allergic reactions.
• Start with a low concentration: Begin with a low concentration of eucalyptus oil and gradually increase it as needed.
• Seek professional advice: If you are considering using eucalyptus oil for a specific health condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance.

Conclusion

Eucalyptus leaves are awe-inspiring for their many advantages. They can help reduce pain, increase relaxation, and ease cold symptoms.

Many over-the-counter products also include the extract of eucalyptus to freshen your breath, ease irritation to your skin, and deter insects.

Eucalyptus tea has been deemed safe to drink; however, taking eucalyptus oils can cause harm in small dosages. Always consult your physician before taking eucalyptus oils if you are taking any medicines.