Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil which is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus tree is a tree which is native to Australia and has over 400 species. Of these different species, Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is the one that is mostly used in the production of eucalyptus oil. The process of extracting eucalyptus oil from the leaves involves steam-distillation. The steam breaks down cells that contain the oil. The steam and oil then enter a cooling chamber where they are separated and oil is obtained.

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, clean, camphoraceous smell. The fresh and woody aroma makes eucalyptus oil a favorite of many aromatherapists. Eucalyptus oil is also used medicinally for various illnesses and for industrial purposes such as manufacture of perfumes and dental products. In addition, it is used as a flavoring item and as a household disinfectant.

Eucalyptus oil has been used for various purposes ever since the olden days. It was used for various medical conditions in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. It was also used to clean urinary catheters in hospitals in England towards the end of the 19th century.

Eucalyptus oil has a number of benefits and these explain why it is a popular essential oil all over the world. Here are some of the benefits of eucalyptus oil:

It helps with respiratory ailments

Eucalyptus oil contains cineole as its main active ingredient. Cineole acts as an expectorant and decongestant and for this reason, eucalyptus oil is able to clear blocked sinuses and lungs thereby easing the symptoms of coughs and other upper respiratory ailments. Eucalyptus oil can be applied and rubbed on the chest or it can be inhaled. Care should however be taken to dilute the eucalyptus oil before use as it can be harmful when used in its concentrated form. The oil should also not get into your eyes. The decongestant properties of eucalyptus oil explain why it is often used as an ingredient in inhalants.

It stimulates immune system response

Eucalyptus oil stimulates immune system response through effects on phagocytic ability of human monocyte derived macrophages. In a study which was published in ‘Biomed Central Immunity’, eucalyptus oil was shown to stimulate both in-vitro and in-vivo immune response. Eucalyptus oil is able to implement innate cell-mediated immune response, it activates monocyte derived macrophages and ups their phagocytic response.

Eucalyptus oil relieves pain

Eucalyptus oil helps to relieve various types of pain including muscle and joints pains. A study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that eucalyptus oil has analgesic properties. The study involved applying Eucalyptamint on the anterior forearm skin of 10 different subjects. It concluded that “Eucalyptamint, produced significant physiologic responses that may be beneficial for pain relief and/or useful to athletes as a passive form of warm-up.”

Applying eucalyptus oil on painful parts of the body or sore muscles can therefore help to relax nerves and muscles and alleviate pain.

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties

Eucalyptus oil is effective against pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and virus. According to a research published in Clinical Microbiology, eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract. Among the bacteria which eucalyptus oil can kill include E.coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus.

The germicidal properties of eucalyptus oil make it effective in disinfectant wounds and sores and for dental cleaning.

Mental stimulation

Eucalyptus oil acts as a mental stimulant. It aids in concentration and relieves mental exhaustion. It also helps to relieve stress and leave one feeling refreshed and balanced.