The Outstanding Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is the name of a genus originating from the continent of Australia. The genus consists of more than eight hundred species that can be classified as large shrubs or extremely tall trees. Eucalyptus trees have been grown all over the world and for good reasons. For many years, this mysterious tree (otherwise called the gum tree) has been used for various medical conditions, as it is known to have several health properties. The eucalyptus tree's health properties are explained below.

Fights Cough

Eucalyptus oil is commonly used to relieve coughing. According to a study from 2010, a substance known as vapor rub, in which eucalyptus oil is an active ingredient, helped decrease coughing in children diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection. The children administered during the study ranged from ages two to eleven years old. You can use the vapor rub to relieve coughing by applying to the throat or chest. Rubbing it on the feet can provide night time relief.

How eucalyptus oil works to suppress a cough is still being debated. Studies suggest it is likely due to the high content of cineole (eucalyptol) in the oil. Cineol is an aromatic terpene believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, a study concluded cineole helped reduce coughing in patients suffering from acute bronchitis, a condition caused by inflammation of the airways responsible for carrying air to the lungs. In addition, cineole has antiviral and antifungal effects.

Relieves Fever

Because of its cooling effect, eucalyptus essential oil may be used to lower the body's temperature when fever occurs. The body produces heat to fight off the infectious agents trying to take over your system. Eucalyptus oil can also act as a vasodilator. A vasodilator is taken to relax the blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow more smoothly. You won't need to use a lot of the oil since the fever itself normally causes blood circulation to increase by the rise in body temperature. Several websites suggest mixing it with other essential oils to treat the fever more effectively.

Fights Colds And Flu

The flu and common cold are conditions brought on by viral infections. They produce bothersome symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and muscle aches. With its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, eucalyptus oil can be helpful for treating symptoms. A common practice is mixing few drops of eucalyptus oil into a bowl with hot water and inhaling the steam with a towel over the head. Steam inhalation can also be tried in the shower. Just spray some oil onto the shower floor or wall and breathe in the steam from the running water. This can help clear away excessive mucus production in the nasal cavity. In addition, eucalyptus can stimulate the production of antibodies from the immune system to fight off agents causing the illness.

Stress Relief

Physical wellness isn't the only important element of a happy life, and we also have to consider mental health. Stress stimulates from a wide range of circumstances. It could have something to do with your job, family members, romantic relationship, financial status, or any other factors potentially affecting your mental health. All these can get in the way of improvement.

Studies have shown eucalyptus oil comes in handy for easing stress. It has a powerful, refreshing aroma that can trigger soothing effects on the mind. The scent of eucalyptus oil is described as minty. As mental stress can cause the blood vessels to constrict, the oil can improve blood flow to the brain.

Cures Bad Breath

Having bad breath can be rather embarrassing. Research has demonstrated eucalyptus oil can be useful for treating bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis or oral malodor. Bad breath is commonly caused by bacterial growth. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is among the bacteria linked to the development of bad breath. This bacteria usually resides in the digestive tract, but scientists have discovered the bacteria may live in the mouth as well.

While the link between H. pylori and bad breath is still being investigated, scientists found in one study that sixteen percent of patients with gum disease had H. pylori living in their mouths. Eucalyptus oil's main component, cineole, has antiseptic properties that kill and reduce the growth of H. pylori along with other bacteria responsible for bad breath. Another element of eucalyptus is menthol. Menthol also has antibacterial elements which are beneficial for individuals suffering from bad breath.

Nourishment For Hair

Eucalyptus oil can work wonders on hair thanks to the active ingredients stimulating the constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to hair follicles and promotes hair growth. When eucalyptus oil is combined with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, it can also blend well to moisturize hair without running the risk of greasy hair. Benefit from the powers of eucalyptus oil on hair by combining four tablespoons of your chosen carrier oil (olive or coconut) to one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. After creating this mixture, massage it into your scalp gently before combing it through. Wait approximately an hour before heading for the shower and washing it off with shampoo and conditioner.

Remedy For Cold Sores

Thanks in large part to its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil has proven to be quite beneficial when it comes to treating cold sores, which is why it is often seen in over-the-counter creams and other treatments for cold sores. However, individuals dealing with a cold sore can also make their own mixture by combining one drop of eucalyptus oil with a couple of drops of a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil before applying it to the cold sore a few times a day. Not only will this help speed the healing process, but it can also relieve some of the pain associated with the cold sore.

Clears Up Acne

No one likes dealing with acne, even if it's as mild as a blemish or two or as bad as cystic acne. Thankfully, however, there are countless remedies to deal with acne. Many of these are over-the-counter remedies, though some are also medications individuals need a doctor's prescription for. However, neither of these may be necessary thanks to eucalyptus oil and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil helps kill the bacteria that caused the acne, thus preventing more breakouts, but also dries the area and helps heal the skin already affected.

Deal with mild cases of acne by mixing three parts water to one part eucalyptus oil (e.g., one drop oil to three drops water) and use a cotton ball to apply the oil mixture to the affected areas and leave overnight. If you are dealing with cystic acne, try mixing one drop of eucalyptus oil with three drops of apple cider vinegar instead and applying this solution to the affected area overnight.

Relieves Joint And Muscle Pain

Once again, the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil have come to the rescue. Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil also has analgesic effects, which also helps relieve muscle and joint pain. Relieve the pain of sore muscles because of exercise or joint pain due to arthritis by massaging a combination of five drops of eucalyptus oil to olive oil or another carrier oil into the muscles and joints affected. Individuals can also choose to add up to thirty drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath and soak in the tub for a little while to help loosen the muscles and relieve associated pain.

Protects Against Insects

Individuals who spend a decent amount of time outside when mosquitoes and other bugs are out and about can rejoice. While commercial insect repellents are the typical choice, eucalyptus oil, specifically lemon eucalyptus oil, is the perfect natural insect repellent. It is even approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is backed by research and studies as far back as the 1940s. Individuals can make their own lemon eucalyptus oil insect repellent by mixing one part lemon eucalyptus oil to ten parts witch hazel. This equates to one tablespoon of lemon eucalyptus oil to ten tablespoons witch hazel. Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a spray bottle and use it as needed.