Eucalyptus Oil & Its Medicinal Benefits


" State forest minister said Karnataka government has decided to ban raising of acacia and eucalyptus plantations in the state and give a new look to the social forestry.He said all hillocks which are places of temples in the state will be converted into " devara vana" (God's forests) to make these spots look more green and sacred by planting sacred and medicinal trees ." TOI




Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree. The tree, which has the botanical name Eucalyptus Globulus is also known as Fever tree and in the past few centuries to other parts of the world including India, Europe, and South Africa. Though many countries produce eucalyptus oil in small quantities, the prime source of eucalyptus oil for the world is Australia.



Origination

Oil from the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) is used today in many over-the-counter cough and cold products, to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil is also found in creams and ointments used to relieve muscle and joint pain, and in some mouthwashes.




There are a great number of species of Eucalyptus trees yielding essential oils, the foliage of some being more odorous than that of others, and the oils from the various species differing widely in character. It necessarily follows that the term Eucalyptus oil is meaningless from a scientific point of view unless the species from which it is derived is stated.

Health Benefits




The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinct taste and odor.
Though eucalyptus essential oil has most of the properties of a typical volatile oil, it is not very popular as an aromatherapy oil as it was little known before a few centuries. However, the numerous health benefits of eucalyptus oil have attracted the attention of the entire world to explore its usage in aromatherapy as well as conventional medicine.

Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol present in it, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes.
The health benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:
Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature which makes it a good ingredient for many medicines for treating respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from nonbacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective in treating sore throat.




Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions, and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.




Muscle pain: During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is a massage in circular motion on affected areas.
Mental exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally people suffering from any disorder are down. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.
Dental care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis and other dental infections due to its germicidal properties.
Skin care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.
Diabetes: Eucalyptus oil when taken internally controls blood sugar.
Fever: It is also used for treating fever and reducing the body temperature. Therefore it is also called fever oil.
Intestinal germs: Eucalyptus oil is a vermifuge and hence is used to remove germs in the intestine.
Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:
Room freshener: The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals and sick bed atmosphere. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air and hence keeps the room environment clean.
Soaps: Eucalyptus oil has applications in soaps, detergents, and household cleaners as well.
Mouth wash: As mentioned above, the oil is a prime ingredient in many types of mouthwash and toothpaste.
Sauna: Many people add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas, and saunas due to its refreshing and antiseptic effect.
Usage of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is increasing gradually as it also blends well with many other essential oils including thyme essential oil, rosemary essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, frankincense essential oil, etc.
One should take care while using eucalyptus oil. If taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil is toxic. It may also interfere with homoeopathic treatments.
Caution: One should take care while using eucalyptus oil. If taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil is toxic. It may also interfere with homoeopathic treatments.


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