Potential health benefits of eucalyptus and eucalyptus oil include reducing symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion and relieving muscle and joint pain.
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Australia. Its essential oil is used as an antiseptic, a perfume, an ingredient in cosmetics, a flavoring, in dental preparations, and in industrial solvents.
For thousands of years, Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Greek, and other European styles of medicine have incorporated it into the treatment of a range of conditions.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Eucalyptus may have several medicinal properties, although not all of them have been confirmed by research. Below, we outline some of its potential health benefits.
Antibacterial properties
Eucalyptus essential oil may have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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MRSA is an infection caused by a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics.
The authors found that eucalyptus essential oil displayed antibacterial properties against MRSA and that experts can enhance these properties by using it alongside other agents, such as other essential oils and antibiotics.
Colds and respiratory problems
Eucalyptus features in a range of preparations to relieve symptoms of the common cold, for example, cough lozenges and inhalants.
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Patients reported a reduction of common cold symptoms and better sleep quality when using this combination.
The review authors noted that essential oil aromatics are a well-tolerated and effective option to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Dental care
The antibacterial and antimicrobial potential of eucalyptus has been harnessed for use in some mouthwash and dental preparations.
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However, they specified that herbal toothpaste should be supplementary, and people should use it alongside their normal toothpaste. They also stated that more research needs to be done to confirm these benefits of eucalyptus.
Insect repellent
Eucalyptus can be an effective natural insect repellent and insecticide.
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Pain relief
Eucalyptus extract may act as a pain reliever, and research indicates that eucalyptus essential oil may have analgesic properties.
A 2022 study examined the effects of inhaling vapors containing eucalyptus oil on pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
They found that the patients who inhaled eucalyptus experienced significant pain reduction compared to the control group.
A person should exercise caution when using essential oils as the
It is not safe to take eucalyptus oil orally because it is poisonous. A person should only use eucalyptus oil diluted in water in an essential oil diffuser, or diluted with a carrier oil for use on the skin.
A person should also conduct a patch test before using essential oils on the skin. They should put a small amount of diluted oil on their skin and wait for 24 hours. If any adverse effects occur, such as skin irritation, they should discontinue use.
Children are more sensitive to essential oils, so care should be taken when using eucalyptus with children. Use should be avoided during pregnancy. Keep away from pets.
A person should contact a doctor before using eucalyptus and eucalyptus essential oil.
Eucalyptus and eucalyptus essential oil may have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It has potential uses as an insect repellent and insecticide, and can help relieve symptoms of coughs and colds.
A person should consult a doctor before using eucalyptus essential oil, and should never ingest the oil.
