Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Oil: Side Effects, Properties, Benefits And Uses

3 years ago
Read Time: 14 minutes
by Kathie Sand
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What is eucalyptus oil?

Eucalyptus oil is a liquid that is extracted from eucalyptus leaves which have antiseptic and astringent properties which can protect the body from a large number of respiratory diseases.

This oil not only has, it is one of the best known and most versatile that exist since it has a large number of medicinal and cosmetic benefits that facilitate the improvement of many negative aspects of health.

Origin of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus is a plant that comes from southeastern Tasmania and Australia , a total of 700 species have been recorded so far. This particular tree is one of the most prevalent in Australian lands, due to the wide spread it has.

However, at present, it has spread around many countries , becoming almost that in the whole world, it is normally used to eliminate the humidity of many marshy lands, since this tree serves as a natural absorbent. But you have to be very careful, as many trees together can end up causing the soils to dry out.

History of eucalyptus oil

There is a history in English culture that explains that this plant was used to heal the hand of an English settler, who was about to lose a finger due to an accident with an ax.

To heal his finger, they attached a eucalyptus leaf around his wound to later be sutured. After a few days, this settler attended a doctor to check his hand, and to determine with great surprise that it had been completely healed, and there were no signs of infection.

This type of stories spread throughout Australia, and made this plant popular, causing it to be part of many studies and many more benefits could be discovered from it.

Discover more information about Eucalyptus: Contraindications, Medicinal Recipes and Benefits

Characteristics of eucalyptus oil

As such, eucalyptus oil does not have a characteristic smell , however as it is transformed it can take on a slightly yellowish color, this being the final color that it acquires and is presented when making or buying it.

In the case of the smell, this usually varies , since it can have a characteristic camphor smell, or in some cases it can have a color very similar to that of freshly cut wood, or a little damp.

Scientific name of eucalyptus oil

The scientific name of this plant is Eucalyptus , which comes from a genus of trees in a large family called Mitaceae. Others are spread from this species, which tend to have many properties. These are the most important:

Eucalyptus polybractea: it is known as Malle Azul, and it is a small tree from which the oil, whether pure or distilled, can be very rich in cineole.
Eucalyptus globulus: it is a species that receives great attention from botanists since its oil is the most used, its cineole content is 70%.
Eucalyptus radiata: it is known as narrow leaf mint and it is a medium tree that contains up to 70% cieneol, it also has a super refreshing aroma.
Eucalyptus citriodora: also called lemon-scented gum, it is a tree which has a large amount of citronella, a compound that is used for industrial purposes and to make perfumes.

Chemical composition of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has a large number of compounds that are responsible for making it so apt to combat many health problems. These are the most prominent compounds in the oil:

B-pinene.
A-felandreno.
8 cineo.
Terpinene 4-ol.

It should be noted that crude eucalyptus oil contains much more compounds than distilled oil . When raw it can have up to 80% cineole, while distilled oil can have up to 60%.

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How is eucalyptus oil extracted?

Eucalyptus oil is extracted through distillation , which is obtained from fresh leaves or partially dried green branches. This happens thanks to the steam that is generated to release the oil.

Similarly, despite the fact that there are many factories that are responsible for making this type of oil automatically, there are many ways to prepare this oil at home to have it at home in a more economical and natural way.

Active principles of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is rich in flavonoids , its active principle has expectorant, bactericidal and healing properties which can greatly improve the body.

If it is consumed in infusions or in oils, it can calm many respiratory problems since it provides an almost immediate decongestion in the respiratory tract, which provides a feeling of relief and relief.

Benefits and properties of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil contains a large number of benefits that can improve maintaining a healthy body, avoiding many serious health problems, all thanks to the antibacterial power it has.

In the same way, it has the ability to relieve muscle pain , which is highly recommended in athletes and sportsmen. It also improves dental health by eliminating bacteria from the mouth, preventing bad breath and infections.

It can also stimulate the mind , causing relaxation and getting rid of mental exhaustion after a hard day of work, it also improves blood flow in the brain, causing calm and oxygenation.

It is good for hair, how to use it?

Hair can be improved thanks to eucalyptus oil , this works by combining it with a little coconut oil or olive oil. Once applied to the hair, it will provide moisture, nourishing it completely.

In the same way, it eliminates dandruff and the itching that usually exists on the scalp when it is very dry, it is also used as a natural remedy to eliminate lice, which can normally be seen in children.

If you want more information on the subject, discover it in Natural Remedies for Dandruff

What benefits does it bring for the skin and face?

Eucalyptus oil can help with its healing properties to improve the appearance of wounds, it also has the ability to regenerate the skin, allowing problems such as wounds, cuts, blisters and bruises to heal quickly.

Treating allergy skin rashes can be cured thanks to eucalyptus, the same happens with insect bites, herpes, chicken pox and acne, as it can eliminate excess oil in the hair follicles.

If you want to obtain a much more effective result, you can mix eucalyptus oil with a little apple cider vinegar , so that it can become a much more powerful helper to protect the skin.

Serves to lose weight eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus in combination with pineapple can help eliminate excess fat in the body, while pineapple provides diuretic and cleansing properties, while eucalyptus helps to level blood sugar.

Making an infusion of these two ingredients can become a key point to lose weight, you should mix a liter of eucalyptus tea, three slices of pineapple and some lemon juice, or failing that, a sweetener.

Everything is mixed in the blender and taken on an empty stomach, since in this way the body has the ability to absorb all the nutrients much faster. On an empty stomach, drink half a liter, and the other half a liter is taken throughout the day.

It is not recommended to consume this treatment for more than three weeks , after this time rest a month, and then resume again with the treatment, it is necessary to emphasize that this is only an extra help to lose weight, it is necessary to have a healthy life and active, with an hour of daily exercises and at least a balanced diet to achieve the desired body.

In the same way, a cream can be prepared to help reduce the belly , this must be mixed with a little natural moisturizer and a leaf of aloe vera, for this half a cup of eucalyptus and the juice of a lemon are used.

The cream is added in a jar, and a leaf of aloe is washed, the gel is extracted, the cream is added and everything is stirred very well, the glass of eucalyptus is added and stirred once more, finally the Lemon juice is mixed and stored in a cool dark place, you can apply it in the morning and at night and wait for it to dry.

More information on this topic with Green Juice Recipes to LOSE WEIGHT quickly !!!

Pregnancy and eucalyptus oil

Until now there is no proof that eucalyptus oil can be harmful to pregnancy , however it is recommended that it not be used until after the third month of pregnancy, any oil used before this time can cause miscarriage.

In the case that it is used, it is necessary to buy a 100% natural one , many of those sold in the pharmacy are usually synthetic and not very favorable, attending a naturopathic center can be much more effective to get natural oil.

It should always be borne in mind that this type of oil must be combined with a conductor , in addition to being used in small quantities, about 4 drops for use in baths, and about 6 drops for use on the skin.

These oils should not be used for more than ten days , however, you can consult your doctor to indicate the necessary time and that the oil does not affect the baby throughout its development.

Enter and read this important article Yellow discharge during pregnancy: Causes, Consequences, Symptoms and Cases

Is eucalyptus oil good for babies and children?

Although eucalyptus oil has a large number of benefits for the body, it is not recommended that it be used in children under 10 years of age , because due to its high content of cinoele it can cause problems and alterations in the central nervous system, as well same as impairing your breathing.

The oil can be very harsh on the skin of babies and young children, it can cause severe irritations and burning of the skin. If ingested, it can cause diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, with great side effects. Being able to cause seizures or even make the child fall into a coma.

Eucalyptus oil against mosquitoes and other insects

Driving away mosquitoes from the home and from the skin can be quite simple using eucalyptus, a kind of natural repellent must be developed that will provide a good aroma to where it is applied and ward off these annoying insects.

Ingredients:

Eucalyptus essential oil.
A glass of water.

Preparation and use:

Mix 6 drops of the essential oil with a glass of water and add it to a spray bottle.
It is sprayed in the area where there are usually more mosquitoes.

If you want to increase the power, several bowls are placed around the house in which you can apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil, it is recommended that it be in corners, terraces and windows, in this way the insects will disappear from the home.

Check out our article on Citronella

Cosmetic uses of eucalyptus oil

One of the things that eucalyptus oil stands out for is that it has a host of cosmetic properties that can be good for improving many aspects of the skin. These are the most common uses:

Improve poor circulation and cellulite thanks to homemade bandages.
Eliminates dandruff.
Decongests the skin, refreshes it and provides it with oxygen.
Regulates oily hair.
Eliminates odors by acting as a deodorant.
Improves nail growth.
Eliminates oil from the skin.

Medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus has expectorant properties , which can help treat all kinds of flu and colds, in the same way it happens with asthma and bronchitis. You can also create mist with eucalyptus oil to treat problems like pharyngitis, congestion, and tonsillitis.

If it is rinsed with a little eucalyptus it can calm gingivitis , and applied to the vagina it will eliminate bacteria and infections that usually occur in the urinary tract, as well as cystitis.

If applied with plasters it can help treat certain cases of dermatitis , it can also reduce fever and eliminate headaches thanks to its inflammatory power. This last property makes it ideal for treating arthritis, osteoarthritis or the different types of muscle pain that you may have.

Here you can learn more about Headaches and Migraines: Remedies, Treatments, Causes and Types

For asthma and cough it is good

For problems with asthma, eucalyptus oil can help, since it has an expectorant property that can soothe the respiratory tract, it is necessary that a few drops of this essential oil be added to a bowl of hot water.

Then the steam is inhaled, with this the oil will treat the respiratory tract and allow the secretions that normally may be in the respiratory tract to be released, improving breathing and ending asthma problems.

Helps against sinusitis

Eucalyptus can eliminate annoying sinusitis , it works to reduce inflammation of the sinuses and helps eliminate excess mucus that may be in the area, for that reason it can be used to improve health.

A handful of leaves should be boiled in hot water, then the vapors are aspirated by placing the head on the pot or container where the water is, covered with a towel or cloth so that the steam does not escape.

Orange essential oil against cancer, is it good?

It is believed that eucalyptus has the ability to eliminate cancer cells that can form in certain areas of the body, for that reason the possibility of tumors being created is reduced.

This is still under review, and for that reason it is expected that this type of oil can solve these types of problems in the body, preventing more cells from appearing in the body.

How is eucalyptus oil used for massages?

Eucalyptus oil can be used to apply massages, in the case of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it can end inflammation and joint pain , improving mobility.

In the same way, a back massage with this oil can be revitalizing, improving and relieving pain that may be in the spine, and relaxing the body before going to rest, guaranteeing a much deeper sleep.

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Aromatherapy and eucalyptus oil

Aromatherapy with the help of eucalyptus can help with mental health, as it relaxes and alleviates the mental exhaustion that can be had, as well as provides a great amount of relief for times of stress.

Placing a few drops in a diffuser can improve concentration and provide a relaxing effect on the body, in the same way natural mist can be made so that the inhaled aroma can help improve health.

Where to buy Eucalyptus Essential Oil?

You can find eucalyptus essential oil on Amazon , the largest list and we also include:

Eucalyptus Essential Oil – 100ml – 100% Pure
Naissance Blue Eucalyptus – 100% Pure Essential Oil – 50ml
Eucalyptus – Essential oil – 100% Pure – 10 ml
Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil 10Ml Pranarom

How to make homemade eucalyptus oil?

Preparing eucalyptus oil is very easy, you need to have fresh leaves, they cannot be dry since they do not retain their properties. The leaves must be crushed with the hands, they are crushed and as much oil as possible is extracted.

The crushed leaves are placed and a pot is removed, they are incorporated into a cup and a cup of almond oil is added for every 10 grams of leaves. It is placed over low heat and left for five hours so that all the ingredients combine well.

Once ready, strain it with a cotton cloth and pour it into an airtight container, once strained add a few drops of vitamin E and close the bottle, it should be stored in a dry and dark place.

Side effects of eucalyptus oil

If eucalyptus oil is not applied correctly it can cause a lot of problems in the body, here are some of the effects:

It can cause dermatitis, eczema and itching.
They also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
In excessive doses they can cause tachycardia and dizziness.

Eucalyptus oil safety data sheet

Hazard statements

Flammable liquid and vapor.
May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
May produce an alergic reaction on the skin.
Toxic for the acuatic organisms, with lasting noxious efects.

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Prudent advice

Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and any other source of ignition. No Smoking.
To avoid it’s releasing into the environment.
Wear protective gloves / goggles.

Precautionary statements – answer

IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water / shower.
In case of skin irritation or rash: consult a doctor.

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Kathie Sand

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.