Eucalyptus oil: properties and uses

Today, people are increasingly abandoning pharmaceutical drugs and resorting to natural remedies to take care of themselves and treat certain diseases. One such product is eucalyptus leaf oil. The squeeze from the plant has not only a pleasant aroma, but also beneficial properties. However, before using the product, you should study the nuances of its use, and most importantly, contraindications.

What is eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is a squeeze from the leaves and young shoots of the plant of the same name. The product is obtained by hydrodistillation, due to which it retains all the beneficial properties of the original raw material. The main stages of production are:

1. Collection of leaves.
2. Grinding the feedstock so that the particle size does not exceed 5 mm.
3. Laying out the leaves along the bottom of the flask.
4. Filling raw materials with water.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil.
6. Cooling the resulting steam in the refrigerator.
7. Transfer the product into a special glass.
8. Removal of water and accumulation of oil on the surface of the container.

Eucalyptus oil is essential, which means it is most often used in combination with other ingredients. The product has a pronounced coniferous, tart and cooling aroma. The color of the product is usually slightly yellowish or completely absent.

Interestingly, to obtain 3–5 liters of oil you will need a ton of initial raw materials. This is why a quality product cannot be cheap.

Chemical composition

The main components of the eucalyptus ester composition are:

• Cineole. Content in the product is 75%-80%. It is the main active component of the product. The substance has pronounced antiseptic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Coumaric and cinnamic organic acids. Improves the functioning of internal organs and accelerates metabolism.
• Tannins.
• Vitamins C, E, PP and group B.
• Minerals:
  • boron,
  • iron,
  • potassium,
  • calcium,
  • cobalt,
  • silicon,
  • magnesium,
  • manganese,
  • copper,
  • nickel.
• Wax.

Useful Properties

Eucalyptus oil has the following effects on the body:

• Relaxes and relieves fatigue accumulated during the day. Aromatherapy using eucalyptus oil helps cope with stress and prevent depression.
• Restores after illnesses. The product has a powerful tonic effect, thanks to which its use will help you quickly get into shape after a long stay in a passive state.
• Strengthens the immune system. This is especially true during periods of exacerbation of seasonal diseases: autumn and spring. During these times of year, it is recommended to use eucalyptus oil daily for bathing, rubbing and in an aroma lamp.
• Improves potency and increases libido. Regular use of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy combats lack of sexual desire caused by illness, chronic fatigue and a passive lifestyle. It should be borne in mind that in case of hormonal imbalances, the product will not give the desired result.
• Improves concentration and ability to remember information.
• Enriches cells with oxygen. Thanks to this, all internal organs function better.
• Combats excessive sleepiness. An aroma lamp with eucalyptus oil after waking up is a great way to invigorate.
• Relieves swelling and itching in areas of insect bites. In addition, a few drops of ether applied to clothing will help repel mosquitoes.
• Fights unpleasant odors. Eucalyptus oil has a deodorizing effect on the skin, due to which it is often used in the production of antiperspirants and other products to eliminate sweat. Interestingly, ether is also used to aromatize rooms to get rid of unpleasant odors.
• Helps with coughing, removes accumulated mucus from the respiratory system.
• Fights diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, such as thrush, herpes and others. For gum pathologies, 1-2 drops of ether are added to the toothpaste before each brushing of teeth to quickly relieve inflammation.
• Promotes rapid healing of wounds, burns and other damage to the skin.
• Fights diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes, flu and others.
• Reduces elevated temperature.
• Helps in the fight against pediculosis (lice).
• Helps eliminate pain in the joints and spine.
• Helps in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and others.

Features of selection and storage

When choosing eucalyptus oil, pay attention to the following criteria:

• Shop. Do not order the product on the Internet. This way, you risk getting a fake because you won’t be able to smell or see the color of the product.
• Color. True eucalyptus ether has a barely noticeable yellow tint or is completely transparent.
• Smell. The squeeze from eucalyptus leaves smells strongly of pine needles.
• Texture. Eucalyptus ester has strong fluidity and is easily absorbed.
• Manufacturer. Give preference to broadcasts made in Australia, Spain, Portugal and the USA.

Eucalyptus oil has a shelf life of 1 year from the moment you open it. Of course, this is only relevant if the storage conditions are met: the product is in a room where the air temperature does not exceed 20^оC. In addition, try to protect the ether from sunlight.

Side Effects and Precautions

Eucalyptus oil is recognized as a strong allergen. In this regard, if the product is used incorrectly or contraindications are ignored, the following side effects may occur:

• rash and burning at the application sites,
• complication of the respiratory process,
• nausea,
• headache,
• increased heart rate,
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract,
• deterioration in the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

If at least one of the listed symptoms appears, stop using the product immediately. If side effects do not go away, you should consult a doctor.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, observe the following precautions:

• Do not allow ether to come into contact with mucous membranes. If this happens, rinse the affected area with plenty of water.
• If you have pets, you should not use the oil to scent rooms. You should also avoid getting the product on your pet's skin. The consequences of ignoring these recommendations can be dire.
• Do not increase the dosage. Use eucalyptus ether in the amount specified in the recipe.
• Do not use expired product. Such experiments can lead to serious consequences: from slight redness to serious damage to the skin.
• Test for an allergic reaction: apply a little ether or a product based on it on your wrist. If after a day there is no irritation, feel free to use the product. It is necessary to perform a test every time you change the manufacturer of the oil or prepare a new composition with it.

Contraindications to use

Eucalyptus leaf squeeze has certain contraindications:

• excessive sensitivity of the skin,
• increased skin dryness,
• tendency to develop allergies,
• lactation period,
• first 90 days of pregnancy,
• bronchial asthma,
• children under 6 years of age.
• whooping cough,
• thinning of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract,
• period of chemotherapy,
• epilepsy,
• high blood pressure,
• individual intolerance.

Even if you do not have the listed pathologies, you should consult with a specialist before you start using ether regularly. The doctor will tell you whether you should use the product for any purpose.

Compatibility with other aromatic oils

Eucalyptus extract goes well with esters made from the following products:

• Citrus fruits: neroli, lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine and others.
• Geranium.
• Cedar.
• Vetiver.
• Rose flower.
• Marjoram.
• Lavender.
• Rosemary.
• Pine.
• Tea tree.
• Tumbles.
• Melissa.

It is not recommended to combine more than three esters at a time.

Use of eucalyptus leaf extract

Eucalyptus ether is widely used in folk medicine and home cosmetology. In addition, the use of the product for children and pregnant women deserves special attention.

For pregnant women

During pregnancy, it will be useful to use a squeeze of eucalyptus leaves, but only in very moderate dosages. The product helps to lift your mood, relieve tension and improve immunity. In addition, ether has the following effects on a pregnant woman:

• prevents the occurrence of bacterial and viral diseases,
• relieves insomnia,
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.

It is interesting that eucalyptus oil affects the body of a person in a delicate situation much more carefully than pharmaceutical drugs. That is why, for colds, increased excitability, insomnia and other unpleasant conditions, it is recommended to first use ether, and, if necessary, move on to more serious measures. The safest methods of using eucalyptus squeeze during pregnancy are:

• Inhalations. Add 2-3 drops of ether to hot water and breathe over the steam for 10 minutes. Do it once a day for the treatment and prevention of colds.
• Massage. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus ether to the base oil (olive, peach or other). It is recommended to carry out the procedure 1-2 times a week to prevent tissue stagnation (including cellulite), which often occurs during pregnancy.

• Rubbing.
• Using an aroma lamp and a spray bottle with an ether solution. In this case, the woman should not enter the room for the first half hour of operation of the device or after spraying. Do it no more than twice a week.
• Rinse your mouth and throat. A drop of eucalyptus oil will be enough for 1 glass of plain water. For diseases of the oral cavity, you can rinse twice a day.
• Compresses.
• Adding ether to a warm bath. 2-3 drops at a time is enough. Perform the procedure no more than once a week to maintain general tone, improve sleep quality and prevent colds.

When using eucalyptus ether during pregnancy, certain precautions should be observed (in addition to those listed above):

• Do not use ether during the first trimester.
• Do not use eucalyptus leaf extract internally. Such experiments can lead to irreparable consequences, including miscarriage.

For children

There are certain nuances of using eucalyptus ether for children:

• The product should not be used on a child under 6 years of age.
• Children who have at least one of the above contraindications should not use eucalyptus leaf extract.

Most often, ether is used for a child in the following way:

• They do inhalations. They treat colds, to which fragile children's bodies are most susceptible. It is recommended to conduct 1–2 sessions per day. It is important to note that the dosage for a child will be small: 1 drop of oil per liter of hot water.
• Perform spot application. If a child has been bitten by a mosquito or other insect, prepare a mixture of 20 g of nourishing cream and 2 drops of eucalyptus leaf extract. Lubricate the affected area with the resulting product twice a day.

• Taking a bath. For 1 procedure you will need 4-5 drops of ether. Simply add eucalyptus oil to warm water. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. It is recommended to take a bath in this way 1-2 times every 10 days. The session helps strengthen the immune system and is an excellent prevention of colds.
• Perform a massage. Mix 2 tbsp. almond oil with esters: lavender - 3 drops, eucalyptus - 2 drops, tea tree - 1 drop. Rub the mixture onto your baby's chest. The procedure helps with respiratory diseases and decreased activity of the child. You can massage 1-2 times a week.

Eucalyptus oil in home cosmetology

Eucalyptus oil is used for home care for skin, hair and nails.

For the skin

Eucalyptus leaf extract is used in skin care for the following purposes:

• Fighting acne. Dilute the essential oil with peach oil in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the resulting product to the inflamed areas 3-4 times a day. With regular use of the composition, pimples noticeably dry out.

• Care for aging skin. Dilute 2-3 drops of eucalyptus ether in 300 ml of plain water. Pour the resulting product into ice molds and place them in the freezer. Wipe your face with the prepared cubes in the morning. Eucalyptus ice increases skin elasticity and smoothes out wrinkles.
• Fight against pigmentation. Mix almond oil and eucalyptus ether in a ratio of 10:1. Lubricate your face with the resulting product once a day. You can use the product constantly, taking a break for a week once every 1 months.
• Against oily skin. Combine egg white with a teaspoon of lemon juice and three drops of eucalyptus ether. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for a third of an hour. After the allotted time has passed, wash your face with plain water. Use the mask once every 1 days.

• Prevention of sagging skin. Mix 1 tbsp. oat flour (you can grind the flakes in a coffee grinder) with 4 tbsp. curdled milk, 1 grated apple and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Leave the resulting composition on your face for half an hour. Use the mask once every 1 days.

• Fighting rashes all over the body. This problem is most often encountered during adolescence and pregnancy. Fill the bath with warm water and add 1 kg of sea salt, 7-9 drops of eucalyptus leaf extract and 3-4 drops of rosemary oil (pre-dissolve in 20 ml of heavy cream). Carrying out the procedure 1-2 times a week will reduce the number of rashes and make the skin surface smoother and more even. Baths are given in courses of 15–20 sessions, and then rest for 15 days. At the end of the break, you can repeat the treatment.

For hair

Eucalyptus extract in hair care is most often used in masks. Try the following recipes:

• 2 tsp natural honey, 2 tsp. burdock oil, 1 tsp. mustard powder, 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Mix the composition, apply it to your curls and leave for a quarter of an hour. After the allotted time has passed, rinse off the product with plenty of water and shampoo. The mask stimulates hair growth and fights hair fragility. Use the recipe once a week for two months, then stop for 1 days and, if necessary, resume the course.

• 6 tbsp. low-fat kefir, 1 tsp. extracts from eucalyptus leaves. Lightly heat the fermented milk product (but do not allow it to curdle) and pour in the ether. Apply the resulting mask to the root zone, and distribute the remainder throughout the curls. After an hour, wash off the product. Use the recipe once every 1 days on an ongoing basis. The mask is ideal for caring for oily hair, since its regular use helps normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands.

• 3 tsp apple vinegar or lemon juice, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus ether. Apply the resulting product to damp hair, paying special attention to the ends. The mask can be left overnight, but for this it is advisable to wear a plastic cap. It is recommended to use the product once a week. The mask is designed to combat split ends.

For nails

To strengthen your nails and soften your cuticles, before each manicure procedure, make a hand bath with a few drops of eucalyptus ether. Squeezing helps:

• eliminating brittleness of the nail plate,
• combating fungal diseases of the skin and nails,
• softening the skin of the hands.

One of the options for hand baths is prepared on the basis of gelatin. A tablespoon of the latter is stirred in a glass of water, the liquid is poured into a saucepan and put on fire. When the gelatin dissolves, add eucalyptus oil to the container. This bath is especially effective for split nails.

In folk medicine

Eucalyptus extract is widely used in folk medicine. The product is used for:

• Treatment of a runny nose. There are several methods of influence for this purpose:
  • Lubrication of the nostrils. Melt a few teaspoons of Vaseline in a water bath, add 3 drops of essential oils of mint, eucalyptus and tea tree to the mixture. Lubricate the nostrils with the resulting product several times a day until symptoms relieve.

• • Bath. Heat a liter of milk with a tablespoon of honey. Dissolve 10 drops of eucalyptus ether in 20 ml of heavy cream. Mix the resulting liquids together and pour them into a bathtub filled with warm water. Session duration is 20 minutes. After completing the procedure, rest for an hour, preferably in a lying position. It is recommended to take such a bath daily until the runny nose goes away.

• Cough treatment. In this case, inhalations are performed:
  • To combat dry cough. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus extract to a liter of boiling water. Breathe over the vapors with your mouth for 10–15 minutes. Perform a session once a day.
  • To combat wet cough. Add 5 drops of tea tree ether to the previous recipe.
• Treatment of burns. Combine 100 ml of hot water with 30 ml of eucalyptus leaf extract. Dip the bandage into the resulting liquid. Apply the latter to the affected skin and wait 15 minutes. Continue this procedure until the burn heals.
• Prevention of varicose veins. Mix 60 ml of olive or other base oil with 4 drops of lemon balm ether and 6 drops of eucalyptus leaf extract. Wash your feet, place a thick pillow under them and rub the resulting mixture into the skin, performing a light massage. Move in the direction from bottom to top. If there is a hereditary predisposition, perform the procedure every other day.

• Relief of toothache. In 30 ml of warm water, stir (as much as possible) 5 drops of eucalyptus leaf extract. Soak cotton wool in the resulting liquid and apply it to the sore tooth for a quarter of an hour.
• Treatment of purulent wounds. Melt 15 g of lard in any convenient way. Add 20 ml of eucalyptus ether to the latter. Lubricate purulent wounds with the resulting mixture once a day before going to bed in a thick layer. Do this until the damage heals.

• Healing of trophic ulcers. Mix the yolk of one egg with 20 ml of eucalyptus, sea buckthorn and lavender oils. Soak gauze with the resulting mixture and apply it to the affected areas. The duration of the procedure is half an hour. The frequency of the session is 3 times a week. You can apply the compress regularly, but every 20 procedures should be interrupted for 7 days.

• Treatment of bleeding ulcers. Combine nettle infusion (pour 30 g of fresh herbs with a glass of boiling water and leave for a third of an hour) with 10 ml of eucalyptus leaf extract. Soak a bandage with the resulting liquid and apply to the ulcers for 15 minutes daily. This must be done until the damage is completely healed.

• Relieving symptoms of chronic fatigue. Several methods are used for this purpose:
  • Oil burner. Add 3-4 drops of eucalyptus ether to the water and light the candle located at the bottom of the device. Do this every time you feel very tired. The aroma lamp also helps relieve headaches.
  • Aromatization of the room. Combine a liter of water and 6-7 drops of eucalyptus leaf oil. Place the liquid in a spray bottle. Spray water indoors every 3-4 hours. You will feel less tired at the end of the working day.
  • Aroma bath. Fill the bath with water whose temperature does not exceed 37–40^оC. Add foam, a kilogram of sea salt and 10 drops of eucalyptus leaf extract. Perform the procedure 1-2 times every 7 days.

• Diabetes treatment. Pour a drop of ether into 30 ml of heated milk. Drink the resulting liquid. Take 2 times a day. A squeeze of eucalyptus leaves, when used internally, reduces blood sugar levels and provokes the production of insulin.

• Treatment of thrush and cystitis. For this purpose, douching is done: take 200 drop of oil per 1 ml of warm boiled water. Don't forget to thoroughly sterilize your instruments. It is recommended to do douching once a day. You can also wash yourself with the same solution 1 times a day, which will be especially effective for treating colpitis.

Remember that eucalyptus oil is not a panacea for fighting diseases. The product can be used exclusively as an aid, without ignoring the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Reviews about the use of eucalyptus oil

Everything is as simple as a steamed turnip - add 5 drops of ether to a single portion of balm and apply to your hair. Everything is as usual. We wait a couple of minutes and wash off. The effect is noticeable from the first time: the hair shines, is easier to comb, takes longer to get dirty and smells pleasant. And not a single mosquito will fly to your head, because they hate the smell of eucalyptus!

Woke up in the morning with a sore or sore throat? Do a rinse! I dilute about 5 drops of eucalyptus oil into about half a glass of warm water and off we go. You can also inhale the vapor from the glass for 10 minutes - the nasopharynx will also clear. The oil does not smell like daisies, but the procedure relieves even the most severe sore throat!

My dad used eucalyptus oil to treat nail fungus. Now almost a year later, no one even believes that he suffered from this disease. The nail has completely grown back and is now completely healthy. But as a preventive measure, he uses it once a week.

I add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to a tablespoon of any cosmetic oil (I prefer almond or peach) and massage the areas where cellulite has formed until completely absorbed, about 5 minutes. It is good to do a massage with a mitten; it softens and smoothes the skin, and is especially useful during pregnancy.

But the main effect of eucalyptus oil is its stimulating effect. After it, so much strength appears that you are ready to move mountains. Therefore, it will be a great help for melancholic and slow people like me.

Eucalyptus oil is widely used in several areas: home cosmetology and traditional medicine. Using the product you can overcome some diseases, as well as improve the condition of your skin, hair and nails. Despite all the beneficial properties, ether has a number of contraindications that should never be ignored. If you have serious chronic diseases, be sure to consult your doctor before starting to use the product.