Eucalyptus Oil: 8 Uses & Benefits You Should Know

Native to Australia, Eucalyptus and eucalyptus oil are used medicinally all over the world. Eucalyptus essential oil contains a chemical called cineole. It’s an organic compound shown to hold remarkable widespread medicinal effects. (1) However, eucalyptus oil does more than just help heal the body. It also works great for various cleaning projects in your home. For more about the many wonderful uses of eucalyptus essential oil, read below. (2)

Here are 8 uses and benefits of eucalyptus oil you should know:

1. Cold & Flu

Try using eucalyptus oil as an expectorant when you’re sick. Not only will it help clear congestion, it will also cleanse your body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. (3) Try adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil into your diffuser before bedtime. Doing so will enable you to reap the healing benefits all night long. If you’re really stuffed up, try a steam bath. Pour a cup of boiling water into a bowl and mix in 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. Take care to not burn yourself, of course.

2. Hair Nourishment

Eucalyptus oil offers a few different benefits for your hair. For example, a few drops of it mixed with coconut oil or olive oil makes for a great hair moisturizer. Furthermore, it works great against dandruff and itchy scalp. And lastly, eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent natural lice treatment. (4)

3. Hand Cleaner

Does your job leave you covered in grease and grime? Try using eucalyptus essential oil! Mix it with sea salt and Epsom salt in a bath to remove tough grime from your body. (5)

4. Sinus and Allergies

Particularly if you suffer from rhinitis, eucalyptus oil is a fantastic remedy for seasonal allergies and inflammation. (6) The next time your nasal passages are blocked and inflamed, try diffusing eucalyptus essential oil or using it in a steam bath to help alleviate symptoms.

5. Basic Home Care

Eucalyptus essential oil truly is a versatile product. Not only does it add a delightful fragrance to your home and fight bad odors, but it also offers anti-microbial properties. Use a few drops in your mop water, your laundry, or your toilet. Furthermore, eucalyptus essential oil can be used to remove spots on your carpet, clothes, or almost every fabric you have. Just be sure you test it first on an inconspicuous spot to safeguard against damaging the material. For a powerhouse odor-fighting combo, try mixing eucalyptus essential oil with lemon oil or tea tree oil. (7)

6. Deep Cleanser

Cleaning your basic surfaces is one thing, but even your cleaning machines need to be cleaned! Don’t neglect your vacuum and your dryer. Put a few drops into your vacuum and clothes dryer filters to sanitize them. Additionally, keeping eucalyptus in the air will help keep your home from growing mold. (8)

7. Respiratory Problems

Eucalyptus oil is extremely effective for easing respiratory issues. For example, it's a great natural treatment for asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia and tuberculosis. For asthma, eucalyptus dilates the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen into the lungs. (9, 10) You can make your own vapor rub by mixing eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils with coconut oil.

8. Wound Treatment

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. As such, it’s effective at treating wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores and scrapes. In a salve form, it’ll help the area from getting infected, which will speed up the healing process. (11)