An evergreen plant native to Australia, Eucalyptus has long been used in medicinal treatment by cultures across the globe, including the Greeks, Chinese and Europeans. The Eucalyptus plant has a host of powerful medicinal properties that makes it an ideal essential oil for a wide variety of ailments. 

But what are the specific benefits and uses of Eucalyptus oil? Read on to learn more. 

What Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil? 

Today, there are more than 700 different eucalyptus plant species in circulation, the most common of which is Eucalyptus globulus. Also known as blue gum, this tree is the primary source of Eucalyptus essential oil globally. 

To make Eucalyptus essential oil, the leaves of the gum tree must undergo a distillation process. The end result is a clear liquid sap that has a sweet, medicinal, woodsy aroma. Like other popular essential oils, 100% pure Eucalyptus essential oil is steam distilled.

Along with being cultivated to produce essential oil, the eucalyptus tree is used to produce paper, dyes and didgeridoos, a traditional Aboriginal instrument. Eucalyptus leaves are also used to help in prospecting, because gold deposits may be present in eucalyptus leaf and branches if gold below the surface comes into contact with the tree’s roots. 

Eucalyptus is also related to another native Australian plant and EO, Tea Tree oil. 

The Best Benefits And Uses For Eucalyptus Essential Oil

While Eucalyptus is powered by its entire chemical makeup, it’s primarily characterized by 1,8-cineole which gives it its soothing, spa-like medicinal aroma and these therapeutic benefits. 

Respiratory Support 

When it comes to breathing better, Eucalyptus essential oil is our go-to. This powerful aromatherapy oil is a common addition to over-the-counter cold relief remedies, and for good reasons:

• Highly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, Eucalyptus oil has been shown to help alleviate allergy symptoms or symptoms of the common cold (such as a stuffy nose or sore throat).

• All varieties of Eucalyptus essential oil we offer are rich in 1,8 cineole. Recent studies show that this constituent can help to clear airways and aid breathing.

All Eucalyptus varieties we offer can be used for congestion, but Eucalyptus globulus may be the best, as it contains the highest amount of 1,8 cineole.

When Eucalyptus essential oil is diffused and then inhaled, the oil reacts positively with the mucous membranes. Its pleasant aroma and anti inflammatory properties can provide several benefits, including:

• Loosen phlegm

• Clear sinus congestion

• Reduce lung irritation 

Be aware that Eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for young children.

HOW TO USE: Inhale Eucalyptus essential to help with respiratory conditions by way of diffusion, steaming or inhaling the oil directly using an essential oil scent strip.  

Memory

Scientists have found that 1,8-cineole helps to boost cognitive performance and memory. On a biochemistry level, this is because 1,8-cineole inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE)–a neurotransmitter that prevents too much acetylcholine (ACh) from developing. ACh is a neurotransmitter that’s linked to memory. When we’re young, this is a good thing but as we age, AChE tends to cause problems, such as–

• Alzheimer's disease

• Dementia

• Mild cognitive impairment

• Memory disorder

Therefore, Eucalyptus and other oils high in 1,8-cineole may be able to enhance memory. 

HOW TO USE: Add the following oils to your essential oil diffuser or personal pocket inhaler and inhale as needed– 5 drops Eucalyptus, 4 drops Spike Lavender, 3 drops Peppermint and 3 drops Sage.

Soothe Aches & Pains

While it’s many times overlooked, recovery after working out is a crucial part of a healthy exercise routine. On top of drinking plenty of water, stretching and eating a protein-filled meal after exercise, natural remedies can help restore the body in a variety of ways. 

• Inhalation of Eucalyptus essential oil was shown to reduce pain and lower blood pressure in hospitalized patients recovering from knee-replacement surgery.

• A recent study compared different methods of reducing fatigue after boxing. Inhalation of Rosemary (containing a significant amount of in 1,8-cineole) essential oil for 20 minutes was found to be more effective at reducing fatigue and stress hormones than massage, acupressure and static rest.

• Inhalation of Eucalyptus oil before swimming exercises correlated with a significant decrease in oxidative damage and lower inflammation after a workout, compared to test subjects who were not given Eucalyptus oil before exercise.

HOW TO USE: Along with hydrating, diffuse Eucalyptus oil for 15 minutes before and after your workout. Following your workout, dilute 18 drops of Eucalyptus in 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as Coconut oil, and apply topically to sore muscles and joint pain. 

Immune Boost

Your immune system helps you recover or fight off injury, sickness and disease. So, why wouldn’t you want to do everything in your power to bolster it? 

Eucalyptus essential oil has natural antibacterial properties that stimulate the immune system response. The previously mentioned study discovered that, “Eucalyptus extract is able to implement the innate cell-mediated immune response, providing scientific support for an additional use of this plant extract.” 

Eucalyptus can enhance your natural phagocytic response to pathogens such as:

• Bacteria

• Foreign particles

• Viruses 

HOW TO USE: To give your immune system an instant boost, simply put Eucalyptus essential oil in your diffuser and let it run as you prepare for sleep.  

What Oil Mixes Well With Eucalyptus?

When it comes to oils that create a well-balanced and gorgeous aroma, we suggest the following–

• Lavender or Geranium for a spa-like aroma

• Camphor or Ravintsara for a medicinal blend

• Peppermint or Spearmint for a refreshing synergy

• Lemon or Yuzu for a purifying combination

• Cassia or Ocotea for a spicy mixture
  
  

Where Can You Buy Eucalyptus Oil?

At Edens Garden, we offer a variety of high quality, 100% pure Eucalyptus oils including–

• Eucalyptus- Blue essential oil 

• Eucalyptus- Globulus essential oil 

• Eucalyptus- Radiata essential oil

• Eucalyptus- Smithii essential oil

• Eucalyptus Around The World essential oil

• Eucalyptus- Lemon essential oil 

• Eucalyptus Cardamom essential oil blend

Third-party GC/MS tested, essential oil chemists and our in-house aromatherapists analyze and ensure that each batch of oil that we offer is 100% pure and free of synthetics, toxins, pesticides, additives, fillers and other harmful chemicals. So you can rest assured that each product you receive from Edens Garden contains nothing but pure goodness.  

Sources:

1. Euclid. Species Index. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/euclid/text/entities/index.htm

2. Eucalyptus. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus

3. NCBI. Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374764/

4. The Role of Acetylcholine in Learning and Memory. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659740/

5. Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736918/

6. Anti-Fatigue, Antioxidation, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Eucalyptus Oil Aromatherapy in Swimming-Exercised Rats. www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30384399

7. Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703330

8. Effects of Different Recovery Methods on Postboxing Sparring Fatigue Substances and Stress Hormones. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6509461