fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Australia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Breathing
Concentration
Minor wounds
Skin conditions
fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Australia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Breathing
Concentration
Minor wounds
Skin conditions
Whether you use it to keep your home healthy year-round or reach for it during cold and flu season, eucalyptus is one of the ideal oils to help you fend off viruses and bacteria and ease an aching body. But those aren’t its only claims to fame—it can also clarify your skin. This is one essential oil you’ll definitely want to keep in stock.
The thought of eucalyptus might bring to mind koalas munching slowly on leafy branches, a familiar identity that goes with this native Australian tree, also known as blue gum. Its leaves are distilled into one of the most popular oils for colds and flu.
Eucalyptus oil transmits a sense of calm concentration.
The distinctively bright, sweet, and fruity scent of eucalyptus, common in potpourris and dried flower arrangements, is captured in a clear or pale-yellow oil.
Not only is eucalyptus oil’s aroma refreshing to breathe in, it may also help you:
• Relieve aches and pains. Adding 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus to a hot compress or massage oil may help increase blood flow and ease pain.
• Feel calm. Eucalyptus oil transmits a sense of calm concentration.
• Protect your skin. Eucalyptus oil is both antibacterial and antifungal, good for skincare products and wound treatment.
• Breathe easy. Inhaling eucalyptus may loosen mucus and clear up congestion.
One of Many
This particular variety (Eucalyptus globulus) isn’t the only eucalyptus essential oil—it’s just the most common. You can also find E. citriodora, E. dives, E. radiata, E. smithii, and E. staigeriana, all having slightly to very different benefits.
Take advantage of the many benefits of eucalyptus oil by adding it to:
• Massage oils. Whether you massage eucalyptus onto sore muscles or a congested chest, it may help open things up.
• Diffusers or inhalers. Diffusing eucalyptus oil will clear a room of nasty bacteria and viruses, while inhaling will help open airways.
• Soaps and lotions. Add 1 drop of eucalyptus to your unscented face wash or moisturizer to help your skin stay clear and radiant.
• Balms and salves. Make the most of this oil’s antibacterial properties by adding it to wound salves.
Diffusing eucalyptus oil may help clear a room of nasty bacteria and viruses.
A Natural Disinfectant
Antiviral eucalyptus may come in handy during cold and flu season. This oil is highly effective, and recommended, when diffused to clear the air of bacteria and prevent flu and colds or speed the time of healing when already ill.
Some blending combinations for eucalyptus oil include: bay, camphor, cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, lavender, lemon, ginger, orange, peppermint, pine, rosemary, spearmint, and tea tree.
Keep these tips in mind when using eucalyptus oil:
• Test your tolerance. Those who have sensitive or inflamed skin may find eucalyptus irritating.
• Use with caution. Children younger than the age of 3 have sensitive lungs, so avoid or use very low concentrations of eucalyptus topically or inhaled.
• Don’t overdo it. Eucalyptus is more effective at lower concentrations, where it is just at a level of detection. Less is more, so dilute it well.