I don’t know about you, for a while in college I went through a phase of trying just about every essential oil I could get my hands on. I would buy for stress relief, headache relief, cramp relief, the list goes on and on. However, if I had done just a little more research, I would have come to realize just how versatile essential oils are and that I didn’t need to throw every oil in my virtual cart. Case in point, there are five everyday uses for eucalyptus oil.
I am sure at one point or another, you have tried a bottle of eucalyptus oil yourself, but if you are unfamiliar with this versatile product, let me break it down for you. Initially grown in Australia, eucalyptus has long been used as a traditional remedy there. However, it has slowly transferred its popularity into the states.
Now, let’s talk about five of the best uses for eucalyptus oil.
Headaches
With its crisp medicinal scent and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the most common uses for eucalyptus oil is for headache relief, especially if you happen to suffer from chronic sinus issues. Not only can its active scent help perk you up mentally, but it can also help decrease feelings of sinus pressure. And, if you want to take it one step further, you can combine eucalyptus with other headache-relieving oils such as peppermint and lavender to create an effective, customized headache blend.
Coughs
Eucalyptus has long been hailed as a natural alternative for treating respiratory illness and coughs. It is most commonly linked to the scent of vapor rub, but don’t be fooled: eucalyptus essential oil doesn’t contain actual menthol. But, with its numerous antimicrobial properties and its ability to help clear airways, it can be an effective way to deal with irritating cough symptoms.
When using it as a cough antidote, it is best to diffuse it into the air, on an inhaler stick, or even in the form of a homemade chest rub. Here are some easy recipes to get you started.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Many might not know this, but due to its high cineole content, eucalyptus can aid with muscle and joint pain as well. Because of its well-documented pain-relieving abilities, consider using it the next time you’re dealing with sore muscles and joints after a tough workout. You can even add this oil with some Epsom salts for a relaxing and therapeutic bath.
Respiratory Illness
The next time you are searching for an oil that is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus should be considered when combating respiratory illnesses, according to NCBI.
Because of its capability to help increase air flow and clear up inhalation, not only is it useful at fighting off illnesses, but it can also help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory ailments, like cough, fever, shaky chills and shortness of breath. When dealing with respiratory issues, why not pull out that diffuser and stream eucalyptus throughout your home?
Boosting Immunity
You know that feeling you aren’t sure that you are sick, but you still feel completely depleted of energy anyway? This is a clear sign that your immune system requires a natural boost, as it is most likely trying to fight off any illnesses. Eucalyptus essential oil helps boost the immune system. Specifically, it is thought to help fend off common illnesses like colds and the flu, among other ailments. So next time you’re not feeling 100 percent, sis, grab the eucalyptus oil and keep it on hand to enjoy its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties.
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