As the stress of the pandemic continues to linger and people are turning to home remedies more than ever, it’s no surprise that essential oils have exploded in popularity. In fact, according to a 2021 report, the global essential oils market was valued at a whopping $18.6 billion in 2020, with numbers expected to climb over 7% per year through 2028. One of the most prevalently used essential oils is eucalyptus oil. If you tend to stick with your standard lavender and peppermint oils, eucalyptus oil might sound new and mysterious to you. So why should you start using it? How will it benefit you? And why should you include it in your stockpile of essential oils? Essential oils should never be seen as a replacement for traditional medicine prescribed by a doctor that you might need for a mental or physical health issue. But eucalyptus oil does have a handful of benefits—and we asked four experts to explain exactly what they are. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is eucalyptus oil?
According to Krupa Koestline, Clean Cosmetic Chemist and Founder of KKT Consultants, eucalyptus oil is extracted from eucalyptus leaves via steam distillation. She explains, “It’s widely used in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, natural oral care, personal care, skincare, and even in household cleaners.” Nancy Rodgers NCBTMB, IAC, a board-certified massage therapist, and Sue Cutshall, APRN, CNS, DNP, a certified aromatherapist, work in the integrative medicine department of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They share that eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, and there are over 600 known species. Eucalyptus oil is a very strong oil, both in scent and application, so it should be known that it needs to always be applied with a carrier oil. Otherwise, it could deeply irritate the skin. “[Eucalyptus oil] should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin,” advises Courtney Somer, founder of Lake & Skye, a vegan, cruelty-free fragrance company. “For example, you can use five drops per one ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil.”
10 benefits of eucalyptus oil
Deodorizes
Koestline says that eucalyptus oil is frequently used in natural deodorants, since it can help mask any odor while providing antimicrobial activity to reduce odor-causing bacteria. To deodorize, apply eucalyptus oil along with a carrier oil directly to the skin.
Promotes relaxation
“For at-home use, [eucalyptus oil] is great for aromatherapy,” Koestline shares. Somer says that eucalyptus oil has a “soothing, cooling smell” and “can be helpful to promote feelings of relaxation and a clear mind.” Put some in your diffuser and breathe in the calming aroma.
Improves scalp health
Eucalyptus oil can also improve dandruff. Koestline explains that it has “antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties,” two things that can help manage seborrheic dermatitis, or a scalp condition that causes scaly patches and dandruff, since it can reduce inflammation while targeting fungus. Add a few drops to some coconut oil, apply it to the scalp, and leave on for 20 minutes before washing your hair.
Prevents sunspots
Koestline says that because of eucalyptus oil’s antioxidant properties, it has “potential in mitigating photo-aging.” In other words, the oil can help prevent sunspots, or those pesky dark spots that can show up on your skin as you age. You can apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin using a cotton ball. To dilute, use a carrier oil or a few drops of water.
Clears acne
Since eucalyptus oil has astringent properties, as Rodgers and Cutshall point out, it can help improve acne, “especially red, inflamed acne,” Koestline says. The eucalyptus oil works to reduce redness and targets bacteria-causing bacteria. To use eucalyptus oil as a spot treatment directly on blemishes, combine a few drops of oil with a carrier oil or water and use a cotton ball to apply.
Speeds up wound healing
Since it’s well-known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, Koestline says that eucalyptus oil can even speed up wound healing. Never apply it directly to the wound though. Make sure you’re combining the eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, like almond or olive oil, before putting it on the wound.
Cleans bacteria
Rodgers and Cutshall say that eucalyptus oil is anti-bacterial, something that cleaning companies have caught onto. Somer says that eucalyptus oil is often used in many cleaners or disinfectants, “and can be added to an at-home essential oil blend cleaner for counters or surface cleaners,” she adds.
Alleviates eczema
If you deal with that itchy, inflamed skin condition known as eczema, you’ll be pleased to know that eucalyptus oil can provide relief. Koestline says, “There are studies showing that it helps increase ceramide production in the skin, which helps the skin stay moisturized while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce skin inflammation.” Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and gently massage it into any affected areas.
Acts as a decongestant
Wondering why you often see so many eucalyptus-infused products for colds? It’s because eucalyptus oil can help with breathing, and as Somer notes, it may be able to reduce a cough or chest congestion. Koestline calls eucalyptus oil “a decongestant to reduce cough and clear mucus,” saying, “If you’ve ever reached for VapoRub when you have a cold and feel stuffy, it’s the eucalyptus oil at work. Inhaling it can help loosen mucus and reduce cough to improve any cold symptoms. It’s also why eucalyptus steam showers are especially helpful when you have a cold.” You can also follow these steps to make your own DIY decongesting bath soak that’s a combination of eucalyptus oil and olive oil. Relieves muscle pain Dealing with sore muscles and joint pain? Rodgers and Cutshall say that eucalyptus oil is an “analgesic,” or something that can alleviate muscular aches. “As an anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus oil helps relax muscles and joints to reduce soreness,” Koestline says. “It’s especially great in a bath with Epsom salt.”
Risks of eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil does come with risks. As mentioned, eucalyptus oil can be quite tough on the skin. “[Eucalyptus oil] has a very high potential of causing sensitization and serious dermal reactions when used in large quantities,” Koestline warns. She also says that it’s best to consult with an expert before using it regularly—you can go to your primary physician with questions, otherwise, for more specific usage advice, it’s best to ask an integrative or naturopathic doctor, or an aromatherapist. It should also not be used on infants or children under five years of age (“it can cause spasms of the glottis [the part of the larynx with vocal cords],” Koestline says). And it should not be ingested under any circumstances. As Koestline says, when swallowed, eucalyptus oil can affect the central nervous system. Somer recommends testing it on an area of the skin before fully applying it while using a carrier oil, of course. She adds, “If you have a health condition or are pregnant, check with your doctor before use.” Lastly, keep in mind that your pets should never be exposed to eucalyptus oil, either topically or by inhaling it. It’s extremely toxic to animals and can cause organ damage and respiratory failure. After taking this all into account, Rodgers and Cutshall stress the importance of being an informed consumer when it comes to purchasing and using eucalyptus oil, or any essential oil for that matter. They say, “Research the oil, its uses, safety recommendations, contraindications, and indications.” Next up, find out which essential oils will help you get better sleep.
Sources
Krupa Koestline, Clean Cosmetic Chemist and Founder of KKT Consultants.Nancy Rodgers N.C.B.T.M.B, I.A.C., a board-certified massage therapist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.Sue Cutshall, APRN, CNS, D.N.P., a certified aromatherapist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.Courtney Somer, founder of Lake & Skye.Grand View Research: “Essential Oils Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Orange, Cornmint, Eucalyptus), By Application (Medical, Food & Beverages, Spa & Relaxation), By Sales Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028”
