Eucalyptus oil is harvested from the eucalyptus tree, which although native to Australia can be found all over the world. In India it has more presence in the Western Ghats and West Bengal forests. The eucalyptus oil from these trees offer so more than just nourishment. The native indigenous people of Australia have long prized and valued eucalyptus oil for its healing properties. According to folklore, an early English settler had a terrible accident with an axe while chopping wood. His thumb was badly severed, and it looked as if he would lose it altogether. Luckily his father had been shown by local indigenous folk how to bind wounds using eucalyptus leaves. A few weeks later a surgeon took a look at the thumb and was amazed it had healed so well and was without any infection. Reports of the healing power of eucalyptus spread among Australian settlers and pharmacists including Joseph Bosisto looked at producing and selling large quantities of the oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of Eucalyptus Leaves.
There are so many benefits to this amazing oil, it’s hard to know where to begin.
- Your grandmother knew what she was doing when she made you breathe in the steam from a bowl of hot water with eucalyptus oil. Not only is this a great way to achieve instant relief from stuffy noses and chesty coughs, eucalyptus oil has the added benefit of antibacterial properties which help kill nasty bugs and germs. A little eucalyptus oil rubbed on the chest before going to sleep will definitely help you breathe more easily. When added to green tea, eucalyptus oil is also a great way to treat a cold.
- A few drops of eucalyptus oil added to a bottle of water is a fantastic way to remove grease and grime from your kitchen worktops, hob and even the inside of your microwave. It also helps keep floors looking sparkling without having to resort to harsh chemicals.
- Need a home made remedy for cuts, grazes, insect bites an minor burns? Well, a little eucalyptus oil added to petroleum jelly is an easy way to make a salve. Eucalyptus is a natural pain reliever and the salve will keep the area from becoming infected.
- The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus oil help aid the treatment of cold sores. Apply a little oil to the affected area, with some cotton wool. Not only with this help with pain relief but the oil also helps speed the healing process.
- Do you want to keep your breath naturally fresh? Eucalyptus oil is a natural way to kill the germs which can cause bad breath. Why not make your own mouthwash by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a glass of water and use at the beginning and end of every day? Not only will your breath smell fresh, but your gums will be in great condition too.
- Research has shown that eucalyptus oil is an effective way to ease joint pain and is often one of the main ingredients of well-known creams used to soothe conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. Sports people already know this and use eucalyptus oil to help stimulate good muscle health.
- Although eucalyptus oil is mostly used for first aid purposes, it can also help with skin blemishes and blackheads. A little eucalyptus oil dabbed on the skin regularly will help keep your skin clear of spots.
- For greasy hair, a little eucalyptus oil added to a jug of water and washed through as part of your normal hair routine will help keep excess oil at bay.
- One of the most unusual uses of eucalyptus oil has to be as an adhesive remover. Do your little darlings cover everything with stickers? Why not try adding some neat eucalyptus oil to a cloth and rub, the sticker should peel away with ease, and your walls will be restored to their former glory.
- Finally, eucalyptus oil has a fantastic ability to calm and enliven the mood at the same time. A few drops added to an oil burner are especially beneficial to those working with tight deadlines, students or for those who want to stay focused. The fresh pepperminty smell helps promote a feeling of well being and optimism.