Properties Of Eucalyptus Oil

Properties of Eucalyptus Oil

Apr 29, 2010 | By Stacy M

Eucalyptus is commonly used in aromatherapy for medicinal purposes. Steven D. Ehrlich's article on eucalyptus for the University of Maryland Medical Center discusses the use of the leaves and the oil of the eucalyptus plant by Aboriginal people to heal wounds and fungal infections. Eucalyptus oil has been used to heal specific ailments for centuries in many other forms of traditional medicine, such as Ayurvedic and Chinese.

Antiseptic

Eucalyptus oil has strong antiseptic properties which can help prevent infection and kill bacteria. Eucalyptus is commonly used in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies because of its ability to act as an expectorant and to combat bacterial infections. It is also used in mouthwash because it contains a chemical compound--cineole--which helps fight bad breath. In her book, "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox states that over-the-counter cold sore remedies which contain eucalyptus oil are particularly effective because of the oil's antimicrobial properties.

Pain Relief

Eucalyptus oil is particularly useful in fighting inflammation and providing pain relief. Essential oils such as eucalyptus can help decrease inflammation and therefore relax tight muscles in the body. The Mayo Clinic's article on arthritis creams and gels points out that products which contain eucalyptus oil can provide some relief from arthritis pain, because the oil creates a cold or warm sensation on the skin which can help to distract people from pain.

Insect Repellent

The strong, pungent aroma of eucalyptus can act as a powerful insect repellent and can therefore reduce insect bites. The National Institute of Health's Medline Plus website states that preliminary research has shown that Citriodiol spray, which contains eucalyptus, may reduce the number of tick bites and tick-borne infections. The UMMC's article suggests that rubbing eucalyptus oil directly on the skin can help to repel insects.