Uses for Eucalyptus Oil

May 3, 2010 | By Stacy Mosel

Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries to treat certain medical conditions and heal infections. 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 Australian aboriginal people to heal wounds and fungal infections. Today, eucalyptus oil is valued as a pain reliever, antiseptic and air-freshener.

Pain Relief

Eucalyptus oil has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for use in pain-relieving products. The Organic Facts website discusses the use of eucalyptus oil, and the compound eucalyptol, which makes it useful in pain relieving creams and ointments. The oil is frequently used in massage to relieve muscle pain. Eucalyptus oil can also be used in a compress for direct application to the skin and painful muscles or aching joints by mixing a few drops with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed or olive oil.

Antiseptic

Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil is used to treat a wide variety of infections. The Organic Facts website points out that eucalyptus is useful for treating wounds and insect bites and stings, skin infections and intestinal germs. 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. Eucalyptus oil is frequently used in mouthwash to combat germs and bad breath. In her book "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox states that eucalyptus oil is also used in over-the-counter treatments for cold sores.

Air Freshening

Eucalyptus oil has a strong, earthy aroma that makes it particularly suited for use in air fresheners or in essential oil burners or diffusers to clean the air and promote a fresh atmosphere. The Organic Facts website states that eucalyptus oil's antibacterial and deodorant properties make it beneficial for use in hospitals or at home to freshen the air after a sickness. It may help to kill airborne bacteria and can be used in an oil burner to remove strong or unpleasant odors.