The oil of the plant Eucalyptus globulus is distilled from fresh leaves and branch tops. Although sound evidence for its effectiveness is lacking, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, many commercial products include this oil for its claimed benefits. The NIH advises caution when using this substance, because consuming even small amounts of undiluted eucalyptus oil can cause life-threatening reactions. Using products containing eucalyptus oil topically or internally can be dangerous for babies and young children. Eucalyptus oil may have benefits for aromatherapy purposes, as well as antibacterial, decongestant and other uses.
Upper Respiratory Tract Uses
Many commercial chest rubs, cough lozenges and inhalation vapors include eucalyptus oil, as noted by the NIH. The product may have benefits as a decongestant and expectorant for treating upper respiratory tract infections or inflammation, and may also be useful for asthma patients.
Antimicrobial Uses
Eucalyptus oil content may contain 70 percent to 85 percent of a chemical known as eucalyptol, a substance which may have antimicrobial properties, according to the NIH. Some dental preparations and mouthwashes, such as Listerine and Cepacol Gold, include eucalyptol as an active ingredient.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy with eucalyptus oil may decrease pain and depression in arthritis patients, according to the NIH, and the University of Maryland Medical Center says that applying eucalyptus oil topically can reduce arthritis pain. Applying it to sore muscles is another use for eucalyptus oil.
Pest Repellent
Eucalyptus oil may be an effective tick repellent, as noted by the NIH, and people have traditionally used it to repel insects as well. Products containing this oil may reduce bites from these pests, thus preventing illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and West Nile virus.
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