The Many Germicidal and Anti-Congestion Properties of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used for so many things since it has both anti-congestion and germicidal properties. In fact, it is well known for being very helpful in helping to relieve a variety of different ailments. The oil is actually taken from both the stems and the leaves of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a tree that is quite tall and it has leaves that are greenish blue and very pointed. They have a very beautiful aroma as well. Steam distillation is used to extract this essential oil and it takes quite a bit of leaves to actually get a bit of essential oil. In fact, it will take more than 100 pounds of the eucalyptus leaves in order to get just a couple pounds of the essential oil. The wonderful healing properties of the eucalyptus essential oil are thought to have first been known by the Australian Aborigines, since the plant comes from that area. Let's take a look at some of the great ways that it can be used to treat a variety of different ailments today.

The top active ingredient that is in the Eucalyptus essential oil is eucalyptol, although there are a variety of other elements in the oil as well, including fenchen, sequiterpene, pinen, valeraldehyde, and camphen globulal. The oil actually feels cool to your skin but it warms up the muscles of the body. It is a great antiseptic and it has both anti bacterial and anti viral properties. It is known as a universal oil and it can be used right on the skin without being diluted. However, many people do recommend that you take the oil and dilute it in a carrier oil or in a lotion before using it on the skin. It also does very well when combined with other oils such as lavender oil, marjoram oil, and even pine oil. Sometimes it can be used along with bergamot oil and orange oil too.

There are a variety of great uses for Eucalyptus essential oil. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular uses of this essential oil.

- Relieving Cold Symptoms - One great use for Eucalyptus essential oil is that it is great for helping to relieve cold symptoms. If you are dealing with a bad cold, you can take just 2-3 drops of the oil and put it on a cloth. Keep the cloth with you and whenever you feel the nasty symptoms of the cold coming on, you can simple inhale the smell of the oil and it will help to alleviate the symptoms that you are going through.

- Muscle Aches and Pains - Eucalyptus essential oil is also great for helping to treat muscle aches and pains as well. You can simple mix about 10-15 drops of the oil into a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. Then massage it onto the muscles that are aching. It will provide warmth to the muscles and get rid of the pain that you are dealing with in those muscles.

- Relieving Coughs - You'll also find that Eucalyptus essential oil can be used for relieving coughs as well. If you are dealing with a cough, cold, or even bronchitis, you can use this oil. Take the oil and make a massage oil or even a compress for the chest. Both can be used to help improve your breathing and will also help to loosen up the phlegm that is causing the problem so you'll get some relief.

- Treatment for Dandruff - The Eucalyptus essential oil can also be used as a powerful treatment for dandruff as well. If you want to get rid of the dandruff that you are dealing with, go ahead and add about 5-10 drops of the oil into the shampoo that you use on a regular basis. Then massage it into the scalp and all through the hair as well. Allow the shampoo to soak into your hair and scalp for about five minutes. Then you'll want to rinse it out thoroughly with nice warm water. Make sure you get all of it out.

- Stimulating Effects - If you need to stimulate the body or your mind, you can use the Eucalyptus essential oil to do that as well. Simple take a couple drops of the oil with a carrier oil or other essential oils and then apply the mixture to the pulse points for a great simulating effect.

- The Germicidal Properties Put to Use - You can make use of the germicidal properties as well. It works wonderfully for insect stings and bites, it can treat ulcers, abscesses, and even wounds to make sure that they don't get infected.

- Lowering Blood Sugar - The Eucalyptus essential oil can also be used to help lower blood sugar as well. It can be taken internally to lower the blood sugar and has been used for this for many years. Also, it is also used from time to time as a diuretic as well to help get rid of excess fluid that is in the body.

As you can see, there are a variety of great uses for Eucalyptus essential oil. Of course it should always be used with care, since you don't want to use too much of it. It can be an irritant to the skin, so you'll want to use it sparingly. It shouldn't be used on wounds that are open or by young children. If you are pregnant, before you use this oil, talk to your doctor to find out if it is a safe choice for you.