Antimicrobial
Eucalyptus has antimicrobial properties and can act against bacterial, viruses and fungi. As an essential oil, it can be burnt in an oil burner to kill airborne microbes. Otherwise, it is a common ingredient found in cleaning sprays and hand sanitizers.
The antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus have been known for many years. There is evidence of aborigines using eucalyptus to treat wounds and prevent infections. The application of eucalyptus as a disinfectant is still practiced today as many healing creams and ointments contain the essential oil.
Cold Symptom Relief
Eucalyptus is a trusted source of relief from many cold and flu symptoms. It is an active ingredient in symptom relievers like cough lozenges inhalants.
Eucalyptus oil can act as an expectorant to thin mucus in the lungs and is an active ingredient of popular ointments like Vicks Vaporub which can be applied to the chest.
Eucalyptus oil or an ointment containing it can be added to boiling water to form vapor which can loosen mucus when inhaled. Additionally, it is found in many inhalants where it acts as a decongestant to clear sinuses.
Sore throats and coughs can also benefit from eucalyptus. It has been used as a cough suppressant for many years and is in many over the counter medicines. Additionally, a sore throat can be relieved by gargling boiled eucalyptus tea.
Dental Care
The antibacterial properties of eucalyptus make it an effective ingredient in mouthwashes, toothpastes and dental preparations. Eucalyptus can fight bacteria in the mouth responsible for bad breath, plaque build-up and tooth decay.
Not only will this protect teeth and gums, the use of eucalyptus in dental products can result in fresh, minty breath.
Insect Repellent
Eucalyptus is officially recognised as successful insecticide. The oils of Eucalyptus Globulus and lemon eucalyptus in particular are found often in insect repellents and insecticides.
They are effective in killing mites, ticks and deterring mosquitoes and houseflies. Additionally, since eucalyptus is a natural product, it provides a safe, chemical free method of combatting insects.
Pain Relief
There is some evidence that eucalyptus oil can be effective in pain relief. Many over the counter creams for pain contain extracts of eucalyptus.
One way it can reduce pain is by acting as an anti-inflammatory. When in a cream or ointment, eucalyptus oil can help with conditions such as arthritis by reducing inflammation of joints. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties are known to ease the pain of cold sores caused by herpes.
Its analgesic properties (ability to relieve pain) have been shown to help with muscle and joint pain as well as bruising, strains, sprains and aches.
Dry Skin
Eucalyptus oil and leaf extract is frequently found in skin creams and treatments. It is effective in combatting dry skin by increasing the prevalence of fatty acids known as ceramides. This helps skin stay moisturised and reduces the likelihood of eczema and other skin disorders like psoriasis ad dermatitis.