Eucalyptus: Properties and Benefits

Essential oil has many properties and is used for purposes therapeutic especially in Australia and in the East.

Respiratory Tract

It is used to treat inflammation of the respiratory tract and also has balsamic and expectorant properties. Its use also brings benefits to the urogenital level for the treatment of inflammations and cystitis. Eucalyptus oil ( Eucalyptus globulus) has been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, gastritis and diabetes. ( 3 )

Analgesic

A study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation informs us that eucalyptus oil has analgesic properties. Eucalyptus oil contains α- pinene and 1,8-cineole and acts as an antioxidant. ( 4 ) In a mouse model of edema causing pain in the feet, oral administration of 1,8-cineol suppressed edema formation and reduced both inflammation and pain. ( 5 )

Electromyography has shown that applying eucalyptus oil on a healthy subject had a muscle relaxant effect, as well as promoting emotional stability. ( 6 )

Eucalyptus: properties and benefits

Antibacterial

The essential oil has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties . Its action has proved particularly aggressive towards some fungi such as Candida albicans. The antibacterial activity of eucalyptus extracts is due to components such as 1,8-cineol, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, p-cymene, eucamalol, limonene, linalool, β-pinene, γ-terpinene, α-terpinol, alloocimene and aromadendrene. ( 7 )

Studies suggest that plant extract has significant growth inhibiting effects on Gram-positive (E. coli ) and Gram-negative (S. aureus) bacteria. The effectiveness of E. globulus leaf oil against these microorganisms can provide a scientific basis for the application of the herb in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections caused by various pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which have developed developed resistance to antibiotics. ( 8 )

Lice

It is known for its insect repellent properties and for being a natural pesticide. For these reasons it is often used for the treatment of lice. Recall that some traditional lice treatments are often harmful to the hair and scalp. With eucalyptus this risk disappears thanks to the naturalness of the product.

A recent Australian study analyzed the use of essential oil in the treatment of lice on children. The results showed that its effectiveness in eliminating lice is 100% and without side effects. ( 9 )

Dental Health

There is a study in the Journal of Periodontology which shows that a chewing gum based on eucalyptus bring benefits to dental health.

The antibacterial and vermicidal properties of the plant also have positive effects on the teeth. In fact, they counteract the activity of the bacteria that cause caries, dental plaque and gingivitis.

This explains why its essence is used in the composition of mouthwashes, toothpastes and other products for oral hygiene.

An Indian study found that plant extracts are effective against a number of bacteria responsible for tooth decay, particularly against Lactobacillus acidophilus. ( 10 )

Healing

For external use it has healing properties and its use brings benefits in case of burns, cuts, skin infections and herpes. The essential oil, thanks to its analgesic and antineuralgic properties, also finds application in the treatment of insect bites.

Hair

Thanks to its refreshing properties, it is also used to combat oily skin. A few drops added to the shampoo make the hair softer and shiny and above all it regulates the amount of sebum in the scalp. A Japanese study found that long-term use of a scalp lotion containing eucalyptus extract improves the shine of the hair and improves its consistency. ( 11 )

Stimulant

It is stimulating, combats laziness and mental fatigue and can also be useful for solving cases of stress and mental disorders. It is normally used to stimulate the mind and to increase blood flow to the brain.

Diabetes

It has vasodilating properties that increase blood flow with consequent benefits at the circulatory level that can induce a lowering of blood sugars. Eucalyptus has been used as traditional medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus in South America, Africa and Iran. ( 12, 13 ) Studies conducted on streptozotocinic diabetic animal models have confirmed the plant’s anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects. ( 14 )

Other Properties

Its leaves are also used to treat infections, feverish conditions, stomach problems and to calm the cough. The oil must never be taken pure but must be diluted with water, both for external and internal use.

These massages are recommended for individuals suffering from low back pain, nerve pain, muscle contusions, rheumatism and tendonitis.

Cosmetic use of Eucalyptus

Thanks to its many properties, it is used for the preparation of cosmetic products for the health and beauty of our body. With eucalyptus, soaps and deodorants are prepared with a refreshing action on the skin. Another use is as a face cream that counteracts oily skin and pimples.

The essential oil is also used for foot baths and relaxing baths.

Contraindications

Eucalyptus: Properties and Benefits

If taken in high doses the essential oil can cause nausea, vomiting, gastritis and convulsions. It can also interfere with some medications so it is always a must to consult your doctor in case of doubts.

Essential oil of eucalyptus is not recommended for pregnant women and children due to cineole present in good quantity.

Curiosity

In Greek the name eucalyptus means well hidden. According to scholars, it indicates the flower that is completely hidden by its petals.

From the eucalyptus the bees produce a honey particularly rich in enzymes with soothing, anti-catarrhal and anti-asthmatic properties.

In sports, together with camphor and other substances, it is used for the preparation of an oil which is used for muscle massages.

Although of Australian origin, it is also grown in Italy. However, the size it reaches is much less than that of the trees of the country of origin.

Some drops of essential oil of eucalyptus used to massage the temples can relieve headaches.

The tree adapts to almost any terrain and withstands both drought and too much humidity.

The plant does not have particular pests or diseases but it does not bear rigid temperatures. He died with temperatures lower to -5 °.

Maybe not Everyone Knows That

In England, in the late 19 th century, the ‘ essence of eucalyptus was used to clean and disinfect catheters. Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center claims that Aboriginal people used this precious plant to treat fungal infections and skin wounds. It is also used for the preparation of soaps and household cleaners.

The essence of eucalyptus, thanks to its aromatic properties, is used for the preparation of balsamic candies.

The essential oil is also used to ward off insects and mosquitoes. In the United States, eucalyptus was officially registered as an insecticide in the middle of the 20th century, its oil killing mites and ticks.

Eucalyptus: Properties and Benefits

Last updated: 12/01/2020

Italian language version

Disclaimer:

This is not a medical publication, the information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is general in nature, they cannot in any way replace the prescriptions of a doctor or other health professionals authorized by law. The notions on the posology, the medical procedures and the description of the products on this site have an illustrative purpose and do not allow to acquire the necessary experience and manual skills for their practice or their use. If you have been prescribed medical treatment, I invite you not to interrupt or modify it, because all the suggestions you find on www.mr-loto.it must always and in any case be compared with the opinion of your doctor.

Composed	Percentage (%)
α -Pinene	5,02
β- Mircene	0,77
α- Phellandrene	0,53
terpinolene	0,10
Limonene	6,45
1,8-cineole	80,44
γ -Terpinene	2,90
4-Carene	0,34
linalool	0,16
Pinocarveolo	0,17
4-Terpineol	0,55
α- Terpineol	1,72
Monoterpene hydrocarbons	16,67
Oxygenated monoterpenes	83,04

Eucalyptus

Index

Chemical Composition

Calories