Spiridonov, N. A., Arkhipov, V. V., Foigel, A. G., Shipulina, L. D., and Fomkina, M. G. Protonophoric and uncoupling activity of royleanones from Salvia officinalis and euvimals from Eucalyptus viminalis. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(10):1228-1230. View abstract. Specifically, the researchers found that Eucalyptus oil could enhance the immune system’s phagocytic response to pathogens in a rat model. Phagocytosis is a process where the immune system consumes and destroys foreign particles. Put a few drops into your vacuum and clothes dryer filters to freshen them up and sanitize them a little.

Just as eucalyptus works as a decongestant for your nose, it can also help to loosen mucus when you’re dealing with a cough. Ross NM, Charles CH, and Dills SS. Long-term effects of Listerine antiseptic on dental plaque and gingivitis. J Clin Dentistry 1988;1(4):92-95.

Log in/register

If you’re not much of a DIY person, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get the benefits of eucalyptus without having to concoct your own cleaning products or insect repellents. If you’re measuring, shoot for one drop of oil to every four ounces of water. Just remember that this doesn’t have to be an exact science!

Cross-allergenicity: Some people who are allergic to other essential oils might also be allergic to eucalyptus oil.

When you breathe eucalyptus in, it works as a decongestant to loosen mucus and relieve congestion. This helps to clear up not only a stuffy nose but also a cough, which is our next point. 4) Eucalyptus Is Good For Your Respiratory Tract Ahmad, I. and Beg, A. Z. Antimicrobial and phytochemical studies on 45 Indian medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant human pathogens. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;74(2):113-123. View abstract. Tarasova, G. D., Krutikova, N. M., Pekli, F. F., and Vichkanova, S. A. [Experience in the use of eucalymine in acute inflammatory ENT diseases in children]. Vestn Otorinolaringol. 1998;(6):48-50. View abstract.

Whitman BW, Ghazizadeh H. Eucalyptus oil: therapeutic and toxic aspects of pharmacology in humans and animals. J Paediatr Child Health 1994;30:190-1. View abstract. Sai Chandar D, Prashanthi M, Laxman Kumar C, Amith Kumar C. Eucalyptus Oil-Induced Seizures in Children: A Single-Center Prospective Study. Cureus 2021;13(3):e14109. View abstract. Eucalyptus trees are extremely flammable and tend to crowd out other trees. Regardless, these trees have also blessed humanity in several ways! Interestingly enough, in addition to lots of health benefits, eucalyptus can be used as an insect repellent. If you’re trying to stay away from DEET, it’s a great natural alternative! A simple but effective aromatherapy spray can be made by adding 20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to 4 ounces of distilled water and adding Blue Lace Agate or Green Aventurine crystals, depending on what you’d like to accomplish. You can also mix 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil to one ounce of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba, and apply this to the throat or chest to help open the airways. I love to lightly mist my furnace filters with this spray when changing them. It’s an easy way to get the benefits of Eucalyptus oil flowing throughout your entire home. The refreshing scent will make your space feel spring clean even in the middle of winter!National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement label database: Eucalyptus globulus. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. In a study entitled “Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” it was found that inhaling eucalyptus oil reduced a patient’s experience of pain after a total knee replacement. This isn’t a eucalyptus benefit that applies directly to your skin or your health, but we think it’s worth mentioning!

At the beginning of the article, we noted that you might associate eucalyptus with cute koalas. That’s because eucalyptus leaves are a primary source of food for these animals. Eucalyptus oil is made from the essential oils extracted from the leaves of certain species of the plant. Use by adding a few drops to a diffuser steamer or bath, for an at-home aromatherapy session. You can also apply eucalyptus oil topically by adding to a carrier oil (such as coconut, sunflower or argan) and massaging onto your skin. 🌿 Eucalyptus tea In Australia, the eucalyptus has been the tree of folklore where children sing of the “kookaburra in the gum tree.” Where also children and aborigines, enjoy the sweet flakes of the manna gum. It is also the main food for the Koala Bear. The antibacterial and antimicrobial potential of eucalyptus has been harnessed for use in some mouthwash and dental preparations.Greive KA, Barnes TM. The efficacy of Australian essential oils for the treatment of head lice infestation in children: A randomised controlled trial. Australas J Dermatol. 2018;59(2):e99-e105. View abstract.