{"id":6155,"date":"2019-04-30T03:55:01","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T03:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6155"},"modified":"2021-04-01T16:59:53","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T16:59:53","slug":"20-healthful-eucalyptus-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/20-healthful-eucalyptus-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Healthful Eucalyptus Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Native to Australia, the quick-growing eucalyptus tree and the oil which derives from it has long been harvested for its potential to alleviate the troublesome symptoms of persistent coughs and lingering colds. Eucalyptus is also regularly found in topical treatments for joint and muscle pain, in the form of lotions and creams.
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The oil is also used as an antiseptic, in perfumes as a key ingredient in a whole host of cosmetic variations. For thousands of years, civilization after civilization has utilized eucalyptus in order to treat many varied conditions.
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Whilst there are hundreds of different eucalyptus species, it is the Blue Gum variety which is used most of all, known around the world. The oil is extracted via the steam distillation of the leaves, resulting in a colorless liquid, easily identifiable by its fragrant scent.
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There are many different applications of eucalyptus, with 8 of the most healthful used listed and explained here.
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1.     Antimicrobial Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Somewhat ahead of their time, medical practitioners in 19th<\/sup> century England used eucalyptus oil<\/a> as the main cleaning agent for urinary catheters. There wasn\u2019t really a better natural option available then, and there isn’t now, given its natural antimicrobial action. The interaction between the essential oil and existing antibiotics, which has been found to be positive means that existing and developing infections of the future could potentially be treated by eucalyptus oil synthesized antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The essential oil has powerful antimicrobial properties on its own, as that 19th century Brits knew all too well, but when manipulated within modern medicine, the potential applications and uses for this naturally occurring essential oil multiply, leaving one to wonder how many illnesses and diseases it could hold the key to unlocking a cure for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the Brits were using it for its antimicrobial value, or simply because it smelt nice is difficult to ascertain, however, their practice is now backed up by scientific research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.     Cold and Respiratory Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cough lozenges <\/a>and inhalants, designed to treat the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, namely coughs and sore throats, regularly feature eucalyptus as a key, if not the main ingredient. Many advertising campaigns for these cough sweets reinforce the presence of eucalyptus in their product as a major selling point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home remedies often contain fresh eucalyptus leaves in a liquid, whereby the person suffering from respiratory problems is able to alleviate the symptoms by gargling with the eucalyptus-infused mixture. The vapor of eucalyptus oil, when ingested via the hot steam method, has been found to be a very effective decongestant, further proof of just how valuable this essential oil can be in the treatment of a wide range of cough and cold symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re not feeling your best, a return to full fitness at the earliest possible opportunity is what people seek, and the use of the naturally extracted oil from the eucalyptus tree can speed up this process of recovery considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.   Dental Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to promoting and improving dental health, eucalyptus is very effective in fighting away bacteria <\/a>which cause plaque build-up and tooth decay, making it a key ingredient in many dental preparations or oral hygiene products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus make it particularly successful when it comes to clearing up dental complaints, and keeping breath smelling fresh as can be. Some mouthwashes, both commercially produced varieties, and homemade versions use eucalyptus as the main ingredient in their make up. Chewing gum also may feature eucalyptus, with claims that it can aid dental health when chewed between mealtimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are bold claims for mouthwash and toothpaste companies to make, that eucalyptus has as much potential as it does, but until they are proven wrong, the virtues of this naturally occurring essential oil will continue to whiten smiles and freshen breath all around the world. Keep smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Fungal Infections and Wounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given the origin of eucalyptus, in Australia, it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that traditional Aboriginal medications and treatments often incorporated eucalyptus, to address many conditions and complications. Some of the main things it was used to keep at bay were fungal infections, mild burns and skin wounds<\/a>. If it was good enough for the native people, living off the land, it surely has to be good enough for the modern world, as their motivation was always pure and never corrupted by pharmaceutical companies or public opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quite simply, Aboriginal people will have discovered the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the eucalyptus oil by trial and error, systematically working their way through the different options afforded to them by mother nature until one solution, in this case, eucalyptus oil, stood out above the rest as the most effective treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a moving trend toward living off the land, and perhaps it is appropriate to leave something well alone if it’s worked for thousands of years.
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5.  Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to keep pesky mosquitoes and other annoying insects at bay, eucalyptus essential oil can be deployed in a diffuser, to flood the air with its fragrant scent and ward off biting bugs, mites<\/a>, and ticks. Eucalyptus oil has actually been a registered insecticide in America since as far back as 1948, putting it in direct competition with some major commercial brands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those in the know will always favor the natural option, because once again if it was good enough for the Aboriginals, it should be good enough for the modern world to embrace in a similar fashion. There has been some research to suggest that the essential oil is also highly effective when it comes to killing off housefly larvae, however, this research is relatively new, and so the development of natural repellents is in its infancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a lot of people, a natural option is preferred, in order to keep the air they breathe as unpolluted as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.  Pain Relief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many essential oils claim to have pain-relieving qualities, and eucalyptus is no different, with plenty of contemporary studies setting about unpicking its analgesic <\/a>properties. It all comes down to triggering certain physiological responses in the human body, which block pain sensors and stimulate healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aboriginals used eucalyptus leaves for the treatment of severe pain, although their method was a little more primal. By burning the freshly cut leaves of the eucalyptus tree, these native people sought to relieve pain suffered as a result of broken bones or from serious wounds. The practice still continues today, and it is even said that the changes to the body following heavy insulation of these fumes can provide a natural high, furthering the pain relief process and increasing the amount of pain that a person is able to tolerate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eucalyptus oil is beginning to look like a miracle worker, however, there are still a couple of healthful benefits to point out and expand upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.  Stimulating Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stimulating the immune system<\/a> and its related responses is a vital thing for any essential oil to be able to do. By aiding the process by which the immune system is able to break down, destroy and remove foreign particles, eucalyptus oil is a heavyweight in the ring of addressing problems. With a strengthened and more heavily armed immune system, a person might expect to see a whole variety of health issues cured or at least eased significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis symptoms may be soothed, given the anti-inflammatory properties of this wondrous oil. Blocked noses and congestion may become a thing of the past with regular ingestion of eucalyptus-infused steam. Wounds and burns may be more protected against the threat of infection, whilst ulcers and cold sores may become less prevalent in people who find them to be a regular occurrence. Diabetes and moderate fevers can also be fought with tougher force when an immune system is properly stimulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.  Precautions and Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For all its virtues as a wonder oil, there has to be some advice given about potential side effects. Some essential oils may be hazardous, depending on their origin, preparation method and potency, although commercially available essential oils have to comply with strict guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buying from a reputable and ethical source is a good way of ensuring the benefits can be enjoyed without any hidden agendas or underlying issues. Three words are important to consider, these being \u2018pure’, \u2018authentic’ and \u2018genuine’. Wherever there is a hat trick of ticks<\/a>, you can rest assured that the essential oil will work as intended. If any of those words can’t be assured though, it may be the case that the source is questionable, which may lead to questionable results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Topical application to the skin should only be done with a diluted mixture and it is worth bearing in mind that eucalyptus has the potential to irritate the eyes. Essentially though, one should use as much caution which natural medicines and remedies as they would use with over the counter medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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