Eucalyptus trees are native to the Australian continent but their medical benefits have made them cultivated today all around the world. For medicinal use, eucalyptus oil is extracted from the oval leaves of the tree. After harvesting, the leaves are dried and crushed. The oil can't be extracted by pressing them, so a process of distillation is needed. The end product is very concentrated and must be diluted before use.
Eucalyptus oil has many benefits but is mainly used for first aid purposes due to its healing properties. It is the most effective when applied on various minor skin problems such as blisters, bruises, insect bites, skin irritation and small wounds. It is recommended for oily skin types and can cure a wide range of conditions like acne, herpes, skin eruptions and chicken pox.
It is very easy to use the power of eucalyptus oil at home. To prepare a lotion, mix equal amounts of eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar and just apply it on the affected areas. This combination has strong antiseptic effects so you can also use it on insect bites, boils or wounds of any type.
Eucalyptus oil also acts as a skin cosmetic. It makes it softer by eliminating any blemishes or hard spots. For an effective massage lotion, mix some coconut oil with sweet almond oil and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
Aromatherapy also makes use of eucalyptus oil as an ingredient, since it has a relaxing effect on the body due to its sweet smell. The same effect can be achieved by adding a small amount to a hot bath, so the fragrance infuses the steams and calms you down. Since eucalyptus oil isn't soluble in water, don't add it before adding a dispersant agent. Some of the best options for this essential oil are bath salts or even whole milk.
Practitioners of therapeutic or relaxing massage also use eucalyptus oil. Prepare a base lotion of coconut oil, almond oil or a mix of the two and add a bit of eucalyptus oil, then rub it gently on the skin.
One of the diseases that can be treated with this essential oil is shingles. This is because the oil of eucalyptus is an effective painkiller as well as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral, so it can calm the rash and reduce discomfort. It can be applied directly on the affected area on a hot compress or added to the bath water.
The antifungal properties of the oil are also well known. It is especially effective on the scalp, where it can eliminate dirt, clear the materials clogging the pores as well as prevent various infections.
Some of the compounds found in eucalyptus oil can clear the skin blood vessels and improve their constriction. This effect is very stimulating for the follicles, which grow our hair. Applying the oil on the scalp optimizes the flow of blood to the skin around the follicles, which boost hair growth. This effect has been known for a very long time and has been certified by modern researchers. However, you have to be careful when you apply eucalyptus oil to your scalp, since too much of it will make it greasy. In the right amount, it will make your hair healthier, thicker and restore its natural shine. For best results, apply the oil about one hour before taking a bath, to let it work. Wash your hair with a quality shampoo and make sure you clear all oil residues, then apply a conditioner at the end.
Eucalyptus oil is also a natural pesticide that can keep many bug species away, which is part of the tree's defensive mechanism. This effect makes it even more effective for hair treatment, since in addition to clearing the scalp and stimulating hair growth it will also remove lice. This natural oil has no side effects, unlike some of the other options available for lice removal. Many of these products are based on chemicals that can be very aggressive and toxic, leading to rashes and itchiness. Steaming your hair with eucalyptus oil is one of the best and healthiest methods to eliminate lice without harming the scalp.
Massage your scalp and hair with eucalyptus oil about one hour before a bath. This will make your hair thicker and shinier and boost its rate of growth. Wash your hair with a shampoo and use a conditioner, make sure that no oil residues remain in the hair, since it will become greasy.
In order to prepare a mixture that activates the hair roots, mix 50 ml of quality olive oil with about 5 ml of eucalyptus oil. Massage your scalp slowly with this mixture, which will increase the supply of blood to the roots and stimulate their growth.
If your scalp is itchy, take a litre of water and add 50 ml of vinegar and 5 ml of eucalyptus oil. Shake this combination until it mixes well, then wash your hair repeatedly with it. After you are sure that the solution has penetrated your scalp, wash it away with shampoo and apply a conditioner. The same mixture of vinegar and eucalyptus oil is also effective against a dry scalp and maintains it well hydrated.
The antiseptic properties of the eucalyptus oil are caused by a natural compound named cineole. In addition, the oil forms ozone in contact with air, which is another strong antiseptic. It can treat many skin problems and prevent them from infecting, such as cuts, burns, ulcers, abrasions or sores. It kills pathogens but also speeds up the skin's rate of healing, so it's also good against insect bites. This makes it one of the most effective natural remedies for minor skin issues.
Due to all of these factors, essential eucalyptus oil is an excellent first aid medicine. Besides various types of wounds, it is also effective against bruises or blisters.
Another condition that can be treated with eucalyptus oil is measles. It is enough to spray some diluted oil around your house but you can also massage the reflex points on your feet with it, for a stronger effect.
