What is Eucalyptus Oil?

Eucalyptus oil is on of the oil which generic name for oil distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus, a genus of the Myrtaceae plant family native to Australia. Eucalyptus oil is used in wide applications, as a pharmaceutical, antiseptic, repellant, flavoring, perfume, and industrial. The selected Eucalyptus leaves species are steam distilled to extract eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oils are categorized into three broad types according to their composition and main end-uses:

1.medicinal

2. perfumery

3.Industrial

The most common is the standard cineole-based “oil of eucalyptus”, a colorless mobile liquid, with a penetrating, camphoraceous, woody -sweet scent. China produces eucalyptus oil for global trade, but most of it is derived from cineole fractions of eucalyptus laurel instead of real eucalyptus oil. other producers of the true eucalyptus oil include south Africa, brazil, Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Swaziland.

Eucalyptus oil is also used in flavoring. eucalyptus oil was first registered in 1948 as an insecticide and miticide, in the US. Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial activity against a wide range of human foodborne pathogens and food-altering microorganisms. based eucalyptus oil is used as a flavor in a variety of products, including baked goods, confectionery, meat products, and beverages.

Eucalyptus oil is also used as a fragrance ingredient to add a clean, fresh scent in soaps, cleansers, lotions, and perfumes. It is known for its pungent, intoxicating scent. Due to its cleansing properties, eucalyptus oil is found in mouthwash to freshen the breath.

Research shows cineole-based eucalyptus oil prevents separation problem with ethanol-gasoline blends. It is also has a respectable octane rating and can be used as a fuel in its own right. However, the production costs are currently too high for the oil to be economically viable as a fuel. Eucalyptus oil also has natural anti-microbial and antiseptic properties and is used in household cleaning applications.

## What are the benefits of Eucalyptus oil in health?

Although the eucalyptus tree originally native to Australia, now they have grown all over the world and are used for their medicinal properties. Their healing power comes from eucalyptus oil made from the oval leaves of the tree. Eucalyptus oil has a lot of benefits to health-related. here I’ll mention some of these;

1.Breathe easy;

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis can be helped by inhaling the steam with eucalyptus oil added. The oil reacts with the mucous membranes and not only reduces the mucus but also helps to dissolve it so that it can be coughed up. Eucalyptus is also blocked with asthma symptoms. For that person, who is allergic to eucalyptus, it may worsen their asthma.

2.Silence a cough;

eucalyptus oil has been used to relieve coughing, for many years. Like as, Vicks VapoRub contains approximately 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil along with other cough suppressant ingredients. The popular massage is applied to the chest and throat to relieve symptoms of cough, cold, and flu.

3.Clear your chest;

Eucalyptus oil is not only a cure for a cough, it can also help you get the mucus out of your chest.

Inhaling the steam made from the essential oil can loosen the mucus so that it is expelled when you cough up. Using a scrub containing eucalyptus oil will have the same effect.

4.Disinfect wounds;

Eucalyptus leaves are also used to treat wounds and prevent infection. The diluted oil can still be used on the skin to fight inflammation and promote healing. creams or ointments that contain eucalyptus oil are easily available in the market, you can easily purchase them. These products can be used on minor burns or other injuries that could be treated at home.

5.Control blood sugar;

The researchers haven’t yet figured out how does essential oil works. However, until more is known, the scientific community is recommending careful blood glucose monitoring for people who use diabetes medications with eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oil also has potential as a treatment for diabetes. And nowadays, although we don’t know much about diabetes, experts believe that it may play a role in lowering blood sugar in diabetic patients.

6.Keep the bugs away;

As an effective alternative for those who aren’t able to use DEET sprays, many manufacturers make a botanical compound to repel the pests. Brands such as Repel and Off. Use lemon eucalyptus oil to keep the pests away.

7.Soothe cold sores;

The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus can cure the symptoms of herpes. Applying eucalyptus oil to a cold sore can reduce pain and speed up the healing process.

8.Ease joint pain;

This oil helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with many conditions.

It can also be helpful for people with back pain or people recovering from a joint or muscle injury. Research suggests that eucalyptus oil eases joint pain.

9.Freshen breath;

Eucalyptus oil can be used to fight the germs that cause unfortunate mouth odor, because of its antibacterial properties. Some mouthwashes and kinds of toothpaste contain essential oil as an active ingredient. Eucalyptus products can also help prevent plaque build-up on teeth and gums by attacking bacteria that cause cavities.

### what are the side effect of the eucalyptus oil:

If eucalyptus oil has a lot of benefits as well as it has also some side effects. some of these listed below;

1.Risk of allergy;

The person allergic to eucalyptus oil shows side effects such as burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bronchospasm, chemical pneumonitis, respiratory depression, headache, drowsiness, ataxia, seizures, and coma. Breath and urine may smell of eucalyptus oil.

2. Risk of seizure;

Exposure to eucalyptus oil in epileptic patients induces seizure, the symptoms of which are central nervous system depression within 30 minutes. However, eucalyptus oil is easily available in almost every home.

3. Risk of prolonged coma;

Eucalyptus oil injections can cause a rapid onset of the central nervous system depression, seizures, pneumonitis, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Other than the overdose of eucalyptus oil can cause prolonged coma which occurs elevated serum levels, heart failure, and brain injury thus precaution should be needed.

4. Should not be consumed directly;

Researchers suggested that 10 ml of eucalyptus oil oral consumption results in a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, vomiting, central nervous system depression, ataxia, and disorientation followed by loss of consciousness occurring in 10 to 15 min. Thus, small amounts of eucalyptus oil can be fatal and should never be taken by mouth.

5.The risk to disturb human skin integrity;

A low concentration of eucalyptus oil is beneficial for skin penetration while a higher concentration of this oil may decrease the integrity of the dermal barrier thus precautions should be needed before application.

*The uses of Eucalyptus oil:

This oil effectively removes grease and dirt, making it a great kitchen cleaning product. It can also be mixed with homemade hand soaps and laundry detergents. Added to natural household sprays as a cleaning agent, it could be used to wash toilets, floors, countertops, and windows, just to name a few surfaces. The clean scent is an effective fabric freshener. It can be mixed with lemon or tea tree essential oils, diluted with water, and then applied to scented materials like the insides of shoes. Additionally, as an air purifier, eucalyptus oil is beneficial in removing mold that could contribute to respiratory problems.

Used in aromatherapy, the refreshing scent of eucalyptus essential oil is known to alleviate mental exhaustion by stimulating circulation in the brain, stimulating the mind to become sluggish, and rejuvenating the spirit. Those suffering from sinus congestion can spread eucalyptus essential oil in the bedroom overnight to clear the nasal passages and eliminate harmful airborne bacteria that contribute to feelings of malaise.

When the Eucalyptus oil is used in cosmetics to nourish hair, It will moisturize and itchy scalp and remove dandruff flakes. As a natural insecticide, it is also known to have the ability to eliminate lice.

* BENEFITS OF EUCALYPTUS IN MASSAGE THERAPY;

Everyone loves to massage. It’s relaxing, feels great, and leaves you feeling happier about life, ready to live to the fullest especially Swedish massage. But it’s not just the message that puts you in such a great mood. It’s the oil massage therapists use that give you lasting effects. And one of the best is Eucalyptus.;

1.RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN

Its potency enables deep penetrating healing, targeting core muscle fibers and joints. Deep tissue massage reduces inflammation, eliminates pain, and converts stiffness into loose, flexible muscles. Thus, this oil is particularly effective when applied to your back and shoulders.

2.ELIMINATES STRESS

The question is that Where on your body do you carry the most stress? Whether it’s in your neck, shoulders, back, or elsewhere, rubbing Eucalyptus oil on a said area will eliminate stress and relax your body. Reducing stress can eliminate pain in your body, reduce mental fatigue, and allow you to live a healthier life.

3.ALLEVIATES RESPIRATORY AILMENTS

Massaging Eucalyptus oil onto your chest and back can alleviate symptoms from respiratory ailments such as asthma. Again, this is a result of eucalyptus potency, making it perfect for aromatherapy and proving useful for all types of lung and breathing problems. This will also soothe your sinuses, allowing you to breathe easy. With regular Eucalyptus oil use in massage, you can begin to heal respiratory ailments, or at the very least, effectively negate their harm to your health.