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Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, woodsy, medicinal scent that most people associate with cough drops.  Eucalyptus is not only useful for coughs, however, but has numerous other uses around the home as well.  Included in its many helpful properties is that it is an antiseptic, astringent, analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-septic.  Let’s investigate some of the ways that this can be utilized.

• Respiratory Ailments – As stated above, the most commonly known use for eucalyptus is in cough drops.  This is because it can be a powerful decongestant and relieve some of the throat pain associated with coughing.  It can help people with colds, sinusitis, hay fever and bronchitis.  In addition to using cough drops, a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil can be added to a vaporizer, put in a chest rub, or it can be used in a gargle.  To gargle, make sure the eucalyptus is VERY diluted, as it can cause irritation if it is too strong, 5 drops in an 8 oz. glass of water should do it.
• Muscular Pain – Eucalyptus essential oil’s analgesic properties make it very useful as a compress, in baths, massage oils, and lotions to relieve the muscle and joint pain associated with problems such as rheumatism, fever, and arthritis, as well as the everyday aches and pains associated with busy lives.

• Skin Ailments – Bburns, blisters, cuts, wounds, and infections can benefit from the anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of eucalyptus essential oil.  To treat these, soak a compress pad in a eucalyptus and water solution of 5 drops to 8 ozs of water and apply directly to the affected area.

• Boost Immunity – Eucalyptus is not only useful for respiratory infections, but in infections of the immune system in general.  People with ailments such as fever, the common cold, influenza and the measles can also benefit from eucalyptus.

• Aromatherapy – The fresh, sharp scent of eucalyptus is invigorating and purifying to those who come into contact with it, and is added to lotions and candles for this reason as well.

A note of caution:  Eucalyptus should be not be used by individuals with high blood pressure and/or epilepsy, as it can exacerbate these problems.  It can also lower blood sugar; therefore, diabetics should be cautious as well.

That being said, eucalyptus really is a versatile little essential oil, and is a staple in my house.  I have used it for ages in my baths and vaporizer when my asthma is acting up for almost instant relief.  I am sure there has been some hospital trips avoided because of this wonderful little herb.  I hope this article has helped you find some more ways eucalyptus can be of use around your home!