August 7, 2009

Benefits and Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

Posted in Category : Natural Cures

The essential oil of eucalyptus is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. Originally found in Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown in many other places in the world such as Europe, India and South Africa. Eucalyptus oil has many medicinal uses as it contains eucalyptol, which is used in several products such as inhalers, balms, mouthwashes and ointments. The eucalyptus plant is considered to be one of the most effective and important medicinal plants in existence today. It possesses immense healing properties and can be used as deodorant, an analgesic and a booster for the immune system, because of its anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial qualities. Eucalyptus oil can be used to treat almost any sort of infection of the skin.

Fungal infections are very common and can occur in many forms. They may occur on the surface or upper layers of the skin and also in the nails, hair and mucus membranes. These types of fungal infections include ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea, which affects the skin, hair and nails, and also jock itch. Fungal infections could also penetrate deeper into the skin and affect the inner layers and hair follicles, and may also spread through the blood and internal organs. Eucalyptus oil is most effective in cases of fungal infections and quickens the healing process tremendously. An effective remedy can be obtained by mixing equal parts of water and eucalyptus oil. In the case of athlete’s foot, the entire foot can be soaked in this solution for about fifteen minutes before going to bed. For fungal infections on other parts of the body, you may soak a clean cloth or a gauze bandage in the solution, squeeze out the excess liquid and place it on the affected area of the skin. Tie the gauze in place but make sure that you do not restrict circulation in any way and leave it on overnight. In addition, for relief from any type of itching or dryness of the skin due to infection, eucalyptus oil mixed with olive oil may be applied. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bath water will also help to ease the effects of skin infections.

Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Besides, fungal infections, eucalyptus oil can also be used to treat a number of other conditions such as respiratory illnesses, muscle aches and also diabetes, as it helps in regulating blood sugar, when taken internally. Wounds, ulcers and burns are also healed when eucalyptus oil is applied. Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic properties and is also helpful in cases of insect stings and bites.