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Eucalyptus leaves. Image source: Wikipedia
Eucalyptus essential oil is a must-have for the homesteader because of its numerous health benefits and disinfecting properties.
Because of this, I stock up on it and always keep it within reach.
Eucalyptus uses date back to the natives of Australia (Aborigines), who crushed eucalyptus leaves and used the herb not only to treat health ailments but also burned the tree’s wood to flavor food and to purify the air.
Today, eucalyptus essential oil, which is extracted from the blue gum tree, has a distinct, stimulating smell that clears the head and is mostly used in cough and cold remedies. It is also a potent antiseptic that kills airborne germs and has a cooling effect when rubbed onto the body, which can help soothe aches and pains.
When used in aromatherapy, eucalyptus essential oil has valuable decongestant properties, which combat symptoms of influenza, coughs, colds, fever and sinus problems. The aroma also can help clear and stimulate the mind.
Learn How To Make Powerful Herbal Medicines, Right in Your Kitchen!
Here are five unique, everyday uses for eucalyptus essential oil, along with some recipes to try.
1. Deodorizing and disinfecting.
To disinfect the air in a sickroom.
Diffuse eucalyptus essential oil into the air by adding to an air diffuser, a vaporizer or a humidifier, or burn it in an oil burner.
To deodorize and neutralize odors.
Drop five drops of eucalyptus essential oil on a cotton swab and place it in a closet, drawer, laundry basket, trash can, shoe rack or anywhere odor persists.
For persistent underarm odor.
Drop several drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the inside, underarm seams of shirts and jackets.
For smelly shoes.
Rub four drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the insoles of your shoes.
2. Chicken pox and the measles.
Chicken pox is the dreaded disease of childhood, with itchy spots that must not be scratched. Eucalyptus essential oil can help tremendously by reducing the itchiness and stopping the infection of the pox themselves.
The irritating, itchy rash and bad temper that go with measles can transform even the most angelic child into a miserable little monster. Moreover, when adults get the measles, the symptoms are magnified a hundred times. To soothe the skin and to stop the spread of both diseases, gently massage the eucalyptus essential oil mixture onto the infected areas.
- 2 fl oz. coconut carrier oil
- 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops chamomile essential oil
3. Expectorant.
Eucalyptus essential oil contains about 70 percent eucalyptol, making it an effective remedy for chesty coughs which come along with the flu, colds and bronchitis. It also can relieve the symptoms of runny noses and coughing due to hay fever and sinusitis.
To sooth dry and chesty coughs.
- 4 tsp sweet almond carrier oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops myrrh essential oil
- Rub into the chest area
To ease breathing and help prevent airborn infection.
- Add to a vaporizer to diffuse the molecules into the air
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
4. Homemade shower bombs.
Image source: Flickr
Be creative and make homemade shower bombs. When tossed onto the bottom of your shower, they will slowly melt in the warm water and release the tiny molecules of the essential oils. The particles will rise with the steam, and the aroma will fill the air. I have created this recipe to help clear and stimulate your mind, reduce anxiety and aid in respiratory comfort.
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 drops rosemary essential oil
- Water
- 2 cups baking soda
Combine water with the baking soda until it forms a thick paste. Mix in the essential oils. Spoon into a mold of your choice. I use small soap molds. Molds to make homemade chocolates will also work. Let the mixture dry overnight. Remove and store the bombs in an airtight container so moisture will not seep in. Drop one in your daily shower.
5. Essential foot baths.
Feet suffer more tensions than nearly any other part of the body. Your feet have to carry all that weight throughout the day — and then maybe dance all night. The best recompense you can give them is a soothing foot soak. Eucalyptus essential oil, along with steaming water, relaxes and warms all the tiny support muscles, improves the blood circulation, releases trapped nerves, and soothes aches and pains. Because you have to relax while you soak, you can inhale the aroma and enjoy a moment of peace in a demanding day. All you will need is a square basin filled with steaming water and a towel. Try adding these mixtures containing eucalyptus essential oil.
Foot bath for aching feet.
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 4 drops pine essential oil
- 4 drops thyme essential oil
- 4 drops chamomile essential oil
Foot bath for poor circulation.
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 8 drops ginger essential oil
Foot bath for callouses and rough skin.
- 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
Foot bath for athlete’s foot, warts and corns.
- 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used in many ways, and it mixes well with several other essential oils. Try different combinations along with these recipes to suit your needs and aromatherapy tastes.
Do you know of other uses for eucalyptus essential oil? Share your tips in the section below:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure any particular health condition. Please consult with a qualified health professional to determine which treatments are right for you and any individual health condition(s) that you may have.
