Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : June 1, 2016 11:08 AM IST
You probably just dab some eucalyptus oil on your handkerchief when you have a cold and sniff it throughout the day. But why limit this wonderful oil just for that? Find out the other ways you can use eucalyptus oil.
Read this in HINDI.
Eucalyptus oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its unique aroma and relaxing effect on the body. This oil has been used to treat headaches and colds since ancient times. However, there are many more health benefits of eucalyptus oil that most of you are not aware of. Well, these seven amazing health benefits of eucalyptus oil you surely take you by surprise.
#1 Helps maintain dental hygiene
Do you know that eucalyptus oil is added to toothpaste and mouthwashes? Well, its refreshing aroma coupled with antibacterial properties makes it a perfect natural aid to treat various oral problems. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology eucalyptus oil not only kills harmful bacteria but also reduces the amount of plaque build-up. It presence of cineole, an antiseptic, in this oil prevents bad breath and also reduces gum bleeding.
#2 Relieves cough and cold
Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries as an effective remedy for colds and various respiratory disorders. It has been used as an addition to steam inhalation to relieve a cold and as an instant remedy for a blocked nose. It is due to the antibacterial qualities that wipe out even drug-resistant bacterium from the respiratory tract. Moreover, the vapours of eucalyptus oil act as a powerful decongestant which when inhaled help in relieving the symptoms of bronchitis and a congested nose.
#3 Acts as a potent natural antiseptic
Eucalyptus oil contains active ingredients like citronellol, citronellal and 1, 8-cineole, which make it a very potent anti-bacterial agent. Commonly used to treat skin infections and added to some surgical plasters, eucalyptus oil has been used widely to both inhibit infections and reduce inflammation.
#4 Treats various skin infections
Known to have strong antibacterial qualities, eucalyptus oil is very useful in treating skin infections. It is mainly due to the presence of a compound known as cineole that can treat almost all kinds of bacterial infections. Additionally, in a paper published by the University of Maryland Medical Center eucalyptus oil was found to be used in various cultures to treat wounds and even fevers.
#5 Acts as an insect repellent
The strong aroma of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect insect repellent. You can either apply it directly on your skin (mix it with some cream) or use it in a vaporizer to keep insects like mosquitoes and flies at bay. This in turn will protect you from various health complications caused by insects.Here's 11 simple and effective ways to keep flies away from your home.
#6 Combats pain
The oil has a very cooling effect when applied to the skin, making it a very potent analgesic. Apart from that, the components of the eucalyptus oil have a very relaxing effect on the nervous system and muscles. It also increases blood flow to the affected area thereby effectively reducing inflammation. So, the next time you have a headache, migraine or joint pain try applying some eucalyptus oil to the area for some instant relief.
#7 Stimulates the immune system
According to a study published in BMC Immunology eucalyptus oil has very amazing immune strengthening properties. When administered, this oil strengthened the response of macrophages (the cells that kill infections). Moreover, it also helps the immune cells within the body to produce their own innate protective mechanism. Read about 10 natural remedies to strengthen your immune system.
Apart from all the above benefits, eucalyptus oil has also been studied for its inhibitory effect on the progression of diabetes. Although these studies are not many and have not been tried on a human model, there is a future possibility that one day it might become a remedy for diabetes.
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