Did you know? Some Australian Aborigines bind serious wounds with eucalyptus leaves.
Eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial through scent alone. You know those “menthol-lyptus” cough drops that soothe your sore throat, ease your cough, and help clear your stuffy nose? Just the scent of eucalyptus is enough to cut through the most stubborn congestion!
Even the least sensitive nose could probably pick eucalyptus out of a lineup. It has a sharp, medicinal smell that can bring tears to your eyes! If you prefer a less overwhelming scent, try lemon eucalyptus. It has many of the same properties with a gentler scent.
Eucalyptus essential oil is useful in easing all sorts of upper-respiratory diseases. You can add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the fragrant steam. Between the warm steam and the scent of the oil, you’ll find your nasal passages working a little better. (The same trick works pretty well in a hot bath, too.)
You can also add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to petroleum jelly for your own homemade chest rub. Don’t feel like smearing your chest with goo? Put a drop of eucalyptus essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and put it on your desk, in front of your keyboard. The scent will drift up quite nicely!
One thing you shouldn’t do is take eucalyptus essential oil internally. Most essential oils are NOT intended for internal use.
Eucalyptus essential oil is also a great insect repellant. Blend with lemon and lavender for a great-smelling, chemical free bug spray or lotion. In a four-ounce spray bottle (available at your drug store, grocery store, beauty supply store, or even dollar store!) mix two drops of eucalyptus, lemon, and lavender essential oils. Add water. Shake well. Spray liberally. You can also add a drop of two of tea tree oil to the blend; it won’t reduce the bug repelling properties of the other oils and it’s generally good for you skin.