Originally Published at https://www.seatree.org.uk/blog/eucalyptus-oil-benefits/
Introduction to Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus trees aren’t just a home and food source for cuddly koalas; the leaves from this amazing tree also provide essential oils, which have been used in aboriginal medicines for thousands of years, and studies in modern times have confirmed the essential oil within the leaves have some powerful uses. Eucalyptus essential oil is what we use to scent our 100% natural eucalyptus soap. Which is why we’ve written this article, to explain why eucalyptus essential oil is great and what beneficial properties it has. To be precise we use Eucalyptus Citriodora oil, which comes from the eucalyptus citriodora tree, also known as the ‘lemon scented gum tree’. This is due to the slightly lemony scent in addition to the smell of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus essential oils are extracted from the leaf of the tree rather than the fruit of the tree which is common in other essential oils. The most common type of eucalyptus essential oil is eucalyptus globulus, which is responsible for the majority of eucalyptus produced in the world. This particular species is the most common because of its abilities to grow extremely fast and across many different climates. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of eucalyptus oil is produced in China, with around 70% of the world’s supply produced here. Other producers include: Spain, Portugal, India, Chile and not forgetting Australia.
Reduces Pain
In a study conducted on patients who underwent knee surgery, were exposed to inhaling eucalyptus oil during their recovery, and the results showed the patients who were exposed to the eucalyptus had significantly decreased pain scores than those in the control group. The study concluded the pain relief which was experienced by patients was due to the 1,8 cineole, which is one of the key ingredients which make up eucalyptus essential oil. This component of the oil has been shown in another study was shown to have a morphine like effect. Another notable effect in the study was the reduction in blood pressure. It was concluded eucalyptus oil enhanced the serotonin production in the patients’ bodies, which made the patients feel calmer and relaxed – just from the smell! With its pain relieving effects, we recommend either using eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser to scent a room or applying a topical solution to the affected area. When using essential oils as a topical solution, always dilute your essential oil down in a carrier oil. We recommend a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier oil, and the carrier oils we would suggest would be coconut or olive oil. Always consult a doctor when adding essential oils to your regime as it may affect any current medication you are taking.
Antimicrobial
There is a difference between antimicrobial and antibacterial. When something is antibacterial it means that the substance kills bacteria. Antimicrobial on the other hand means that it will limit the spread of bacteria. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial and does kill bacteria but it is one of the most potent antimicrobial essential oils out there. If you want a powerful antibacterial essential oil then lemon and orange essential oils are great for this. In a study where eucalyptus oil was tested against two different forms of bacteria (E.Coli and S.Aureus) which can cause a variety of illnesses such as toxic shock syndrome and septicaemia, results showed that eucalyptus oil was an effective treatment against both types of bacteria. The report even suggested the oil could be utilised in the future against these bacterium, which are becoming ever more resistant to antibiotics. The study also concluded the eucalyptus oil was particularly effective at inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria. Essential oils have long been touted as natural healers and eucalyptus is no exception, there have been a variety of studies on it showing its bacteria fighting properties, which is why it is such a great addition to a soap bar. Soap naturally removes dirt and bacteria from the skin by loosening it and washing the bacteria away in the act of rinsing. The addition of eucalyptus oil to soap is great because as well as removing the bacteria it also inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria.
Relieves respiratory conditions
If you have ever had a cold or the flu in the past then you may have experienced a parent or guardian applying vapour rub to your chest that allows you to breathe easier. Vapour rub is heavily scented with eucalyptus oil and has been scientifically proven to ease respiratory conditions. In this study the key ingredient in eucalyptus oil (cineole) was studied on its effects on the respiratory disease acute bronchitis. The study had a group of 242 patients, and those patients that received the dose of cineole (3x200mg) per day showed significant improvements from the disease and a remarkable reduction in coughing fits. Cineole, the key ingredient in eucalyptus oil, has also been shown to reduce the effects of asthma and even COPD. In this study it has shown the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus reduce the amount of mucus induced by inflammation. Reduction in inflammation and mucus secretions are amazing benefits, and the study has even suggested this treatment could be used in long term treatment for asthma control and COPD exacerbations.
Eucalyptus Soap Benefits
In our eucalyptus soap we only use 100% pure essential oils to scent it. Our choice from the varieties of eucalyptus oil was citriodora, as it has subtle lemony undertones, which we just loved. By using our eucalyptus soap, with our 100% natural essential oil, you will gain from all of the benefits listed above. We especially think the antimicrobial properties marry well with natural soap, as the soap will wash away the bacteria and the eucalyptus essential oil will inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria. Plus because the scent is 100% natural, it will not contain any phthalates which are used in fragrance oils. Phthalates are used in synthetic fragrance oils and are usually listed on ingredients as ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ and can be carcinogenic. The easiest way to check your soap or cosmetic product for these cheap alternatives is to check the ingredient list; if the word parfum or fragrance is on the list then synthetic chemicals have been used to fragrance it. On our eucalyptus soap ingredients list you can clearly see the only oil we use to fragrance it is eucalyptus citriodora oil. The reason you are not seeing phthalates on your ingredient list is because the Europen Chemical Agency has protected the fragrance industry from having to release their ingredients included in the fragrance for the reason that their competition could copy them. I know this is a tough issue for the multi-billion pound industry but we think consumers should know what goes onto their skin, especially if they could be harmful to health.