If you could choose just one plant oil that might serve you well in these current times, what would it be? Something fragrant like jasmine or ylang ylang? Or perhaps you’d go for something strong and symbolic like frankincense? This month, we’d like to look into one plant oil that would be worth having at hand at all times, which is eucalyptus essential oil. Known to help ward off germs, relieve coughs, and even sanitise your bath water, Eucalyptus essential oil is a versatile, relatively inexpensive, and easily available oil. Here’s all you need to know about this scintillatingly refreshing plant oil.
• Cough reliever. For centuries, essential oil of eucalyptus has been used as an active ingredient in home remedies for coughs and flu. It’s no surprise to find that even today, it’s still found in capsule form, and in alternative cough medicines.
• Gentle disinfectant. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil, and you’ll have a gentle yet effective disinfectant for minor cuts and wounds.
• For easy breathing. Provided you’re not allergic to eucalyptus, it can be used as a steam remedy for conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. Place a few drops of it into hot, steaming water, and inhale the steam to help reduce mucus or loosen it.
• Healthier gums. Helps to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth and gums by attacking the bacteria that cause tooth decay
• Freshens up your breath. Eucalyptus makes an effective breath freshener, which is why you’ll find it as an active ingredient in some toothpastes and mouthwashes.
• Relieves joint aches. Well, now we know why some over-the-counter ointments for joint pain contain eucalyptus oil, and you can tell it does just be the refreshing scent!
• Soothes cold sores. Mix a drop or two of eucalyptus oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply a thin layer of this onto cold sores for instant relief and quicker healing.
• Keep mosquitoes and other biting insects away! Spray a few ribbons with neat eucalyptus oil and hang them at the entrance of your home, or at room doors to repel biting insects.
