Eucalyptus has a long history in folk medicine, with people using the plant and its essential oils to treat various ailments. Herb specialist Christine Buckley explains that eucalyptus oil has been shown to provide relief for sore muscles, indigestion, and other conditions. Scientific research has confirmed these benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in air quality when eucalyptus essential oils are used.
The active ingredient in eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, is what makes it effective for treating respiratory issues such as coughs and sore throats by removing mucus from the respiratory tract. Eucalyptol also has an anti-inflammatory effect that improves concentration and calms the respiratory system. This makes eucalyptus oil a popular choice for use in showers, where the warm, moist air helps the oils to evaporate and release their beneficial properties.
Inhaling the evaporated eucalyptus oils provides a pleasant and relaxing smell while also offering health benefits. However, Buckley notes that over time the effectiveness of eucalyptus diminishes, so it’s important to replace the twig in the shower if the smell becomes weak. Keeping a twig in the bathroom after the oils have evaporated is unnecessary and of no use.
Overall, eucalyptus has been shown to be an effective tool for treating various ailments through its use as both a plant and its essential oils. Its unique properties make it a valuable addition to any natural remedy kit.