Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) Oil benefits, side effects, how to make

Eucalyptus oil has been used in the traditional medicine for relieving cough. The cough medications present in the medical stores nowadays also contain eucalyptus oil as one of their main ingredients. Animal studies suggest that 1,8-Cineol or eucalyptol present in the eucalyptus oil exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis. Also, it was reported to inhibit hypersecretion of airway mucins which is a common feature in problems like asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Clinical studies also document the efficacy of a volatile oil mixture of eucalyptus, camphor, and mint on patients suffering from an acute runny nose. As per this clinical study, a spray made from these oils can be applied 5 times a day for a period of 3 days to obtain the maximum benefits.

(Read more: Cough treatment)

Eucalyptus oil not only helps in alleviating cough but it is also helpful in getting the mucus out of the chest. An inhaling vapour which is made with eucalyptus essential oil can help in the loosening of mucus and expelling it with cough. The use of a rub which contains eucalyptus oil produces a similar effect. Studies suggest that eucalyptus oil is clinically effective in relieving respiratory inflammatory disorders and increasing the efflux of excess mucus.

Insect-borne diseases are one of the major causes of mortality in the world. It is especially worse in developing countries where there is a lack of proper hygiene and sanitation facilities. Diseases like malaria, dengue and Zika have taken many lives in the past decade.

While there is some form of treatments available for most of these diseases, prevention is always better than cure. DEET sprays are one of the most popular mosquito repellents but they come with certain disadvantages. An effective alternative for those who are allergic or unable to use DEET is a botanical compound which is used to repel the pests is the oil of lemon eucalyptus. Studies suggest that eucalyptol present in eucalyptus oil is an excellent bug repellent. The same odour receptors that respond to DEET respond to eucalyptol as well.

Eucalyptus oil is one of the primary components of some commercial bug-repellents. A recent study claims that eucalyptus oil is more potent than DEET in repelling Aedes aegyptii mosquito which is the vector of dengue and chikungunya.

Eucalyptus has been known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The eucalyptus leaves were used by Australian aborigines to prevent infections and treat wounds.  Diluted eucalyptus oil may be used on the skin to promote wound healing and fight inflammation. Laboratory-based studies suggest that eucalyptus oil loaded in tiny lipid layers can be used in wound healing therapies. According to an animal study, the wound healing property of eucalyptus oil is similar to that of gentamycin.

Open wounds are highly prone to infections. Several studies suggest that eucalyptus oil is not only an efficient antimicrobial but it also stimulates the phagocytic cells in the immune system leading to an improved immune response.

A bad breath may make one lose an awesome opportunity just because of that one bad impression. Studies suggest that bad breath is mainly caused due to certain foods, and mouth infections. These infectious bacteria produce some volatile sulphur compounds. which is the chemical agent responsible for bad breath. Eucalyptus oil contains antibacterial properties which may be useful in fighting with the germs that cause mouth odour. In fact, a lot of mouthwashes, Chewing gums, and toothpaste contain eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient.

Another study documented that a eucalyptus-extract chewing gum showed significant reductions in both organoleptic scores and volatile sulfur compounds.

Eucalyptus products may also help in preventing plaque buildup on the teeth and gums by attacking the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Clinical studies suggest that eucalyptus oil is useful for maintaining periodontal health.

(Read more: Dental plaque)

Joint pain is one of the most common problems faced by the old and elderly. Eucalyptus oil is one of the primary ingredients of some commercially available creams and ointments. It is also used in some topical formulations that are used for relieving pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is because eucalyptus oil is a potent analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory agent.  In vivo studies suggest a topical formulation with eucalyptus oil as one of its ingredients, is useful for reducing arthritic pain.

(Read more: Arthritis treatment)

According to a systemic review published in Pain Research and Treatment, essential oils and aromatherapy are very effective in reducing all kinds of pain. So, it may be helpful in relieving back pain and recovering the joint or muscle injury sooner. Inhalation of eucalyptus oil has also been found to relieve joint pain in patients with a total knee replacement.

But the consultation and guidance of a doctor is a must before the use of eucalyptus oil for relieving pain

(Read more: Joint pain causes)

Herpes simplex virus infection by HSV-1 virus causes cold sores and fever blisters in and around the mouth and HSV-2 virus generally causes sores around the genital area. Studies show that an application of eucalyptus oil exerts direct antiviral activity against the HSV virus. Various antiviral compounds present in eucalyptus oil have been suggested to be effective against the relapse of herpes infection. 

Lab-studies indicate that eucalyptus essential oil affects the viral capsule which in turn stops the spread of this virus.

However, more studies are needed to clearly understand the anti-viral effects of eucalyptus oil.

According to WHO, Diabetes is a chronic disease, hitting the people of almost all age groups. According to research, eucalyptus is hypoglycemic in nature and its hot aqueous decoction is used as a home remedy to lower down the blood sugar levels in various parts of the world.

Animal studies suggest that eucalyptus improves the insulin production by repairing the damage to pancreatic cells. The hypoglycemic potential of eucalyptus qualifies it further for the research to treat type 2 diabetes.