1. Eucalyptus Oil for Cold and Congestion

Eucalyptus oil is known for its anti-viral and anti-bacterial healing properties. A 2010 study suggested that, "Eucalyptus oil and its major component, 1,8-cineole, have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria...viruses, and fungi." And that, "surprisingly for an antimicrobial substance, there are also immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects."

The study recommended that vapor inhalation was an effective way to relieve congestion. Inhaling the strong aroma of eucalyptus oil helps to loosen phlegm and alleviate congestion associated with the common cold, flu or more severe conditions such as bronchitis.

2. Eucalyptus Oil for Cough

Eucalyptus oil's decongestant properties can help to clear your chest by making your cough more productive. There's nothing more annoying than a hacking cough with nothing coming up. Inhaling the vapor or applying a eucalyptus oil infused rub can help in loosening mucus, so that when you cough, the thinned mucus can be expelled out of your chest.

A 2004 study conducted on rats suggested that Eucalyptus oil has an "anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis."

Many popular over-the-counter rubs contain eucalyptus and other cough suppressing substances.

3. Eucalyptus Oil for Hair Nourishment

Need some instant hair nourishment? Moisturize your hair with a few drops of eucalyptus oil blended with a carrier oil like coconut oil (which is also an excellent hair moisturizer!). The active ingredients in eucalyptus oil help to stimulate hair follicles (the tiny holes where hair grows from) by stimulating blood vessels to constrict. This in turn gets more blood flow to the follicles and encourages healthy hair development.

4. Eucalyptus Oil for Lice

There's nothing more embarrassing or annoying than having your scalp infested by head lice! Eucalyptus oil is a natural insecticide and many commercially available head lice sprays actually contain essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus (along with many harsh chemicals).

5. Eucalyptus Oil for Keeping Bugs Away

Want a natural and healthy alternative to chemically toxic bug sprays available commercially? The drug store contains many popular insect repellant options, but most contain DEET, which although approved by health agencies, has questionable health concerns.

6. Eucalyptus Oil for Reducing Fever

Eucalyptus oil is effective in reducing the body's temperature during a fever due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its properties as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to expand blood vessels improving overall blood circulation, which is helpful when the body is trying to fight a fever.  In fact, eucalyptus essential oil is also called "fever oil" for its fever-reducing properties.

7. Eucalyptus Oil for Bad Breathe

Along with the active ingredient Eucalyptol, research shows that, "eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole, an antiseptic that kills the bacteria that can cause bad breath." For this reason you'll find eucalyptus essential oil to be an active ingredient in some store bought mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Since eucalyptus fights bacteria, it can also potentially help avert plaque build-up and gingivitis.

Another study suggested that, "eucalyptus-infused gum reduced halitosis," or bad breath, but the best way to probably use it to maximize its positive effect would be through a mouthwash or brushing.

8. Eucalyptus Oil for Joint Pain and Arthritis

Eucalyptus oil is both an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic so it helps to soothe both the inflammation and pain that is associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and even muscle injury.

In fact a 2013 study conducted to investigate the "effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement" suggested that, "inhalation of eucalyptus oil was effective in decreasing patient's pain and blood pressure following TKR." So if you have knee pain, eucalyptus oil can help you find effective relief.

Many popular over-the-counter ointments for joint pain actually contain eucalyptus essential oil as an active ingredient.

Uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Here are some everyday uses of eucalyptus essential oil :

1. Bathroom Cleaner

Eucalyptus essential oil is a great germ killer, so I like to use it to clean my bathroom. I use it in a spray bottle to clean the sink and around my toilet and use it with baking soda and vinegar to clean the toilet bowl.

2. Chest Congestion

Eucalyptus is a wonderful decongestant and I like to dilute it in a carrier oil to use as a chest decongestant. Mix it with a few other essential oils to make a great vapor rub.

3. Sinus Infection

Sinus infections are no fun and it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. One way I treat them naturally is by using eucalyptus essential oil in my Neti pot saline solution. After a few uses, there’s a noticeable difference in how well I breathe and how stuffed up my head feels.

4. Air Freshener

Eucalyptus essential oil is one of my favorite oils to put in my diffuser. I often run our diffuser in our bus and like eucalyptus because it smells great and kills bacteria and viruses that might make us sick.

5. Airway Opener

Ingredients