8 Medicinal Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaves

Eucalyptus is a gum tree native to Australia, though it grows in hot, dry places all over the world now. The 8 medicinal health benefits of eucalyptus leaves include that it is a pain reliever, insect repellent, breath freshener, and other benefits.

Eucalyptus leaves produce a volatile oil, used as a popular ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines. Studies show it has some benefits, but most of them are early studies with limited or mixed results. 

Eucalyptus is a gum tree native to Australia, though it grows in hot, dry places all over the world now. Of the approximately 900 varieties of eucalyptus trees, only about 300 make volatile oil. Also called essential oil, it is in the leaves of the plant. 

Indigenous cultures used eucalyptus leaves in traditional medicine to remedy coughs, colds, bronchitis, fevers, and wound healing. They also used it as an antiseptic to kill germs. Interestingly, in the 1800s, hospitals in England used eucalyptus oil to disinfect catheters. 

Today, eucalyptus essential oil is still a natural remedy. While consuming straight eucalyptus oil might be toxic, it has the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive for flavoring.

Most eucalyptus leaves are rich in a chemical compound called 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol, though the concentration can vary by species. These compounds have some medical actions, giving eucalyptus some health benefits. 

Relieves pain

Eucalyptus oil has a cooling sensation on the skin, which comes from the eucalyptol compound. In lab dish studies, this eucalyptol compound blocked sensory pathways involved in pain, suggesting it could be a pain reliever. Animal studies also show that eucalyptus oil lowers inflammation, swelling, and pain. 

A small human study showed inhaling eucalyptus could lower blood pressure and pain perception in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. 

Insect repellent

Ticks are tiny bugs that can spread bacteria and parasites, causing diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease. Lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the few government-approved natural ingredients that can repel ticks, although you should not make a do-it-yourself (DIY) insect repellent. If you want to use lemon eucalyptus for tick season, use a product registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This way, you’ll get the right concentration of oil for protection. 

Freshens breath

Eucalyptus is a popular ingredient in mouthwashes. The cineole, or eucalyptol, is a disinfectant that can kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. It also has a fresh, cooling sensation that makes your mouth feel bright and clean. A mouthwash that combines eucalyptus with other oils like menthol might help prevent plaque buildup on your teeth, too. 

Soothes sore throats

Adding eucalyptus oil or fresh eucalyptus leaves to a throat gargle or spray might help soothe a sore throat. A small study tested a throat spray with eucalyptus, peppermint, and other oils on patients with upper respiratory infections. Compared to the control group, those that used the eucalyptus spray had a significant improvement in sore throat symptoms within 20 minutes.

Helps headache

Eucalyptus oil might help ease the side effects of a headache. A small, older study showed that applying a mixture of eucalyptus and peppermint oil to the forehead and temples relaxed muscles and improved mental performance. It didn’t help the pain, though. Eucalyptus might also cause headaches in some people. 

Relieves coughing

One of the most popular uses for eucalyptus is for cough and cold symptoms. It’s a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrups, lozenges, and chest rubs, and, once again, its actions come from the eucalyptol compound. Eucalyptol is mucolytic, bronchodilating, and anti-inflammatory, which means it breaks down mucous, opens up airways, and lowers inflammation.

There are quite a few studies on eucalyptus in different respiratory sicknesses and conditions. A review of all these studies found that eucalyptus can help improve cough symptoms from bronchitis or common colds and infections. The review said the clinical importance was unclear, so more research is necessary.

Relieves congestion

Eucalyptus oil is an expectorant, which means it thins out mucous and makes it easier to cough it up. Many people add the oil or fresh leaves to a bowl of hot water and inhale eucalyptus steam to help with congestion. You can also find eucalyptus-infused ointments to use on your chest and nose that will help clear your sinuses and chest.

May lower blood pressure

Nicotine interferes with a natural compound in your body called nitric oxide, which is vital for healthy blood vessels and blood pressure. Studies link nicotine to blood vessel damage and high blood pressure.

Eucalyptus leaves fresh from a tree aren’t quite as strong compared to concentrated eucalyptus oil. You can likely use both as a home remedy for minor issues but in different ways.

Inhale essential oil

Smelling and breathing in essential oils are the most common ways to enjoy aromatherapy. You can add eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser or vaporizer or breathe in eucalyptus steam, which might help with coughing and congestion. 

Apply essential oil diluted on the skin

You can also apply eucalyptus to your skin. To avoid skin irritation, always mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil first. 

Fresh leaves in the shower

Try tying a bundle of fresh eucalyptus leaves to your shower head. The hot steam will help release the oils from the leaves, which can help ease your sinuses. The fresh aroma might also help you wake up.

Not everyone should use eucalyptus essential oil. You can diffuse a few drops of eucalyptus around children under the age of two, but don’t put it on or near their faces. You should also avoid giving eucalyptus cough drops and syrups to kids under the age of six. 

Don’t use eucalyptus oil if you have seizures or a seizure disorder. If you have liver disease, low blood pressure, kidney disease, or take medications, talk to your doctor first. Eucalyptus can worsen some conditions and interact with some medicines.

While eucalyptus might have some benefits, it’s important to remember it’s not medication and not a replacement for medical treatment. It is always best to talk to your doctor about your health before beginning any new treatment or supplements.