The Many Ways to Use Eucalyptus Leaves
Medically reviewed by Aviv Joshua, MS
Eucalyptus leaves come from the eucalyptus tree, a fast-growing tree native to Australia. They now grow worldwide and have been used by different cultures to treat respiratory conditions, skin irritation, and dental plaque.
Eucalyptus leaves are known for their potential health benefits. They contain different compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes, with antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
This article discusses the potential benefits of eucalyptus leaves, as well as precautions for safety.
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Related: Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs
Medicinal Properties of Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves are used worldwide for their medicinal properties and antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
Antibacterial Properties
Eucalyptus leaves contain compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria. The essential oil made from eucalyptus leaves can inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria and fight bacterial infections.
One study found that taking a eucalyptus herbal remedy while on antibiotics effectively treated certain multidrug-resistant bacteria. This is due to the phytochemicals found in eucalyptus leaves. It is possible that using eucalyptus remedies could lower the dosage of antibiotics needed.
Another study found eucalyptus leaves useful in protecting tomato plants from harmful bacteria growth.
Antioxidants
Eucalyptus leaves contain antioxidants called flavonoids that are known to protect the body from oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an excess of harmful molecules known as free radicals in cells.
People who eat a diet rich in flavonoids may be at lower risk of developing dementia, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Takeaway
Eucalyptus leaves have been used for years for their medicinal properties. In Australia, eucalyptus leaves were used as a treatment for wound healing. Eucalyptus leaves were burned and inhaled by people with colds and other respiratory illnesses.
In Africa, the leaves were used as a folk medicine remedy for stomachaches and the flu. The bark can be used as a teeth-cleaning stick.
Benefits of Dried Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves can be dried and used for certain health conditions. Dried leaves can be steeped in tea. Eucalyptus oil can also be extracted from the dried leaves.
Pain Relief
The compounds in eucalyptus leaves may provide natural pain relief when inhaled or applied to the skin. Inhaling the essential oil from eucalyptus leaves may improve pain in people after surgery.
One study found that when people inhaled eucalyptus oil after knee replacement surgery, their pain levels and blood pressure levels decreased. More research is needed to determine if eucalyptus oil can be used routinely for pain management.
Immune Response
The oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves may stimulate the body’s immune response to certain infections. The compounds in eucalyptus leaves may boost phagocytosis, which causes immune cells to consume and destroy germs and foreign particles.
Eucalyptus essential oil may improve wound healing for ulcers and cold sores. It may also lower inflammation in people with arthritis.
Respiratory Conditions
Eucalyptus leaves' antibacterial effects can benefit people with respiratory illnesses. Research found compounds in eucalyptus leaves are effective against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus.
Inhaling eucalyptus oil may help decrease mucus and relieve congestion in people with a cold or other respiratory illness. Eucalyptus oil is present in some types of inhaled cold medicines.
Dry Skin
Eucalyptus leaf extract may be beneficial for skin health. Eucalyptus leaves contain macrocarpa A, which can increase ceramide levels, a fatty acid that helps the skin stay moisturized. Increasing your ceramide levels may improve skin health and prevent certain conditions like psoriasis. It may also prevent dandruff and dry scalp problems when used directly on the scalp.
Relaxation
Inhaling eucalyptus leaf oil may promote relaxation. A study found that inhaling eucalyptus essential oil can reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.
Insect Repellent
The essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves can be a natural insect repellent. The oil has been found to actively repel houseflies.
Oral Hygiene
Eucalyptus leaves are not the only part of the tree with health benefits. Extract from the bark can be used as chewing gum to improve oral health and may even prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
What Are Terpenes?
Eucalyptus leaves contain aromatic compounds called terpenes. These are the compounds that give eucalyptus leaves their aroma. They are meant to protect the trees from animals and insects.
Benefits of Fresh Eucalyptus Leaves
There is more research needed on the benefits of fresh eucalyptus leaves. The fresh leaves can be placed in the shower for their aroma. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the health benefits of eucalyptus leaves for respiratory illnesses and the common cold.
Ways to Use Eucalyptus Leaves
There are many ways to use eucalyptus leaves in your home. Talk with a healthcare provider if you are unsure if eucalyptus leaves are safe.
Here are a few ways to use eucalyptus leaves:
Make a tea by crushing one dried leaf in a cup and filling it with hot water. Once the leaves have steeped, use a strainer to remove them. Never make tea from eucalyptus oil ,which can be toxic.
Place fresh leaves in your shower for a spa experience.
Use diluted oil from eucalyptus leaves as a bug-repellent or pain-relieving ointment.
Side Effects, Interactions, and Precautions
Some essential oils, like eucalyptus oil, must be handled carefully to prevent side effects or serious reactions. Never ingest eucalyptus oil because it can be toxic. This is especially important for infants and children.
When using eucalyptus oil, choose a reputable source that is pure. Do not place undiluted eucalyptus oil directly on your skin because it can burn and cause other side effects. Eucalyptus oil should be diluted to 1% to 5%, being mixed with other, carrier oils before being applied topically.
Eucalyptus oil is considered toxic. Consuming it causes immediate side effects, including:
A burning feeling in the mouth and throat
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Once digested, eucalyptus oil may cause:
Giddiness
Loss of coordination
Confusion
Fainting
Summary
Eucalyptus leaves are the leaves that come from eucalyptus trees. The leaves from eucalyptus trees have several potential health benefits, and more research is needed.
Eucalyptus leaves contain compounds that have both antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The leaves can be used to extract eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus essential oil may be beneficial for respiratory conditions and wound healing.
While eucalyptus oil has several potential health benefits, it can be toxic when ingested. To use eucalyptus leaves, try making tea from dried leaves.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
