10 Amazing Eucalyptus Benefits That Might Surprise You

Maybe you’ve never seen a eucalyptus tree, but you might have chewed eucalyptus, gargled it, or applied it to your skin without even knowing! That’s because eucalyptus benefits are numerous, and it can be found in tons of everyday products.

If you’re wondering how eucalyptus can make your life better, stick around. At Babo Botanicals, we’re big fans of this plant and all the benefits it offers!

In fact, we’re such fans that we’re partnered with a farm in Australia that grows eucalyptus trees. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

But before we get to that, let’s start by talking about what eucalyptus is exactly.

What Is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus trees are also commonly known as Gum trees. If you associate these trees with koala bears, you aren’t wrong! But we’ll get to these lovable animals later. Let’s talk about this amazing, leafy tree.

Eucalyptus is a tall, fast-growing evergreen tree. And when we say tall, we mean tall. They easily reach over 30 feet and some are a couple of hundred feet tall.

Its leaves are hearty, don’t wilt easily, and, in general, the tree is born and bred to withstand heat. Another characteristic that helps this tree survive in the hot, dry climate of its native continent is that it re-sprouts easily after fire or drought.

While eucalyptus is native to the great down under of Australia, it now grows in other places of the world as well. For example, they are quite popular in California and Arizona.

That’s not to say that introducing this tree to other areas of the world hasn’t come with its fair share of problems.

Eucalyptus trees are extremely flammable and tend to crowd out other trees. Regardless, these trees have also blessed humanity in several ways!

Other than doing their tree thing and being great for the environment and the air we breathe, how do eucalyptus trees benefit us? And how do these trees make their way into our homes?

There are a few ways we humans use the eucalyptus plant. First, we’d like to go over the history of eucalyptus and its ancient uses, and then we’ll cover the modern-day uses. Let’s take a look!

The History Of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has been around since the olden days. The first written record of this lovely tree was in the year 1642 when Abel Janszoon Tasman explored Tasmania, an island off Australia.

Over the years, the use and cultivation of the tree grew. The tree’s gummy secretion was noted, and it also was used as timber since the wood is strong and flexible. It was also believed that eucalyptus could push back diseases like malaria.

As far as medical use of this plant goes, during the 18th and 19th centuries, eucalyptus was used as an antiseptic and for wound healing. Although, for all we know, the natives of Australia might have been taking advantage of eucalyptus benefits for centuries prior!

So, how is eucalyptus used now? In several different ways and for various reasons! Let’s go over how eucalyptus leaves, eucalyptus oil, and eucalyptol are all put to use.

Eucalyptus Leaves

Eucalyptus leaves are pretty to look at, hearty, and smell wonderful. And the leaves themselves can be used as they are.

Some people literally bring the plant into their house by hanging eucalyptus leaves in their shower for a bit of humid aromatherapy.

Tea is another way that the leaves are used. Dried leaves are ground up to make a healthy eucalyptus tea.

However, you shouldn’t confuse a tea made from dried eucalyptus leaves with eucalyptus oil. While the tea can be wonderful to sip, the oil can be dangerous if you ingest too much of it.

That said, there are other great ways to use eucalyptus oil!

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is also made from the leaves of the tree.

One of the main sources of this oil is a specific species of the eucalyptus tree called eucalyptus globulus. The leaves of this species are distilled to make eucalyptus essential oil.

This medicinal oil can be used in a variety of ways. You can inhale it (think essential oil diffuser), combine it with a carrier oil to apply it topically, and even use a few drops of it to make homemade bug repellent, cleaning products, and the like.

Eucalyptus oil contains a natural organic compound called eucalyptol, which is the component that provides so many health benefits!

Eucalyptol

In addition to putting the raw leaves and oil to good use, the eucalyptol found in eucalyptus is used as an ingredient in products like mouthwash and lotion.

As you can see, eucalyptus is used in many ways, from the most basic use of its whole leaves to the extraction of one of its beneficial organic compounds.

Now that you have a better idea of what eucalyptus is and where it can be found, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this plant!

10 Amazing Eucalyptus Benefits

After you find out all of the great things that eucalyptus can do, you’ll probably be tempted to go crazy with it. Just remember, as we mentioned earlier, eucalyptus oil should not be consumed because it can be toxic if ingested!

Secondly, as with any new product (even natural ones) that you’re applying to your skin, you should test eucalyptus on a small area before applying it all over. Some ingredients could cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

But, when it comes to your baby and their delicate skin, you don’t have to automatically rule out products that contain eucalyptus! The right product will soothe and calm their skin without irritating it.

You can always chat with your doctor if you’re wondering about how eucalyptus can specifically help you and your family!

Now, let’s talk about ten of the incredible eucalyptus benefits!

1) Eucalyptus Is Antibacterial And Antifungal

As we mentioned, eucalyptus was used way back when for wound healing and as an antiseptic. It’s still being put to use today.

Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, eucalyptus is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, like cuts, cold sores, and athlete's foot.

In fact, we use organic Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil in our Sensitive Skin All Natural Healing Ointment. This moisturizing ointment can be used for a variety of skin concerns — eczema, cracked heels and feet, insect bites, dry skin, poison ivy, and more!

In addition to eucalyptus oil, this soothing formula contains medical-grade colloidal oatmeal, shea, and cocoa butter.

This 100% natural, 70+% organic product is not only full of those wonderful, natural botanicals but is also free of unwanted ingredients like preservatives, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, and sulfates.

2) Eucalyptus Can Be Used For Household Cleaning

Say no to chemical-filled cleaning products and yes to eucalyptus! It’s antiseptic, which means it can be used as a disinfecting cleaner all over your house.

Eucalyptus oil works to clean your floors, toilets, stainless steel appliances, sink… We could go on and on!

Make your own cleaning products by adding eucalyptus oil to water, vinegar, or vodka, depending on what you want to clean.

Not sure how to go about it? We’ll give you somewhere to start.

All-Purpose Cleaner

To make a general, all-purpose cleaner, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup of vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• ⅛ teaspoon of liquid dish soap
• 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Mix all four ingredients together and put the mixture into a spray bottle for easy use. You can use this solution to clean kitchen countertops, the fridge, surfaces in the bathroom, and the like.

Or simply add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle of water for everyday cleaning.

If you’re measuring, shoot for one drop of oil to every four ounces of water. Just remember that this doesn’t have to be an exact science!

Once you’ve got the hang of this simple and easy cleaning solution, the sky’s the limit. You can use eucalyptus oil as an air freshener, bug deterrent, deodorizer, and so much more.

3) Eucalyptus Can Decrease And Clear Mucus

Eucalyptus is great for the common cold for several reasons, one of which is that it helps reduce and break up that yucky mucus that makes you so miserable!

When you breathe eucalyptus in, it works as a decongestant to loosen mucus and relieve congestion. This helps to clear up not only a stuffy nose but also a cough, which is our next point.

4) Eucalyptus Is Good For Your Respiratory Tract

Speaking of using eucalyptus when your nose is stopped up, it’s also good for helping clear up a cough. Plus, it’s beneficial to your respiratory tract in general!

Just as eucalyptus works as a decongestant for your nose, it can also help to loosen mucus when you’re dealing with a cough.

With Babo Botanicals’s Eucalyptus Remedy Organic Soothing Chest Rub, soak in natural vapors of USDA Certified Organic comforting Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Rosemary Oil. This chest rub comforts, calms, and relaxes and is safe for the whole family!

In addition, eucalyptus can help other respiratory ailments — like asthma and bronchitis, for example — by reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.

5) Eucalyptus Soothes Dry Skin

Your skin has its own natural barrier that works to keep moisture in and protect itself from irritants. Ceramides (a fat) are found in your skin and contribute to keeping that skin barrier healthy.

Where does eucalyptus come in? This plant can actually boost the ceramide level in your skin, helping your skin stay healthy and hydrated.

Expert tip: try Babo Botanicals’s 3 in 1 Eucalyptus Remedy™ Plant Based Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Wash to nourish and soothe your skin!

The plant-based formula gently cleanses while moisturizing and is specially designed for babies, children, and adults with extra-sensitive skin. Scrub, soak, and wash with this 3-in-1 product.

Use it as a bubble bath and soak in the natural vapors of comforting eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary oil to soothe, calm and nourish your skin and body.

Just remember that plant-based bubbling agents don’t bubble like their synthetic counterparts. This means you need to use this bubble bath correctly in order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Pour at least 2 capfuls of formula under vigorously running water when you start filling the tub, then hop in, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

As a shampoo or body wash, the plant-based formula gently cleanses hair, scalp, and skin and moisturizes delicate skin. Rest assured that it’s easy on your skin — the vegan and cruelty-free formula is sulfate-free and EWG Verified.

6) Eucalyptus Refreshes Your Skin

In addition to soothing dry skin, eucalyptus provides another benefit that’s especially useful during the sunny summer months: it can cool and refresh your skin.

Who doesn’t need that after a little too much time in the sun?

When we made Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Aloe Gel, we didn’t stop with organic aloe vera. We also included green tea, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, arnica, and the star of the show: cooling, soothing eucalyptus!

This quick-absorbing gel forms a protective barrier, which helps retain moisture and promote healing. Plus, it leaves your skin smooth, with no tacky residue left behind!

Count on this hydrating gel to be safe for your whole family, babies included! It’s free of harsh chemicals or irritants, made in the United States of America, and B-Corp certified.

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning the many different uses of this aloe vera gel. Of course, you can apply it to your skin after sun exposure (don’t forget mineral sunscreen while you’re in the sun!).

But you can also use it in the following ways:

• Sunburn relief
• Easing irritation
• Speeding up healing
• On blemishes
• Fighting acne
• As a shaving gel
• As a hair styling gel

7) Eucalyptus Fights Bacteria In Your Mouth

If you haven’t picked up on the theme yet, eucalyptus is really good at cleaning! Your house, your sinuses, and now we come to your mouth.

Thanks to its bacteria-fighting properties, eucalyptus is effective at combating the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

That’s why you’ll find that some of your favorite breath-freshening gum contains eucalyptus. There are also a few types of mouthwash made with eucalyptus. Swish swish!

8) Eucalyptus Is An Insect Repellent

Interestingly enough, in addition to lots of health benefits, eucalyptus can be used as an insect repellent. If you’re trying to stay away from DEET, it’s a great natural alternative!

Eucalyptus works to keep ants, mosquitoes, and other annoying buys away from you and your family! (Speaking of unwanted bugs, eucalyptus oil is also hailed as a home remedy for head lice.)

You can purchase a DEET-free bug spray that contains eucalyptus oil or whip up your own bug repellent at home.

Eucalyptus Bug Repellent

Make a safe bug repellent in no time with the following ingredients:

• Water
• Witch hazel or vodka
• Lemon eucalyptus essential oil

Simply mix equal parts water and either witch hazel or vodka (or a combination of both), then add the eucalyptus essential oil. For one cup of liquid, add around 100 drops of oil. Once again, this is not an exact science!

9) Eucalyptus Helps Relieve Anxiety And Pain

It turns out that this incredible tree can also ease your anxiety and help relieve pain.

Diluting eucalyptus essential oil in a carrier oil and applying it to your skin can give you a break from common aches and pains, like backache, strains or sprains, muscle ache, and arthritis. But applying it directly to your skin isn’t the only way it helps.

In a study entitled “Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” it was found that inhaling eucalyptus oil reduced a patient’s experience of pain after a total knee replacement.

Eucalyptus also reduced the patient’s blood pressure, which leads us to eucalyptus for anxiety relief (and who doesn’t need that?).

A few whiffs of eucalyptus oil promotes relaxation and helps calm your stress response system. Ahhh...deep breath!

10) Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Benefits The Koalas

This isn’t a eucalyptus benefit that applies directly to your skin or your health, but we think it’s worth mentioning!

At the beginning of the article, we noted that you might associate eucalyptus with cute koalas. That’s because eucalyptus leaves are a primary source of food for these animals.

Here at Babo Botanicals, we’ve partnered with Down Under Enterprises not only because we want high-quality eucalyptus but also because we want to care for the koalas! How does our partnership do that?

The koala sanctuary at Down Under Enterprises began when eucalyptus trees were planted near a natural water source for koalas. Now, the trees are large enough to support the koalas and provide a food source. This encourages them to use this habitat as a safe way to travel.

Simply by growing eucalyptus trees, Down Under Enterprises has naturally created a wonderful koala sanctuary on their farm.

These are the same eucalyptus trees that provide the eucalyptus we use in Babo Botanicals products. The leaves are safely removed from the trees while maintaining the koala’s food source.

This is why these eucalyptus skincare products are a win-win for your skin as well as the koalas!

In addition, we are committed to contributing 10% of eucalyptus product sales to WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service).

Start Experiencing Eucalyptus Benefits Today

As you can see, eucalyptus is a pretty useful little plant. It’s great for everything from reducing anxiety to cleaning your house and moisturizing your skin.

If you’re not much of a DIY person, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get the benefits of eucalyptus without having to concoct your own cleaning products or insect repellents.

Start reaping some amazing eucalyptus benefits today with eucalyptus-filled products, like Babo Botanicals’s 3 in 1 Eucalyptus Remedy™ Plant Based Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Wash or Sensitive Skin All Natural Healing Ointment.

And if you’re looking for a way to keep your family’s hands clean (and hydrated!), try our Eucalyptus Plant Based Hand Soap. This gentle soap cleanses, moisturizes, and protects your skin with soothing ingredients, like organic argan oil, shea butter, olive oil, and aloe vera.

Whether you’re treating sun-kissed skin or soothing dry skin, your body will thank you!