Last Updated on 11 months by Anyhumidifier
Few things are more relaxing than the warm, moist air from a humidifier when respiratory symptoms hit. However, a humidifier does not provide enough relief for many citizens. One way to boost the immediate benefits of your humidifier is to add eucalyptus oil to the water. Still, it’s best to know the truth first to avoid harming your humidifier or yourself.
Active chemical component
Cineole is the active chemical component of eucalyptus oil that gives it its distinctive aroma. Cineole is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps release and removes mucus when inhaled. Since inhaling pure, undiluted eucalyptus oil directly may cause headaches; it’s safer to add it to the water in a humidifier. Especially where small quantities inhaled over time are less likely to cause discomfort.
How to make use of Eucalyptus oil in Humidifier
Use Eucalyptus oil in a humidifier in two ways, both of which are equally reliable. The most basic approach is to drop 4 or 5 drops of oil into the humidifier’s water tank. Then, the water will vaporize it. Another option is to soak a cotton ball in the oil and drop it into the reservoir. Both methods work well, but the cotton ball method produces a better smell since it slowly diffuses into the water.
Factors to Consider:
Exposing most humidifiers’ plastic parts to too much essential oil can deteriorate over time. However, cleaning the humidifier thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use will significantly help avoid this. If the residue persists, a solution of 1 -9 white vinegar can break up the oil and more effectively remove it. But it should be used sparingly because vinegar will weaken the plastic if used in excess.
Possible negative consequences of Eucalyptus oil in Humidifier
Irritation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes is the most common side effect of using eucalyptus oil in a humidifier. Side effects usually occur when the use of oils is in high amounts. Avoid the latter case by using just a few drops at a time. While plant-based remedies are generally safe for most people. Also, use caution when using them to prevent potentially harmful allergic reactions.
Eucalyptus Oil Has 7 Ingenious health benefits and experts say that eucalyptus oil, best known for its woodsy-sweet smell, has a slew of health benefits, ranging from reducing brain fog to purifying the air in your home. However, none of these arguments has been proved (at least not yet!).
Carrie Lam, M.D., co-founder and medical director of the Lam Clinic in Tustin, CA, says, “This essential oil has wide-ranging health benefits including decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.”
As a result, eucalyptus oil finds use in various items ranging from topical ointments and mouthwashes to vitamins and household cleaners. Do you want to see what it can do for you? Please continue reading to learn everything there is to know about this incredibly versatile essential oil, including how to use it.
What exactly is eucalyptus oil?
The extraction of Eucalyptus oil is from the eucalyptus trees’ leaves, which are native to Australia. Drying, grinding, and distillation are the steps used to extract oil from eucalyptus leaves. Essential oils are made from more than a dozen different eucalyptus trees, each with its unique combination of natural compounds and therapeutic benefits.
Although a compound called eucalyptol (a.k.a. cineole) is responsible for much of eucalyptus oil’s evergreen fragrance and much of its medicinal effects, eucalyptus oil is filled with various natural compounds that act in combination to create a range of health-promoting products.
What are some of the advantages of eucalyptus oil? What will you do with it?
Before using any essential oil, dilute it in water or carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. First, make sure you’re not allergic. Then, patch tests on your skin with a tiny amount.
Relieve the effects of a cold
When you’re exhausted, bloated up, and won’t stop coughing, eucalyptus oil can help (it’s the main ingredient in Vicks VapoRub, after all). According to Dr. Lam, eucalyptol appears to act as a natural decongestant and cough suppressant by assisting the body in breaking down mucus and phlegm and opening up the airways. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam for a relaxing home remedy, she says.
Reduce pain
Eucalyptus oil can also help relieve pain due to the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptol. In fact, adults recovering from complete knee replacement experienced substantially less pain after inhaling eucalyptus oil for about 30 minutes over three consecutive days than those who did not.
Dr. Lam recommends using one to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a diffuser to relieve aches and pains naturally. However, there is a need for more in-depth research to determine how powerful eucalyptus oil is for pain relief, so don’t expect it to take the place of your pain relievers.
Take a deep breath in and gently exhale
According to Alice Lee, D.D.S., co-founder of Empire Pediatric Dentistry in New York City,
“Eucalyptus oil’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help minimize the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and other oral health issues.”
As a result, it’s commonly available in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and even gum.
However, when it comes to do-it-yourself treatments, be cautious. Lee says if you have a severe dental problem such as sore gums. “A single drop of eucalyptus oil can make a big difference”. It is advisable to check on your dentist to determine the cause and establish a suitable course of action.
Get rid of cold sores
When a cold sore refuses to go down, any home remedy is worth a shot, and eucalyptus oil is one good option. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology, several compounds in eucalyptus oil will help combat the herpes simplex virus, the cause of that super raw spot on your lip, thanks to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Although it’s unclear if eucalyptus oil is more successful than conventional cold sore remedies, it may be a realistic option if you’re looking for something different. Dr. Zeichner recommends diluting it in a carrier oil to prevent irritating the skin and wiping it off before going outside to avoid a chemical burn from UV rays.
Make sure scrapes and cuts are clean
From the recent study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, this remedy appears to be effective. That is, eucalyptus oil’s antimicrobial properties can help prevent infection and promote wound healing when combined with olive oil. If you have a minor wound, highly diluted eucalyptus oil may be a healthy, natural solution. However, conventional approaches, including topical antibiotic creams and ointments, are still the first-line recommendation.
Keep Mosquitoes at bay
Suppose you don’t want to use chemical bug repellents on your skin. In that case, diluted eucalyptus oil can be used as a natural mosquito repellent, according to Chris D’Adamo, Ph.D. epidemiologist and director of research at the University Of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Integrative Medicine. Consider the following example: According to a 2014 study, a solution containing 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil can provide over 95 percent mosquito protection in just three hours.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Repel and off! Botanicals, both of which contain lemon eucalyptus oil, for a DEET-free, plant-based bug repellent.
Use Eucalyptus oil to Clean your house
“Eucalyptus oil makes for a fairly good household disinfectant, particularly if you’re super sensitive to harsh chemical cleaners,” says D’Adamo, since it’s antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal. According to his advice, wipe down surfaces with a solution of water, white vinegar, and a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
Are there any eucalyptus oil side effects?
If you’ve ever smelled this essential oil, you know how powerful it is, particularly in its concentrated form. Important note: Eucalyptus oil is poisonous when swallowed. However, it’s probably safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women; there’s not enough research to know for sure. Because eucalyptus oil can have potentially harmful side effects in children and pets, keep it out of their reach.
Finally, bear in mind that eucalyptus oil can affect how the body processes those drugs. For instance diabetes and cholesterol medications. So, talk to your doctor before adding it to the mix. Other than that, eucalyptus oil is usually clean.
First, look at these expert recommendations before deciding.
The more specific the details, the better
“High-quality oils are derived from ‘non-sprayed or ‘wildcrafted’ products, packaged in blue or amber light-resistant glass. They also have consistent labeling as well as organisms, manufacturing process, and country of origin,” says Benjamin Malcolm, Pharm.D., an assistant professor of pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences and an expert on essential oils.
Dr. D’Adamo agrees: While a label with a straightforward breakdown of eucalyptus species (such as Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus Radiata) isn’t a guarantee, it does indicate that a company is doing its homework.
Look for evidence by a third party
According to Kathy Sadowski, a certified aromatherapist and licensed massage therapist, a trustworthy vendor can have GC-MS reports from an outside organization to check the product’s unique chemical breakdown and ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. Ideally, the organization should be able to supply it if you contact them.
Organic is the way to go
Choose eucalyptus oil with a certified organic seal if you can, says D’Adamo, though it’s not necessary. The idea is not to expose you at all costs to something problematic because essential oils have high concentrations.
Be wary of bulk purchases
According to Malcolm, low-quality essential oils are usually sold in vast quantities for low prices in non-light-resistant containers. Such as transparent glass or plastic. Labels like “natural oil” and “perfume oil” (rather than “essential oil”) mean that you have a diluted or synthetic product.