We all recognize the scent but what is eucalyptus oil good for?

The oil that comes from the Australian eucalyptus tree is used for a wide variety of purposes. It is used as an antiseptic, a perfume, flavouring, in industrial solvents, and as an ingredient in cosmetics. But the focus of this post is its application when it comes to clearing your mind and sinuses.

Blue Gum, otherwise known by its Latin name Eucalyptus globulus, is the main source of most eucalyptus oils. The oil is created by steam distilling the leaves of the tree. Interestingly, the leaves contain flavonoids (plant-based antioxidants) and tannins (may help reduce inflammation).

There’s a good reason many steam rooms at spas smell like eucalyptus. The smell of the woody evergreen tree is widely believed to relax the mind. Researchers believe that the smell of the oil decreases the activity of your sympathetic nervous system, which is the system responsible for regulating stress levels, and increases the activity of your parasympathetic nervous system which, of course, promotes relaxation. You can try for yourself by using eucalyptus oil in your diffuser. Or by having a relaxing bath with Sealuxe’s luxurious Eucalyptus Bath Salts.

Eucalyptol contains anti-anxiety properties. Another example of this is a study that shows inhaling vapor-infused eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes has been associated with lower blood pressure in patients after knee surgery!

There’s something about breathing in eucalyptus-tinged air when you’re congested – it almost feels like it’s healing or at least soothing with each inhale. Using eucalyptus oil in a vapor acts as a decongestant – likely why a number of cough medicines include the oil amongst their ingredients.

We must warn you, though, once you start learning about essential oils there’s no turning back. There’s an oil for almost everything!

As they say, when life gives you lemons make essential oils.