The Many Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

Uses for Eucalyptus oil around the house

Aside from medicinal uses, eucalyptus oil can be used around your home to replace many environmentally harsh synthetic chemicals.

Penny, a professional cleaner, gives these tips:

"I make a spray and wipe with water, eucalyptus oil and some washing up liquid. The idea comes from a hospital cleaner and works well. Proportions are not rocket science. Fill bottle mostly with water - add a slurp of dishwashing liquid and then a capful or thereabouts of 100% eucalyptus. Shake gently to mix. Works well on all surfaces. I use it diluted again in a little water in a bucket and it is great for all those finger marks that are hard to move from laminex finishes."

- You can also make a general disinfectant for toilets etc and again, it's a very simple recipe. mix 50 ml (1.6 oz) of eucalyptus oil with a litre (quart) of water. That's it - you can store it as you would a normal disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus oil can be used neat in order to remove sticker/decal residue from glass

- Add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a fresh scent along with the anti-microbial benefits

- Use the oil neat to help remove paint, grease and ink from clothes

- If you have a hanging car air freshener that's almost dead, reinvigorate it by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil

- Half a teaspoon mixed with half a litre (half quart) of water makes for a good bug repellent for plants

- Use it as a stainless steel cleaner

- To use as a room air freshener, Mix a quarter of a teaspoon or 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in an atomizer/spray bottle and add 2 cups of water. This should be quite subtle, so you may need to add more.

How to Take It:

Adult

Eucalyptus oil (for topical application): add ½ - 1 mL (15 - 30 drops) of oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil (sesame, almond, olive, etc.). For inhalation, add 5 - 10 drops of oil to 2 cups boiling water. Place towel over head and inhale steam.

Precautions:

Individuals with inflammation of the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, bile duct inflammatory disease, liver disease, or low or high blood pressure should not use eucalyptus leaf extract. Tannins in the leaves may cause stomach upset or kidney and liver damage if leaf preparations are ingested in large amounts.

People with asthma should use eucalyptus oil with caution due to the herbs potential to tigger an asthma attack.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use eucalyptus.

When used externally, eucalyptus oil is nontoxic. When taken internally, however, eucalyptus oil is toxic.