Eucalyptus Oil (Nilgiri Tel): Uses & Benefits

What is Eucalyptus oil?

Eucalyptus is a tall evergreen tree indigenous to Australia and Tasmania. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Specifically, Eucalyptus globulus is widely utilised in the pulp industry, as well as for the manufacture of eucalyptus oil, which is produced on a commercial scale in many countries and used as a raw ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, food, drinks, aromatherapy, and phytotherapy. In 1843, the fuel tree Eucalyptus globulus, sometimes known as blue gum, was introduced to India.

This plant thrives in the Nilgiris, Annamalai, and palni hills of Himachal Pradesh and Shilong, India. Antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diaphoretic, expectorant, inhalant, insect repellent, rubefacient, and suppurative characteristics have been attributed to this plant. Eucalyptus oil is a colourless or pale yellow liquid. It has a fragrant and camphoraceous odour; a strong, camphoraceous taste; and a chilly sensation. 

Scientific Classification

One tree and a different name: 

It has several Indian names, depending on the location or language, such as Eucalyptus globulus (Latin name), Tail Parn, Sugandh Patra (Sanskrit name), Gum Tree, Gum Eucalyptus (English), Neelgir (Hindi), Nilgiri (Kannad), and Harit Parn (Gujrati).

How is eucalyptus oil prepared?

Secondary metabolites found in eucalyptus leaves include 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol), monoterpene, sesquiterpene, aldehyde, and ketone. The essential oil must have a minimum cineole level of 70%. The species, region, season, leafage, harvest period, and extraction technique all affect the essential oil’s chemical composition.

The yield and chemical makeup of the essential oil can vary depending on the extraction technique. The use of efficient extraction techniques can result in a high-quality product with a high yield while maintaining the chemical content. Maceration, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), distillation with water or steam, and other extraction techniques are frequently utilised. The best essential oil may be extracted using an efficient extraction technique without harming the bioactive ingredients.

Benefits of Eucalyptus oil (Nilgiri oil)

Eucalyptus oil offers many benefits beyond its refreshing scent. It serves as a potent air freshener, effectively combating unpleasant odours. Additionally, its anti-allergic properties make it useful for allergy relief, while its antiseptic qualities make it ideal for disinfecting surfaces. Eucalyptus oil can also soothe sore throats, repel insects, alleviate joint pain, combat viral infections, and promote oral health.

List of 11 Benefits of Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) Oil

1. Used as Air freshener
2. Effective anti-allergic
3. Use as Antiseptic
4. Soothes your throat
5. Acts as insect repellent
6. Keeps worms away
7. Reduces joint pain
8. Acts as Antiviral
9. Cures fungal growth
10. Keeps good oral health
11. Used for aromatherapy

1. Used as Air freshener: 

The majority of eucalyptus oils are used in spray mists, electric room diffusers, and scent lamps. To create a straightforward mist spray, 50 to 100 drops of essential oil, or around, should be diluted in 4 fluid ounces (120ml) of purified water. Spray to rehydrate and purify the air.

2. Effective anti-allergic: 

Eucalyptus is used for allergies such as 

• Bronchitis is characterised by a persistent, difficult-to-breathe cough.
• Congestion makes breathing difficult and being sick more miserable.
• The lingering cold may be sinusitis. Sinus infection symptoms include congestion and headache.
• Eucalyptus eases asthma breathing.

3. Use as Antiseptic:

The medicinal Eucalyptus oil is perhaps the most potent antiseptic of its class, especially when it is old because ozone is created when it is exposed to air. It is the chosen one due to its disinfecting activity, killing lower forms of life.

4. Soothes your throat:

Gargles with eucalyptus oil are stimulating and antiseptic. When applied locally, it inhibits sensibility. It enhances heart function. 

5. Acts as insect repellent:

Its antiseptic properties confer some antimalarial efficacy; nonetheless, it cannot replace Cinchona’s effectiveness.

6. Keeps worms away: 

For a while, Eucalyptus-chloroform was used as a treatment for hookworm in the tropics. This is because it contains phytochemicals like borneol, cineol, linalool, geranyl acetate, saffrol, and antheol, which kill different types of intestinal worms.

7. Reduces joint pain : 

Eucalyptus oil has been used to reduce pain and stop inflammation in different animal models. We looked at how inhaling eucalyptus oil affected pain, blood pressure, heart rate, CRP concentration, and WBC count in patients with osteoarthritis who had a total knee replacement.

8. Acts as Antiviral: 

In vitro and in vivo investigations reveal that Eucalyptus essential oil’s antiviral and virucidal impact is based on its components’ direct action on free virions, inhibiting the virus from spreading in the host cells.

9. Cures fungal growth: 

When humans with facial demodicosis were treated with freshly made camphor oil (Eucalyptus globulus) with or without glycerol dilutions, they were completely cured at 100%, 75%, and 50% concentrations.

10. Keeps good oral health:

The use of Eucalyptus globulus could be beneficial in preventing the growth of dental plaque.

11. Used for aromatherapy: 

Terpineol is a relatively non-toxic, volatile monoterpenoid alcohol. It is a significant component of the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), which is widely used in both traditional medicine and aromatherapy. Terpineol is found in high concentrations in both of these types of oils.

Precautions for Eucalyptus Oil Use

When using eucalyptus oil, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow certain precautions to ensure safe and effective usage:

• Dilution: Eucalyptus oil is highly concentrated and potent, so it should always be diluted before application to the skin or ingestion. Mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil can prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Patch Test: Before applying eucalyptus oil topically, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions. This helps determine if you have any sensitivity to the oil.
• Avoid Ingestion: While eucalyptus oil is used in some oral products like mouthwashes, it should never be ingested in its pure form. Swallowing eucalyptus oil can be toxic and lead to serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, and even seizures.
• Keep Away from Eyes and Mucous Membranes: Avoid direct contact with the eyes or mucous membranes when using eucalyptus oil. It can cause irritation and discomfort if it comes into contact with these sensitive areas.
• Use with Caution for Children and Pets: Eucalyptus oil may not be safe for use in children under certain circumstances, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before applying it to children. Additionally, keep eucalyptus oil out of reach of pets, as it can be toxic to them if ingested.

Side effects of Nilgiri oil : 

• Cineole-based “oil of eucalyptus” is safe for adults to eat or drink in small amounts as a flavouring agent or at the recommended dose in medicine. But systemic toxicity can happen if more than the recommended dose is eaten or put on the skin. 
• The amount of pure eucalyptus oil that is likely to kill an adult is between 0.05 mL and 0.5 mL per kg of body weight. 
• Children have suffered severe poisoning after ingesting 4 to 5 mL of eucalyptus oil. 

Conclusion:

A native of Australia, Eucalyptus oil commonly known as Nilgiri tel brings a lot of medicinal and therapeutic properties with it. It might make the pain more bearable, let you relax more, and alleviate the symptoms of a cold. There are a lot of over-the-counter products that employ eucalyptus extract to do things like soothe irritated skin, make your breath smell better, and keep insects away. Ingesting Nilgiri oil without doctor consultation can cause toxicity. 

If you need any advice on the usage of eucalyptus oil as a home remedy then you can consult our expert medical practitioners for free on Truemeds. You will also find all generic medicine and branded medicines, also nutritional supplements on our website at a discounted price and delivered to your doorstep across India. Truemeds is an online pharmacy that provides the highest quality medication. You may save up to 72% when you purchase medications online from Truemeds.

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