For centuries, people have used various essential oils as complementary therapy to treat different ailments, including fevers and colds, wounds, and gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers believe that lemon eucalyptus essential oil may be useful for treating certain conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, pain-relieving, and antioxidant properties.
In this article, we are going to see what lemon eucalyptus essential oil is, its benefits and uses, mode of action, possible side effects, and alternatives.
What is Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. It is made up of several different chemical components, including citronellal, which is also found in other essential oils. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is often used as an ingredient in natural mosquito repellents. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree and is enriched with its active ingredient, para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
Benefits of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon eucalyptus leaves have powerful antibacterial and fungicidal properties. The essential oils of eucalyptus leaves are also:
anti-inflammatories
painkillers
antioxidants
immunoregulatory
antimicrobial
antiseptic
herbicide
insecticide
pest control
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses
People use essential oils in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that can consist of:
massage of diluted essential oils on the skin
direct inhalation of essential oils using an inhaler or vapor
indirect inhalation of essential oils using a diffuser
bath with essential oils diluted in a carrier oil.
Traditionally, people have used eucalyptus essential oils to treat a variety of ailments, including:
bronchitis
common cold
fever
respiratory tract infections and conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
gastrointestinal disorders
wound healing
inhibition of parasites such as Trypanosoma.
However, more human research is needed to conclusively prove the effectiveness of lemon eucalyptus essential oil as a treatment for a specific condition.
Research shows that lemon eucalyptus essential oil is very effective once morest parasites such as certain species of ticks. Other uses of this essential oil include:
– insect repellent
– degreasing
– perfumes
– soaps
How Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Works
Through aromatherapy, the volatile compounds in the essential oil evaporate into the air. Once in the air, they can then enter the body through the nose, mucous membranes and potentially the skin. Lemon eucalyptus oil also has the potential to prevent and treat infectious diseases caused by viruses.
Researchers suggest that compounds found in eucalyptus essential oils may bind directly to virus proteins and prevent them from causing viral infections. More research is needed to fully understand how essential oils work. However, a significant number of studies support their effectiveness for certain symptoms and conditions.
Possible Side Effects of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Experts consider essential oils to be generally safe. However, some can be dangerous for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for people with existing medical conditions. Many essential oils are also toxic to pets, with cats in particular being particularly susceptible to their effects.
The effects of essential oils can sometimes interfere with medications. It is therefore advisable to always inform your doctor of the essential oils that you use.
It is possible to have allergic reactions to essential oils. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using a new essential oil and always dilute it with a carrier oil before it comes into contact with the skin.
Essential oils high in phenols and aldehydes, which lemon eucalyptus contains, can cause side effects, including:
eye irritation
skin irritation
irritation of the mucous membranes
Side effects are more likely when a person does not store essential oils properly. The majority of studies have shown that essential oils are not harmful as long as people use them correctly.
Essential oils other than lemon eucalyptus once morest mosquitoes
Here are some other essential oils to consider:
Clove oil: People use this vegetable oil as an insect repellent. Manufacturers also use it in cosmetics, food, and alternative medicine.
Citronella oil: People mainly use citronella oil as an insect repellent, especially once morest mosquitoes. It is often used in the composition of lotions, sprays, ointments and candles intended to repel insects.
Lemongrass Oil: People extract this oil through a process of steam distillation from the dried leaves of the lemongrass plant. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Résumé
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. It has many potential benefits, including analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antioxidant properties. People use lemon eucalyptus essential oil for a variety of reasons, including to treat colds, fevers, and respiratory infections.
Sources
Ali, B., et al. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review.
