(NaturalNews) Eucalyptus oil has many properties that make it an attractive solution for many health ills. However, it was not always so popular. Until recently, many people did not know much about its use as an aromatherapy. Today, though, the use of eucalyptus oil continues to grow as more about it becomes known. There are too many uses for this oil to name them all, so the following are the top five ways to use this oil to obtain the maximum health benefits.

Repel insects

Many people will instantly recognize the strong, but pleasant, scent of eucalyptus oil, as it continues to gain in popularity as a natural method to keep an area free of irritating and biting pests. Depending on the user, the oil can either be mixed with some type of cream and applied to the skin to keep insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, from biting or it can be used as a mist in a vaporizer to keep pests at bay.

Stop skin infections

Due to its powerful antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil can be used as a successful means of halting skin infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center published a paper that cited the benefits of cineole, the strongest compound contained in eucalyptus oil, to treat wounds.

Antiseptic qualities

The cineole contained within eucalyptus also has powerful antiseptic qualities that make it an ideal addition to toothpastes, mouthwashes and other dental hygiene products. Cineole kills those bacteria that cause bad breath. In addition to that useful attribute, the Journal of Periodontology published a study which detailed how effective cineole is at keeping the mouth healthy. Cineole helps reduce the amount of plaque that builds up on the teeth and gums, reduces the bleeding of the gums and helps maintain the overall health of the mouth.

Respiratory illnesses

For a number of years, eucalyptus oil has been used as a remedy for colds and other respiratory illnesses. Popular as an additive to steam machines and vaporizers, this essential oil has also been directly used as a method to clear a stuffy nose. Because eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, it has been shown to be effective at wiping out the bacteria that causes respiratory illnesses. Additionally, when used with a vaporizer, the misting oil has been shown to be excellent as a decongestant and at clearing blocked-up noses.

Make the immune system stronger

BMC Immunology published a study which found that using eucalyptus oil strengthens the macrophages, the cells whose job it is to kill infections. In addition, the study showed that the oil helped the body produce its own protective mechanism. There are also some promising data emerging that point to eucalyptus oil as being effective at inhibiting the progression of diabetes. More research is needed in this area, though.

Sources:

http://www.organicfacts.net

http://health.india.com

http://drleonardcoldwell.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Sofiya has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments,health insurance, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.