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. ¹

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 (Kannada), and Harit Parn (Gujarati).

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 suitable for disinfecting surfaces. Eucalyptus oil can also soothe sore throats, repel insects, ease joint pain, combat viral infections, and promote oral health.

Top 11 Benefits of Eucalyptus (Nilgiri) Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a widely used essential oil derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. It is known for its strong, fresh aroma and has found applications in home care, wellness practices, and traditional remedies. Here are the top 11 benefits of eucalyptus oil²:

1. Used as an Air freshener
2. Effective anti-allergic
3. Use as an Antiseptic
4. Soothes your throat
5. Acts as an insect repellent
6. Ulcer Management ³
7. Reduces joint pain
8. Wound healing 
9. Useful in fungal growth
10. Keeps good oral health
11. Used for aromatherapy

1. Acts as a Natural Air Freshener: 

Eucalyptus oil is often used in room sprays, diffusers, and humidifiers to refresh indoor spaces. A simple DIY spray can be prepared by mixing 50–100 drops of eucalyptus oil with 120 ml of purified water to create a naturally scented mist for indoor environments.

2. Traditionally Used for Respiratory Comfort: 

In traditional systems, eucalyptus oil has been used in steam inhalation to support easier breathing. It is commonly used during seasonal discomforts like nasal congestion and stuffy airways, although individual responses may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

3. Used for Surface Cleansing: 

Due to its naturally occurring compounds like eucalyptol, which delivers natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, eucalyptus oil is sometimes added to cleaning blends for its fresh scent and ability to help maintain a hygienic environment. It is not a substitute for medical-grade disinfectants.

4. Gargle for a Refreshing Sensation: 

Some people dilute eucalyptus oil in warm water and use it for gargling, primarily for its strong aroma and refreshing feel. It’s important to use only food-grade or therapeutic-grade essential oils when doing so and to consult a professional beforehand.

5. Commonly Used in Insect Repellents: 

Eucalyptus oil is often added to natural insect repellent formulations. It may help in creating a protective barrier from insects when used topically in diluted form or in vapour-based products. Always do a patch test before applying to skin.

6. Useful in Gastrointestinal Disturbances: 

Eucalyptus-based preparations were used in certain regions for their potential role in managing peptic and duodenal ulcers. The presence of tannins and saponins in Eucalyptus oil, which are known to have antimicrobial properties may offer protection against H. pylori, the common culprit in gastric ulcers.

7. Used for Joint Massage: 

Eucalyptus oil is often used as a part of massage blends for joints and muscles. When mixed with a suitable carrier oil, it may offer a soothing sensation and temporary comfort during massage routines. It should not be used on broken or irritated skin.

8. Wound Healing: 

Some laboratory studies have explored the antibacterial action of Eucalyptus, which can serve as an effective treatment for minor cuts and wounds. Based on the evidence, the inclusion of Euacalyptus essential oil in wound management appears promising, especially in chronic wounds, where treating infection and inflammation is of prome importance.

9. Traditionally Used for Skin Hygiene: 

Eucalyptus oil has been historically explored in folk practices for maintaining skin cleanliness, especially in conditions involving fungal overgrowth. It is important to follow professional advice for any skin-related condition.

10. Supports Oral Hygiene Practices: 

Eucalyptus oil is found in some mouthwashes and oral care products for its refreshing flavour and potential role in maintaining dental cleanliness. It should only be used in formulations intended for oral use and never swallowed directly.

11. Popular in Aromatherapy: 

Eucalyptus oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its invigorating scent. The compound terpineol, naturally present in eucalyptus oil, is believed to contribute to the sense of mental clarity and relaxation associated with its use in diffusers.

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’s 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 medicines and branded medicines, as well as 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reference

1. “Eucalyptus Oil – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/eucalyptus-oil. ↩︎
2. Shiekh, R. a. E., Atwa, A. M., Elgindy, A. M., Mustafa, A. M., Senna, M. M., Alkabbani, M. A., & Ibrahim, K. M. (2024). Therapeutic applications of eucalyptus essential oils. Inflammopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-024-01588-8 ↩︎
3. Chandorkar, Nikhil, et al. “A Systematic and Comprehensive Review on Current Understanding of the Pharmacological Actions, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications of the Genus Eucalyptus.” Phytomedicine Plus, vol. 1, no. 4, 1 Nov. 2021, p. 100089, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000713?via%3Dihub, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089. Accessed 22 Nov. 2021. ↩︎