For centuries, people have used various essential oils as a complementary therapy to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers and colds, wounds, and gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers believe that lemon eucalyptus essential oil may help treat certain conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, analgesic, 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).
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits
Lemon eucalyptus leaves have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. The essential oils of eucalyptus leaves are also:
anti-inflammatories
analgesics
antioxidants
immunoregulator
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 steam
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 against parasites such as certain species of ticks. Other uses of this essential oil include:
– insect repellent
– degreased
– perfumes
– soaps
How Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Works
Through aromatherapy, the volatile compounds of the essential oil evaporate into the air. Once airborne, they can 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.
The 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 its 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 nursing, or for people with existing medical conditions. Many essential oils are also toxic to pets, and cats, in particular, are particularly susceptible to their effects.
The effects of essential oils can sometimes interfere with medications. Therefore, it is 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 do 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 that are high in phenols and aldehydes, found in lemon eucalyptus, 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. Most studies have shown that essential oils are not harmful as long as people use them correctly.
Essential oils other than lemon eucalyptus against mosquitoes
Here are some other essential oils to consider:
Clove oil: People use this vegetable oil as an insect repellant. Manufacturers also use it in cosmetics, foods, and alternative medicine.
Citronella oil: People mainly use citronella oil as an insect repellant, especially against 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 steam distillation process from the dried leaves of the lemongrass plant. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Summary
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
DUKW, CE, et al. (2016). Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and chemical analysis of essential oil of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and pure citral.
Ali, B., et al. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: a systemic review.
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