Eucalyptus Oil for Hair

Eucalyptus oil is the oil extracted from the leaves of eucalyptus, which is a genus of flowering trees that belong to the plant family, Myrtaceae, also called myrtle family. Most of the trees of the eucalyptus genus are native to Australia. However, all types of eucalyptus trees are not used for extracting the oil. The species that is most commonly used for extracting eucalyptus oil is Eucalyptus globulus, which is commonly known as fever tree. It is usually colorless with a woody and sweet aroma, that closely resembles the scent of camphor.

Eucalyptus oil that is most commonly found in the market is cineole based eucalyptus oil, which is obtained from the leaves of the eucalyptus plant with the help of the steam distillation process. This oil has found numerous applications in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, mainly due to its medicinal, antiseptic and repellent properties. Apart from industrial uses, it is also known for stimulating hair growth and alleviating some common hair and scalp problems.

Eucalyptus Oil Uses

It has a history of being used for its medicinal purposes. The oil is recognized for some of the remarkable medicinal properties, which includes anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, antiseptic, analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial and stimulant properties. All these medicinal properties have made cineole based eucalyptus oil an effective ingredient in several pharmaceutical preparations. The oil can provide considerable relief in cough, nasal congestion, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

It can help to get relief from muscle pain and stiffness due to its anti-inflammatory properties, while its antiseptic properties makes it an effective oil for healing wounds, minor cuts, burns and skin infections. Apart from these medicinal uses, it has found applications as a flavoring agent. It is added to soaps, lotions and perfumes due to its fresh and sweet aroma. This fresh aroma combined with the cooling effect of the oil can help to reduce mental stress as well. The oil also has insect repellent and pesticide qualities, for which it is used as a bug repellent and to kill dust mites.

Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Hair

In addition to all the above mentioned uses, this essential oil can be used to get long and healthy hair. One of the common scalp problem that is known to cause hair loss and adversely affect hair growth is dandruff. It can help to get rid of dandruff, which in turn can help to promote healthy growth of hair. For using this oil for dandruff, just mix about 9 to 10 drops with your shampoo and then gently massage your scalp for a few minutes, after which rinse it off with water. Massaging your scalp with this oil can stimulate blood circulation and thereby, make your hair healthy and beautiful.

You can also directly apply it on your scalp and massage it gently with your fingers to encourage hair growth. Otherwise, you can mix a few drops with a base oil like olive oil. Warm this mixture and then massage your hair and scalp with it. Now, wrap your head with a towel and wait for about 20 to 30 minutes, before shampooing. This will not only improve blood circulation, but will make your hair shiny and stimulate hair growth. You can also add a small amount of clove oil to the olive and eucalyptus oil mixture, to make it more effective. It can be used for giving your hair an overnight treatment as well.

Apart from removing dandruff and stimulating hair growth, it can increase elasticity of hair. This can make your hair stronger and more resistant to hair breakage and split ends. The refreshing aroma of the oil can reduce mental stress and exhaustion, which too can go a long way in preventing hair loss.

It is used as a flavoring component and pharmaceutical preparations only at a very low dosage, for which usually no side effect is experienced. But, this oil in its pure form is toxic, if it is ingested or taken internally. Its most common side effects, which are associated with its ingestion are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, muscles weakness and seizures. Even topical application of this oil in excess amount can result in skin irritation and allergic rash. Therefore, while using this oil for hair growth or for other medicinal purpose, be sure to maintain adequate precaution and use it in the appropriate dosage. Children are more susceptible to experience its side effects and therefore, this oil should not be used on children, without consulting their physicians.