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To repel mosquitoes -

If you are prone to mosquito bites, you'll know how difficult it can be to get the pesky insects to stay away. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a natural mosquito repellent.

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To repel mosquitoes -

In fact, OLE features on the Environmental Protection Agency's short list of safe and effective repellents. Be careful not to use repellents containing OLE on children younger than three, however.

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To clear your sinuses -

Research suggests that nasal washes containing eucalyptus oil are a good bet if you are looking to clear a stuffy nose. The oil apparently fights respiratory infections by killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

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To clear your sinuses -

Scientists also believe that eucalyptus causes your cilia (the tiny hairs in your lungs that sweep out mucus) to move faster, thereby also fighting infection.

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To ease arthritis pain -

Eucalyptus oil can offer pain relief to people suffering with arthritis. In fact, it is a key ingredient in certain topical analgesics, such as sprays, creams, or salves.

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To ease arthritis pain -

Eucalyptus oil is not the main painkiller in these ointments, but it does create a warm or cold feeling in the area to which it is applied, which can help distract from the pain.

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As a painkiller after surgery -

It is thought that eucalyptus oil might act as a natural painkiller for post-op patients. One study showed that breathing in the oil after a knee replacement reduces pain and blood pressure.

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As a painkiller after surgery -

Scientists believe that this effect is down to a component in the oil called 1,8-cineole. It may cause your sense of smell to work with your nervous system to reduce blood pressure.

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To calm pre-op nerves -

Eucalyptus oil might be a good option before surgery as well as after. Research suggests that it can help calm nerves in people awaiting an operation.

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To calm pre-op nerves -

In one study, pre-op patients smelled different essential oils for five minutes. The eucalyptus oil was so effective that it was suggested to be useful for entire procedures.

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To remove plaque -

If you are looking for a natural toothpaste to replace your current one, you might consider one that contains eucalyptus oil. Research suggests it works just as well.

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To remove plaque -

In one small study, researchers tested a standard toothpaste and a eucalyptus toothpaste on 30 people with gingivitis and plaque buildup. The toothpastes were equally effective.

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To clean your bathroom -

Eucalyptus oil is a germ killer and is a great natural alternative to your current bathroom cleaning products. You can use it to clean everything from surfaces to the toilet.

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To clean your bathroom -

To clean your toilet effectively with eucalyptus essential oil, add a few drops to the bowl with a dash of baking soda and white vinegar, and scrub as usual with the brush.

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To remove mold -

Discovering mold can be quite unnerving, particularly for those who suffer with respiratory problems. Eucalyptus oil is a very effective way to combat mold.

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To remove mold -

Not only does eucalyptus oil remove existing mold, but it can stop the mold from returning. Add five drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree oils to a 16 oz bottle of water, and spray away.

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To remove grease -

Eucalyptus oil is also great for removing grease. It can be used on just about any surface in your house that you can imagine. Start by using your normal cleaner to remove the excess.

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To remove grease -

If your stainless steel surfaces are still looking a bit worse for wear, add some eucalyptus oil to a cloth and wipe. You will be amazed by the sparkling clean result.

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To kill head lice -

Head lice are notoriously difficult to eliminate, particularly in children, but research shows that eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment.

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To kill head lice -

In one study, a combination of eucalyptus oil and tea tree oils killed all lice and eggs, and it did so in one dose. Skin tests revealed no irritation either (in children or adults).

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To repel rodents -

Mice and rats, too, can be very unnerving if you discover them in or nearby your home. But fear not: the right eucalyptus oil solution can help keep them away.

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To repel rodents -

Again the active ingredient in these solutions is the 1,8-cineole. Spray the solution regularly in places where you spot them and you should see the benefits.

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To avoid oral herpes -

Research also shows that eucalyptus oil can prevent the spread of HSV-1, or oral herpes. In one study, it curbed the spread of oral herpes by more than 96%.

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To avoid oral herpes -

Scientists believe that the 1,8-cineole in the oil shuts down the virus particles and might stop them from penetrating cells.

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To sanitize your hands -

Eucalyptus oil can be combined with other substances to make a natural hand sanitizer. If you are sick of the store-bought chemical stuff, why not give it a go?

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To sanitize your hands -

Simply take a 2 oz bottle and mix two thirds rubbing alcohol with one third aloe vera gel. Add three drops of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils and hey, presto! You've got a DIY hand gel.

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To make an air freshener -

Eucalyptus oil is also great at freshening air by making it smell great, while removing harmful bacteria and viruses. Again, it's possible to make a DIY air freshener.

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To make an air freshener -

To save time and effort, however, you could also invest in a eucalyptus reed diffuser or some eucalyptus candles and get the very same effect.

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Beware! -

There are many benefits to eucalyptus oil, but it can be highly toxic if taken by mouth in its undiluted form. Just 2-3 milliliters can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of muscle control.

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Beware! -

Five milliliters can cause nervous system shutdown and even coma. Be sure to remember this and to keep undiluted eucalyptus oil out of the reach of children.

Sources: (WebMD) (Sonoma Lavender Co.)

See also: Natural remedies to combat rheumatoid arthritis

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