Eucalyptus oil is oil distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus), an evergreen known for its fast growth. Although the eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, it is now grown all around the world.
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Advocates of using eucalyptus oil to apply to hair suggest that it:
- stimulates hair follicles
- improves hair health
- promotes hair growth
- relieves itchy scalp
- treats head lice
Before using eucalyptus oil, proceed carefully. Like most essential oils, it’s important to dilute eucalyptus oil in a carrier oil before applying it directly to the skin.
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It’s estimated that dandruff and related seborrheic dermatitis affect about half of the adult population. A 2012 report published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease indicated that eucalyptus oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties that can act as an anti-dandruff treatment.
If you are involved in an outbreak of head lice, you might consider eucalyptus oil as a possible treatment.
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Before using eucalyptus for head lice, check with your doctor, who may have other suggestions for treatment.
Piedra is a fungal infection that results in nodules forming on the hair shafts. Nodules from white piedra are typically found in facial and body hair. Nodules from black piedra are typically found in scalp hair.
Eucalyptus oil, according to a
There has been a fair amount of clinical research done on eucalyptus oil. And some of it applies to hair, such as its effects on dandruff, head lice, and piedra. There are other claims about the oil — such as promoting hair growth — that have not been clinically proven.
If you are considering adding eucalyptus to your hair-care routine, remember that if it’s not diluted, it could be unsafe. If you have concerns about if to use it or how to use it, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.