Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Plant Family Myrtaceae
Synonyms
Eucalyptus Citriodora, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, Eucalyptus Dives, Eucalyptus Polybractea, Eucalyptus Radiata.
Origin
The eucalyptus or blue gum tree is indigenous to Australia and was used as a medicinal herb by the Aborigines. In the nineteenth century a German botanist, von Muller, introduced the tree and its essential oil to the rest of the world. It is now cultivated in North Africa, Spain, California and India as melt as Australia.
Extraction Method
Steam distillation of the leaves and young twigs. It is necessary up to 45-50 kg of fresh Eucalyptus leaves and twigs to obtain 1 kg of essential oil.
Nature of the Oil
A colourless liquid. The aroma is piercing and camphoraceous with a woody-sweet undertone. Its odour effect is head-clearing and cooling.
Perfumery Note – Top. The aroma lasts up to 24 hours.
Main Constituents
|
1,8-Cineole |
65.4 – 83.9% |
|
apha-Pinene |
3.7 – 14.7% |
|
(+)-Limonene |
1.8 – 9.0% |
|
Globulol |
tr – 5.3% |
|
(E)-Pinocarveol |
2.3 – 4.4% |
|
p-Cymene |
1.2 – 3.5% |
|
(+)-Aromadendrene |
0.1 – 2.2% |
|
Pinocarvone |
tr – 1.0% |
Properties
Analgesic, antineuralgic, antirheunamatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifugal, parasiticidal, prohylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifugal, vulnerary.
Therapeutic Properties
Eucalyptus is a warming and drying oil with excellent antiseptic properties. It may be used in massage blends and bath oils and is especially effective as a steam inhalation. It blends particularly well with cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon, marjoram, pine, tea tree and thyme.
Eucalyptus has a refreshing effect on the nervous system and may be used to treat tiredness, poor concentration, headaches and debility. Use in inhalations or burn in the room.
The Australian Aborigines used eucalyptus in the treatment of all kinds of fever, including malaria. The essential oil is especially good for infections of the respiratory tract such as colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Because it is a warming oil it works especially well if you are feeling chilled. It is also decongestant and makes an excellent inhalation to relieve over-production of mucus, especially thick white mucus. It can be combined with aniseed to treat a cough or cypress to treat catarrh. Eucalyptus may also be used to treat asthma.
Eucalyptus is an important remedy for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis, especially when there is a lot of stiffness and loss of mobility and the symptoms are worse when it is cold and damp. Try combining it with lavender and pine and using as a compress or massage lotion.
As an antibiotic oil eucalyptus can be used to treat infections of the urinary tract, especially if there is pus in the urine. Try it when cystitis is brought on by a chill. It is also good for genital infections such as leucorrhoea; dilute it well and use in a sitz bath.
The antibiotic properties of eucalyptus make it helpful in the treatment of skin infections and wounds, herpes and ulcers. It may be dabbed directly on to the skin to relieve the pain or itching of insect bites and stings. Eucalyptus is also a parasiticide and may be combined with other oils to remove lice. It is anti-fungal and may be used to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
Eucalyptus oil makes an excellent antiseptic room spray to fumigate a sickroom. It is also an effective insect repellent, especially if combined with cypress and lemon.
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Burns, blisters, chickenpox, measles, cold sores, cuts, insect bites and stings, insect repellent, headlice, skin infections, wounds, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, sprains, poor circulation, cystitis, hay fever, colds and ’flu, headaches, neuralgia.
Psychological Profile
Eucalyptus is indicated if you recognize that it is time for a change in your life, but feel bogged down. You will feel restless, but have become trapped by fear of change and a lack of direction. This in turn leads to a state of confusion. Eucalyptus will allow you to gain clarity and move forward in your life, cutting through the fear and confusion.
Blends Well With
Essential oils of Cedarwood, cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary, tea tree, Thyme.
Our safety advice
We agree with the Commission E oral maximum dose of 600mg and up to 20% for dermal applications.
Cautions
Eucalyptus oil is generally regarded as non-irritant and non-sensitising. However, it is advisable for allergy suf- ferers to carry out a patch test before use.
Other varieties
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis,Eucalyptus Dives, Eucalyptus Polybractea, Eucalyptus Radiata.
References
1. C. Wildwood “The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy”, Vermont, Healing Arts Press, 1996
2. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
3. S. Curtis “Essential Oils”, AURUM, London, 1996
4. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
5. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999
