Eucalyptus

Species name: Eucalyptus essential oil steam distilled from the Eucalyptus Globulus of the family, Myrtaceae.

Also known as: Eucalyptus is also known by the names blue gum, or Tasmanian blue gum.

In Australia, natives use the Eucalyptus leaves as coverings for serious wounds.  Eucalyptus oil was first exported to England in 1788, and was referred to at that time as 'Sydney peppermint'.

Eucalyptus trees have another beneficial use.  The trees are sometimes planted in swampy places or in places lying below the flood plane, because they drink large amounts of water, and can drain land. 

Another benefit from this is mosquito larvae flourish where water stands, once these areas are drained, it deprives the mosquitoes of their breeding ground, and cases of malaria decrease as a result.

There are hundreds of varieties of eucalyptus trees, but the oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of different varieties of that tree.

Home Remedies using Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

When used in aromatherapy, eucalyptus essential oil promotes clear thinking and mental focus. It is very valuable in treating breathing ailments, alleviating edema, soothes sore muscles, and soothing skin inflammations. Eucalyptus has a sharp, easily recognizable scent. It is light yellow and watery.

Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

Eucalyptus essential oil is beneficial in that it is an analgesic type pain reliever, and among other uses, it is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an antiviral agent. It has decongestant, deodorizing, and diuretic properties as well.

Eucalyptus oil can be used for a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, to help bring down fever, relieve migraine and soothes the symptoms of malaria. 

It helps with coughs, asthma, and sinus problems as well, by reducing swelling, and breaking up mucus and congestion.

Despite the cooling properties of eucalyptus oil, it is useful as a warming oil on muscle pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and to promote good circulation. 

It can be used as a topical treatment on burns, blisters, herpes, wounds and abrasions, and insect bites. It can enhance the immune system and helps relieve herpes varacella, or chicken pox, colds, flu and measles. 

Eucalyptus oil can be used for fever, respiratory tract infections, body aches and in skin care. It is also particularly effective against staphylococci bacteria.

• In steam or inhalation therapy, eucalyptus oil helps sneezing and respiratory problems, it is a good insect repellent, eases headaches and helps mental focus.
• Eucalyptus oil can be blended with other essential oils and/or carrier oils to form oil suitable for massage, or to be added to a steamy bath, to alleviate joint pain and relieve all types of congestion, whatever the root cause.
• Eucalyptus essential oil does relieve muscle spasms and rheumatism, and helps speed up slow healing wounds and ulcers, as well as helping clear up skin eruptions of various kinds making it very helpful to diabetics and acne sufferers.
• Eucalyptus oil can be used undiluted for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so, and skin tests should be done prior to the first use to rule out sensitivity.
• Very small amounts of eucalyptus oil can be added to a mouthwash to be gargled for a sore throat.

Eucalyptus oil blends well with benzoin, lavender, lemon and pine essential oils.

Side Effects of Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

Eucalyptus oil should be used with care. Those with epilepsy and hypertension should avoid using eucalyptus, and excessive use may cause headaches.