A Description Of Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus)
Sunday, November 2nd, 2008Most of us have heard of the Eucalyptus essential oil. It is a household name in Australia, which is famous for the 600 or so species of trees growing on its land, the common name for eucalyptus is the gum tree, this is due to the bark exuding sweet a smelling gum. The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia and Tasmania, but can now be found in other parts of the world, like Central Asia and Africa, it is a tall evergreen tree, with bluish green oval leaves
It is from the fresh or partially dried leaves, from which the eucalyptus essential oil is extracted, and the extraction process is by steam distillation, which first began in the 1850s in Australia, and it was in the 19th Century when eucalyptus came to Europe.
Eucalyptus is very commonly used in Australia, as the leaves and oil are used for bronchitis and croup, with the leaves being smoked like tobacco, to help with the effects of asthma! The aboriginals are renowned for wrapping eucalyptus leaves around serious wounds to protect from infection and promote healing.
The main chemical constituents of eucalyptus oil are Cineol, pinene, limonene, and it goes without saying that eucalyptus oil is very toxic, so you should never use the oil neat, or take internally under any circumstances, other that eucalyptus essential oil is a non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
1.. Eucalyptus essential oil helps to heal all kinds of physical ailments, these are as follows; the most common are respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu, as it is antiseptic in the air, so can help with congested breathing, such as asthma also.
2.. Eucalyptus is also a good oil to use in the cases of epidemics, such as malaria and chickenpox. Eucalyptus essential oil also aids in the case of treating herpes (cold sores), when it is blended with equal amounts of Bergamot oil, the virus will retreat. Skin problems such as burns and blisters, will respond to the oil too.
When treating emotional problems, eucalyptus essential oil can make the person using it, feel centered and balanced, and the oil can aid with concentration.
Eucalyptus is commonly used in detergents, and soaps, the cineol is used for the preparation of liniments. It is also an excellent flea and mosquito deterrent, so can be used on cats and dogs, diluted in a spray form, containing water.
Eucalyptus oil is another popular essential oil, with many aromatherapists world wide, it is one of the top 10 to use, just because of its amazing antiseptic properties, colds do not last for long, when treated with this oil.
Most people use eucalyptus essential oil without any bother, but if you have any worries also ask the advice of a qualified professional aromatherapist.
