EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL (EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS) - ESSENTIAL OILS

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Part Typically Used: Leaves and twigs

Color: Pale yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Fresh and earthy aroma. A clear, sharp, fresh and very distinctive smell.

Eucalyptus Globulus forms tall, open forests, growing in monospecific stands or with other species of Eucalypt. It can grow as a stunted shrub in extreme environments, such as on rock outcrops. It is adapted to temperate environments with winter rainfall and sufficient summer rainfall, and thrives in the cool zones of tropical mountains. It is widely planted across southern Australia. Recently, the species has also been planted in its native Tasmania where it is an important pulpwood source.

The Australian Aborigines calls it "Kino" and they use the leaves to cover serious wounds. Eucalyptus oil was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called "Sydney Peppermint".

The Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum or Blue Gum, (Eucalyptus Globulus) is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. They typically grow from 30 - 55 m tall. The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15 - 35 cm in length. The leaves are leathery in texture, hang obliquely or vertically, and are studded with glands containing a fragrant volatile oil.

The first leaves are broad, without stalks, of a shining whitish-green and are opposite and horizontal, but after four or five years these are succeeded by others of a more ensiform or sword-shaped form, 6 to 12 inches long, bluish - green in hue, which are alternate and vertical, with the edges turned towards the sky and earth, an arrangement more suited to the climate and productive of peculiar effects of light and shade. The flowers are single or in clusters, almost stalkless.

Eucalyptus Globulus is the primary source of global Eucalyptus oil production, with China being the largest commercial producer. The oil has therapeutic, perfumery, flavoring, antimicrobial and biopesticide properties. Oil yield ranges from 1,0 - 2,4% (fresh weight), with cineole being the major isolate.

Eucalyptus comes from a Latin word "Obliquus" meaning "Oblique"” referring to the base of the leaf where the two sides of the leaf blade are of unequal length.

Eucalyptus Globulus has a pleasing and cool, crisp fragrance. Diffuse it in your home daily to alleviate congestion and to help purify the air.

Chemical structure:

The yield of oil from the leaves and branches averages from 0,75 to 1,25%. The cineole content is between 60 - 70% and since in many instances the properties of the crude oil do not meet the specifications of most pharmacopoeias, the oil has to be treated to increase the cineole content.

Eucalyptus Oil contains also, after exposure to the air, a crystallizable resin, derived from Eucalyptol.

Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Decongestant
Deodorant
Disinfectant
Antiseptic
Antibacterial
Insecticidal
Stimulan

Children: Avoid using on children under 10 years.

Aromatically, Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil has a fresh, woody and bright medicinal aroma. The term camphorous is sometimes used to describe the medicinal characteristics of Eucalyptus essential oil. It's the 1,8 cineole that is responsible for giving the oil its distinctive Eucalyptus aroma.

There are over 900 different species of Eucalyptus, of which at least 500 produce essential oils. Native to Tasmania and Australia where it is a traditional home remedy, the leaves of this tree were historically smoked to improve difficulties in breathing.

It’s one of the best essential oils for sore throats, cough, seasonal allergies and headaches. Eucalyptus oil benefits are due to its ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation.

Surprisingly for an antimicrobial substance, there are also immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. Of the white blood cells, monocytes and macrophages are most affected.

Application by either vapor inhalation or oral route provides benefit for both purulent and non-purulent respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Researchers have found that its “broad-spectrum antimicrobial action make it an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals.” This is why Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used in products to fight foreign pathogens and different forms of infections.

Eucalyptol, or 1,8-cineole, which accounts for 70 - 90% of the contents of Eucalyptus oil, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Eucalyptus has a refreshing and stimulating action on the mind, helping to improve concentration. It is associated with the alleviation of grief and sorrow, as well as opening the heart and intellect while equalizing emotions.

Researchers have found that essential oil blend also had muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effects.

Eucalyptus essential oil boasts analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antineuralgic  properties. Its pain-relieving effects make it especially helpful in soothing strained and aching muscles as well as neuralgia, or pain extending in a nerve or group of nerves. Therefore, it is a highly recommended alternative treatment to rheumatism, sprains, stiff or strained muscles, lumbago, fibrosis, and nerve pain.

Improves respiratory conditions
Relieves cough
Improves seasonal allergies
Muscle pain reliever
Headache reliever
Incenct bite soother
Immune system booster
Aids wound care
Boosts mental clarity.