Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Plant Description

Named for the blue haze that comes from the  eucalyptus gum in the Blue Mountains of Australia. Of the 300 species of eucalyptus trees in the world, Eucalyptus globulus is the best known

Constituents

Oil comprising 70% cineole, pinenes, sesquiterpene alcohols, aromadendrene, cuminaldehyde

Properties

Antibacterial * Antispasmodic * Cisatrisant * Depurative * Diuretic * Expectorant * Febrifuge * Hypoglycemic * Rubefacient * Vermifuge * Vulnerary * Analgesic * Cooling *Anti-inflammatory * Cytophylactic * Antirheumatic * AntiViral * Repels Insects * Breath * Antiparasite * 

Aromatherapy Essential Oils and Carrier Oils 

Eucalyptus oil  is clear, is not much used in perfumery, but has a well known reputation as in inhalant or chest rub. It has a distinctive camphor odour. The most salient quality of eucalyptus oil is its action in all types of fever and is one of the best antiseptic oils.. 

Eucalyptus Lemon, Eucalyptus citriodora , contains citronella, which adds a lemon-like tone to the familiar penetrating aroma of eucalyptus. Recently the CDC stated that eucalyptus lemon was as effective as DEET for use as an insect repellent. Uplifting and invigorating, cools the body in summer and protects it in winter.

Quick Tips

Eucalyptus is helps to revive someone who has fainted. Cinnamon and eucalyptus are considered just as efficacious against flu as conventional medicine.

Eucalyptus Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Bronchial congestion,cold

The pungent vapors of eucalyptus help break up phlegm and bronchial congestion, a welcome action for anyone with bronchitis or a cold. It's cineole is an antiseptic that helps combat bad breath, fight spasms, and kill bacteria and fungi. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Aching joints and rheumatism

Eucalyptus oil is an excellent topical remedy for aching joints and rheumatism. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Encourages breathing

Eucalyptus opens the lungs and encourages breathing by increasing oxygeni in the cells. Eucalyptol, found in many over-the-counter remedies, loosens phlegm in the chest and helps to open clogged nasal passages. It also kills several types of bacteria and viruses, including Bacillus subtilis and several strains of Streptococcus 
Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Sore muscles, sprains

Eucalyptus oil reduces pain in sore muscles, sprains, and sports injuries. Blend eucalyptus in a 2 percent solution with a base massage oil like almond. Applied as an ointment, eucalyptus has been shown to increase the flow of blood to muscle tissue, which eases muscle soreness. Because of its antiseptic properties, eucalyptus can be used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Mosquito repellent

Oil of lemon eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora provides provides protection against mosquito bites, according to the CDC

Side Effects

Avoid use in infants. Undiluted eucalyptus oil is toxic if taken internally