Eucalyptus
Oil
Eucalyptus globulus var. globulus
There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus, of which
at least 500 produce a type of essential oil. Many have been
extracted simply for experimental purposes, and research is
still being carried out with regard to the different constituents
of each oil.
Description
A beautiful, tall, evergreen tree, up to 90 metres high. The
young trees have bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees
develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers
and a smooth, pale grey hark often covered in a white powder.
History / Traditions
A traditional household remedy in Australia, the leaves and
oil are especially used for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis
and croup, and the dried leaves are smoked like tobacco for
asthma. It is also used for feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid,
cholera, etc.) and skin problems like burns, ulcers and wounds.
Aqueous extracts are used for aching joints, bacterial dysentery,
ringworms, tuberculosis, etc. and employed for similar reasons
in western and eastern medicine. The wood is also used for timber
production in Spain.
Details of Oil
A colorless mobile liquid (yellows on ageing), with a somewhat
harsh camphoraceous odour and woody-sweet undertone. It blends
well with thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedarwood
and lemon. (The narrow-leaved eucalyptus (F. radiata var. australiana)
is often used in preference to the blue gum in aromatherapy
work, being rich in cineol but with a sweeter and less harsh
odour.)
Properties
SKIN CARE: Burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect
repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds.
CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS: Muscular aches and pains, poor
circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, etc.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis,
throat infections.
GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, leucorrhoea.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Chickenpox, colds, epidemics, 'flu, measles.
NERVOUS SYSTEM: Debility, headaches, neuralgia.
OTHER USES
The oil and cineol are largely employed in the preparation of
liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, ointments, toothpaste and
as pharmaceutical flavourings also used in veterinary practise
and dentistry. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents
and toiletries - little used in perfumes. Used for the isolation
of cineol and employed as a flavour ingredient in most major
food categories.
Physical Effects
Analgesic, anti neuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative,
diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide,
prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary.
Contra Indications
Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing.
'When taken internally eucalyptus oil is toxic
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Ginger
Oil 