Hello all!
In our last post we talked about the memory oil, Rosemary. If you haven’t had a chance to go and read that post yet, then head on over and have a look! Today, we’re focusing on Eucalyptus essential oil, which can also help stimulate the mind and aid in concentration, although it is much more commonly known for it’s benefits to the respiratory system.
In Aromatherapy there are five different species of the Eucalyptus tree commonly used:
Globulus
Citiodora (also known as lemon eucalyptus, lemon-scented gum and blue spotted gum)
Dives (also known as peppermint gum, broad-leaf peppermint, blue peppermint and Eucalyptus peppermint)
Smithii (also known as gully gum) and
Radiata (also known as narrow-leaf peppermint)
As they all share some similarities, while remaining distinctly different both in their scent and in their uses, we will focus only on the Globulus species for today.
Eucalyptus Globulus is native to Australia and it’s neighboring islands, and can grow up to 60 feet tall, with rather extensive roots penetrating deep into the earth. When the tree is mature it bears white aromatic flowers, which are surrounded by sword shaped, dark green leaves. It is these dark, leathery leaves which contain the glands that produce the incredibly aromatic oil that this plant is known for.
The Eucalyptus tree uses a very large amount of water while growing and has often been used in the past to clear water-logged land, and draining water from swamps where malaria carrying mosquitos can be found.
This botanical gets it’s name from the Greek words ‘eu’ and ‘kalypto’ meaning ‘well’ and ‘covered’, respectively. This is in reference to the cup like membrane which covers the flower buds.
During the first World War, Eucalyptus oil was in great demand to help control the meningitis outbreak and also to help control influenza in 1919. At that point, the Eucalyptus industry in Australia reached it’s peak in post war years. Out of all the oil that was produced, 70% was exported.
Precautions: Do not use on or near the face of infants or children under 10.
This species of Eucalyptus has many different uses, most of which pertain to the skin, respiratory system and the immune system. For example, Eucalyptus Globulus is fantastic as a deodorant, in treating athlete’s foot, lice, burns , blisters as well as cuts and scrapes. It’s also very useful as a very strong expectorant and incredibly helpful in healing all kinds of respiratory infections, as well as helping to improve breathing by opening up the lungs and being an excellent immune system stimulant. Not only that but it is considered a very strong prophylactic among many other things!
All in all, Eucalyptus Globulus is a simply amazing essential oil (ok, so maybe I think that about all essential oils…but they truly are! ).
We hope to see you all back here again in two weeks, when we’ll focus on a refreshing citrus oil!