There are more than seven hundred species of eucalyptus, of which at least four hundred 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. The tree is a beautiful, tall, evergreen tree, which grow up to more than 90 meters 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.

Eucalyptus is a 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. Essential oil by steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

Details of  Eucalyptus

A colorless mobile liquid (yellows on ageing), with a somewhat harsh camphoraceous odor and woody-sweet undertone. It blends well with thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedar wood and lemon. The narrow-leaved eucalyptus is often used in preference to the blue gum in aromatherapy work, being rich in cineol but with a sweeter and less harsh odor.

Benefit Of Eucalyptus

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.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Chickenpox, colds, epidemics, 'flu, measles.
NERVOUS SYSTEM: Debility, headaches, neuralgia.

Other Benefits

The oil and cineol are largely employed in the preparation of liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, ointments, toothpaste and as pharmaceutical flavorings also used in veterinary practice 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 flavor ingredient in most major food categories.

Physical Effect

Analgesic, anti neuralgic, ant rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrizing, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary.

Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. 'When taken internally eucalyptus oil is toxic and as little as 3.Sml has been reported as fatal'.

Aromatherapy House.com assumes no risk or liability for your use or any misuse of information contained on our website. Health-Related information changes frequently, and while every attempt has been made to ensure the content on this site is accurate. You should always check with a doctor or nutrition expert before undertaking any substantial change in diet or lifestyle.

[ View Other Aromatherapy Articles ]

Book Mark As

 Favorite