A popular essential oil due to its many medicinal properties, the Eucalyptus tree was originally native to Australia but is now grown all over the world for cultivation. There are over 700 species of which at least 500 produce essential oils. The healing oil comes from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves which are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as medicine.
Today there are several varieties of eucalyptus essential oil and while they come from the same family and have similarities, they also have different properties. Knowing each variety’s exact benefits is important to be able to use the oils correctly and reap the best results. Here are some of the more popular varieties
Eucalyptus Globulus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
The most commonly used eucalyptus oil is usually used for helping to relieve cold and flu symptoms. This oil should not be used around children.
Eucalyptus Dives Oil (Eucalyptus dives)
Particularly good for cuts, sores, ulcers, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sports injuries and sprains.
Eucalyptus Radiata Oil (Eucalyptus radiata)
Has powerful antiviral, decongestant and expectorant, properties. Best known for aiding with respiratory diseases, irrespective of whether they are viral (cold, flu) or bacterial (bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis). It also has the capacity to help with certain skin infections, supporting the immune system and energising. Can be used around children under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.
Eucalyptus essential oils have many benefits and can be used to help
- silence a cough and get mucus out of the chest. Inhaling the essential oil or using a balm made with it can help to loosen mucus so that when you do cough, it’s expelled.
- Can help to keep certain bugs such as mosquitos away, can be quite effective when blended with other insect repelling essential oils such as lavender
- Traditionally Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection, in the modern world the diluted oil is still used to help fight inflammation and promote healing and is often an ingredient in certain ointments.
- Those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis can benefit from eucalyptus essential oil by using it in steam inhalation. The oil reacts with the mucous membranes and helps to reduce mucus and loosen it so that you can cough it up.
- Research suggests that eucalyptus oil can help ease joint pain and many popular over-the-counter creams contain the oil to help soothe pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with many conditions and can also be helpful to people experiencing back pain or those recovering from joint or muscle pain. Always speak with your doctor before using it as a treatment.
Here’s a diffuser oil recipe for when feeling poorly or simply needing to relax. Simply add the oil to the water in your diffuser as per the manufacturer’s instructions and relax.
Calm and soothing essential oil blend recipe
