Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil Information
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is extracted from Eucalyptus globulus of the Myrtaceae family and is also known as Tasmanian blue gum or blue gum.
In aromatherapy, Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil helps to clear the mind and focus concentration, while reducing swelling in the mucus membranes. It is very valuable in fighting respiratory problems, fighting inflammation and sore muscles, rheumatism, headaches and nervous exhaustion, while boosting wound and ulcer healing and soothing skin eruptions.
Eucalyptus essential oil blends well with camphor essential oil (white fraction). A blend of these oil in an excipient (carrier/base) may add extra zing to any treatment for sore muscles or colds.
Oil Properties
Eucalyptus has a clear, sharp, fresh and very distinctive smell, is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity.
The ‘eu’ and ‘kalypto’ means ‘well’ and ‘covered’ in Greek, referring to the cup-like membrane that covers the flower bud, which is thrown off as the flower expands.
The Australian Aborigines calls it ‘kino’ and they use the leaves to cover serious wounds.
Eucalyptus oil was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called ‘Sydney peppermint’. It was extracted from Eucalyptus peperita which is a more industrial type of oil.
The tree uses a lot of water while growing and has been used to clear water-logged land, draining the water from swamps where malaria mosquito may be found. The tree was thought to prevent malaria in the past, due to this draining action.
Origin
Blue gum trees are commercially farmed in Australia, Spain, India, Portugal, Spain, India, China and South Africa.
The Australian Blue-gum can sometimes reach a height of 100 meters (300 feet), making it one of the highest trees in the world.
There are over 500 species of Eucalyptus trees, with tough long and narrow blue-green leaves, creamy white flowers and smooth pale bark.
Extraction
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil are 1,8 Cineole, α-Pinene, (+)-Limonene, Globulol, (E)-Pinocarveol, ρ-Cymene
Precautions
Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is known to cause problems with the central nervous system and with breathing in children . We suggest that this essential oil not be used on or near the face of children under the age of 10 years.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of eucalyptus globulus essential oil are analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary.
Uses
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping with fevers, migraine and malaria.
For the respiratory tract, it helps with coughs, asthma, throat infections, sinusitis and catarrhal conditions. It soothes inflammation and eases mucus, clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever.
Eucalyptus oil is useful as a warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation. In skin care it can be used for burns, blisters, herpes, cuts, wounds, skin infections and insect bites. It can furthermore boost the immune system and is helpful in cases of chicken pox, colds, flu and measles.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, eucalyptus oil may be used for: frequent sneezing, hay fever, ‘flu, respiratory problems, as an insect repellent, headaches and for helping to improve concentration.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
Eucalyptus oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath, to assist with arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, mucous congestion, colds, headaches, rheumatism, sinusitis, catarrh, fatigue and muscular aches and pains.
Blended in a Cream
Apart from giving pain relief to muscular spasms and rheumatism, eucalyptus oil can also help speed up the healing of slow healing wounds and ulcers, calm skin eruptions and clear congested skin.
Apart from giving pain relief to muscular spasms and rheumatism, eucalyptus oil can also help speed up the healing of slow healing wounds and ulcers, calm skin eruptions and clear congested skin.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: Avoid face, scalp and head
Body: Maximum of 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 10 years:
Face: Avoid face, scalp and head
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 1% to 2%
11 to 15 years
Face: 1% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 2%
Bath: 1% to 2%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 1% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Eucalyptus oil is very helpful when used for headaches, fevers, ailments of the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and in skin care. It has a soothing and calming effect on the whole body and helps with the immune system. The oil is also effective against bacteria – especially staphylococci, and has a refreshing and stimulating action on the mind, helping to improve concentration. Care should be taken with topical use of this oil on children of the age of 10 years and younger – the face, scalp and head should be avoided.
Blends
Although essential oils normally blend well together, eucalyptus oil blends particularly well with Benzoin, Thyme, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lemon and Pine.
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