Of the more than 600 species of eucalyptus currently identified, fewer than
4% are farmed for herbal or aromatherapy uses. The 3 species readily available
in the US are Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus citriadora.
Eucalyptus is distilled from leaves that are either freshly picked or slightly
dried.
Traditional Herbal Uses
Perhaps eucalyptus is best known as a nasal decongestant. Adding eucalyptus to
hot water then inhaling the steam is a folk remedy that goes back millennia. But
eucalyptus is actually used extensively in herbal medicine for other purposes as
well.
Herbalists claim that eucalyptus is a potent insect repellent and several
aromatherapy books offer specific formulas for homemade mosquito sprays.
Eucalyptus (properly diluted in a carrier) is sometimes prescribed as a
liniment. Additionally, it is sometimes recommended in cases of minor burns and
blisters as well as small wound care.
Some studies have suggested that eucalyptus is a potent anti-microbial but
others have shown little to to anti-microbial activity. (Remember, most
aromatherapy books are "crafting" books that simply re-phrase other authors'
material. Before you rely on any essential oil for its alleged therapeutic
effects check with a reliable science-based source.)
In Chinese medicine, eucalyptus is used to move lunch Qi and is considered a
remedy for wind-heat.
Aromatherapy Uses
Eucalyptus has an extremely "medicinal" scent and perhaps that's why it's often
prescribed for use in sick rooms. It imparts a moist, cooling sensation to nose.
Eucalyptus is used by aromatherapists to revitalize and energize. It's also
used to "clear" a room and is often diffused in a home to cleanse the building
of a previous family's energy.
Blending With Other Essential Oils
Eucalyptus has a biting medicinal scent that is usually used as a single-note
oil due to its ability to overpower other essential oils. In very small amounts
it can sharpen the scent of woody oils like cedar or fir; it is also frequently
added to lavender or tea tee.
Eucalyptus is considered a top-note.
Safety & Warnings
Though legally defined as a poison in some countries, eucalyptus is generally
(though not without controversy) considered safe when used topically or diffused
for aromatherapy.
The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and
trees to promote health and well-being.
A system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon,
lavender (used to soothe cuts, bruises and insect bites), and peppermint.
These essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin,
inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room. This therapy is
intended to relieve pain, care for the skin, and alleviate tension and
fatigue.
The use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves,
bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy
refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce
a sense of well-being. Each individual essence is used to produce a
specific beneficial effect. Used in massage and facials.
The use of essential oils from aromatic plants to restore and enhance
health and beauty as defined by the American Aromatherapy Association.
Aromatherapy uses as its basic ingredients essential oils, which represent
the highest herbal energy. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile
extracts retrieved from aromatic herbs, flowers, seeds and trees; they
contain hormone-like properties, vitamins, minerals and natural
antiseptics.
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