Sunday, January 13, 2013

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
By this time in winter the majority of us will have succumbed to at least one cold, and some of you may have had the awful ‘flu virus that has debilitated so many people. Anything that can help ease and alleviate some of the miserable symptoms is welcome. That is why many of us will have used eucalyptus oil in some form or another. Eucalyptus is one of the main ingredients in the Vicks range of products and Olbas oil; both designed to help decongest and ease cold symptoms.
The evergreen eucalyptus tree is a member of the Myrtaceae family that can grow over 100 metres, making it one of the world’s tallest trees. The tree has pale blue-green leaves and the unopened buds are vase-shaped and possess a “cap” that falls off during the blooming process. It is this cap-like membrane that gives the tree its common name, being derived from the Greek eucalyptos, meaning ‘well covered’. Eucalyptus is native to Australia and Tasmania but is now grown the world over. There are over 700 varieties of eucalyptus, and essential oil can be obtained from over 500 of those. The most commonly used oil is Eucalyptus Globulus, but other oils used by aromatherapists include Eucalyptus Smithii, a gentle acting oil making it a more suitable choice for children and the elderly; Eucalyptus Radiata, useful for fighting viral infections; Eucalyptus Citriodora which has a beautiful lemon scent excellent for rheumatic pain, and the clearing Eucalyptus Dives which has a strong peppermint scent.
Eucalyptus Globulus is the most cultivated of the eucalyptus trees and so the oil is easily obtained. Also known as Blue Gum, it is the gum tree that Kookaburra sits in the Australian children’s song. This particular variety is also responsible for the blue haze that can be witnessed in the Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney. The mountains are covered with eucalyptus trees and it is fine droplets of volatile oil that disperses into the atmosphere from the eucalyptus leaves that creates the blue mist.
Eucalyptus was first used by the Australian Aborigines, who chewed the roots for water in periods of drought. They believed the tree had special powers and used all parts of the tree extensively. The leaves were used to treat all manner of infections, fever and disease and the wood was prized for making tools and bowls. French naturalist Jacques-Julien Houtou de Labillardière was noted for his descriptions of the flora of Australia and named it the ‘fever tree’ due to its strong anti-infectious powers. Eucalyptus trees were planted in malarial countries, due to the powerful drying action of the roots on the soil helping drain the land producing a healthier climate.
Nowadays eucalyptus oil is used the world over as a major expectorant and anti-catarrhal essential oil. The oil is unparalleled in its ability to clear the respiratory system of phlegm. Add to that its antibacterial and antiviral actions it is obvious why eucalyptus has become the oil of choice when trying to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, sinusitis, laryngitis and chronic bronchitis. This stimulating and decongesting oil is also good for easing rheumatic and muscular pain as well as neuralgia. It is effective in all types of fever, as its cooling effect helps to lower body temperature. It is also used in the treatment of cuts, wounds and inflammatory conditions as it prevents bacterial growth and aids construction of new tissue.
On an emotional level eucalyptus opens the lungs and improves breathing, which in turn calms the body and mind. It has a fresh, pungent scent that is strangely soothing and cooling and can help to dispel lethargy and promote a more positive outlook.
Eucalyptus oils are powerful and should be used with care, in small doses (2-3 drops maximum in suitable carrier oil). Anyone with a medical condition should consult a clinical aromatherapist for guidance.

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