Aromatherapy Oils – Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil is amongst the most versatile of all Essential oils. Several species of Eucalypt have been used in the production of Eucalyptus oil with the most popular being Eucalyptus globulus. The Eucalypt belongs to the Myrtacea family. Australian Aboriginals have known of the health benefits of the Eucalypt for centuries. Aboriginals would crunch the leaf and mix with water for treatment of colds and fever.

The Extraction process

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves by Steam distillation. Steam distillation works by pumping steam into a chamber containing the leaves of the Eucalyptus leaves. The steam causes the oil cells to burst mixing with the steam. The steam is then cooled and the water and the oil are separated.

Uses as an Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil has many uses from Anti-septic, Industrial, Perfume and Personal hygiene. Some of the more common uses include:

• As an Antibacterial Cleaner – Place a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil on a damp rag and use to wipe bench tops, cooking surfaces, toilet cisterns and surfaces where an Anti-Septic cleaner would be useful.
• As an Antiseptic – Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic solution for minor cuts and abrasions.
• As a Muscle rub – A few drops of Eucalyptus oil in a quality Organic massage oil base makes an excellent rub for muscle aches and pains. It is ideal for use as an after sports rub on aching muscles and joints.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be found in many bar soaps and hand washes. It is ideal in these products due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
• As a Fragrance, Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be found in Perfumes, Air Fresheners and deodorants.
• Eucalyptus oil is well known for its use as an insect repellent.
• As a cold and flu remedy, Eucalyptus Oil can be found in chest rubs, Cough Syrups and Throat Lozenges. We have regularly added a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in a dish of hot water and left it on a high shelf in kids bedrooms when colds and flu are persistent.

Hopefully this article has touched on the surface of many of the potential uses for Eucalyptus Essential Oil. This would definitely be one of the must have oils in you Essential Oils kit. If nothing else keep a bottle in your bathroom medicine cabinet.

Precautions

Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in the prevention or healing of many complaints. Every individual is different. Some essential oils can be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while others require limited exposure to the sun due to phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier if you are in doubt of the safest use for any particular oil. Not just the one in this article.