The Eucalyptus Tree is commonly associated with koala bears, as Eucalyptus leaves are their main source of food. Most of the 700 varieties of Eucalyptus grow like trees while others grow like shrubs. The tree goes by several nicknames such as Fever Tree, Blue Gum Tree, and Stringy Bark Tree, depending on its location in the world. Despite the multiplicity of Eucalyptus varieties, they share common characteristics including their fresh, crisp, clean, sweet and camphoraceous scents, which are sometimes further described as having hints of lemon, peppermint, or woody nuances. The shared trait that they are best known for, however, is the beneficial healing properties of their leaves, which have made this tree’s essential oils widely used as a traditional and natural medicine for centuries.

First used by the Aboriginal people of Australia, who referred to is as “kino” and used it to heal most wounds, Eucalyptus leaves were made into infusions and used to treat body pains, colds, sinus congestions, and fevers, hence the nickname Fever Tree.

Although Australia is the origin and the leading source of Eucalyptus Oil, the Eucalyptus tree and its essential oil production spread to other parts of the world including Brazil, Europe, Greece, China, India… It was used for its disinfectant and expectorant properties in Chinese, Greek, European, and Ayurvedic medicine. Of the 700 species of Eucalyptus throughout the world, approximately 500 of them produce an essential oil, and global Eucalyptus Oil production is mainly from the Eucalyptus globulus species, more commonly known as “Blue Gum.” In the 1880s, surgeons began using Eucalyptus Oil in operations due to its antiseptic properties. Today, Eucalyptus continues to be a popular essential oil that is used in vapor rubs, rash creams, inhalers, ointments, and in dental hygiene products to support the respiratory system, to enhance oral health, and to soothe physical discomforts.

Massage Oil – Revitalizing:

Diluted with a carrier oil and used topically in a moisturizer or a blended massage oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil’s stimulating properties may help to revitalize the skin and tired muscles.

Warm milky healing bath:

Known to have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, this soothing oil provides relief to minor burns, sores, bites, and cuts by decreasing pain, inhibiting bleeding, eliminating bacteria from the wound, and promoting the closing of scars. Diluted in a warm bath, Eucalyptus Essential Oil may relieve respiratory discomfort and dermal inflammation.
with 4 tablespoons of milk powder add 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, mix well in the bath tub.

Relief of congestion and respiratory tract infections:

Eucalyptus Oil’s expectorant properties also make it effective in facilitating the relief of congestion and respiratory tract infections. For relief from congestion, mix a few drops in a steaming bowl of hot water and lean over it to inhale the aromatic vapors with a towel draped over the head and bowl for a few minutes. The eyes should be closed to prevent irritation

Disinfecting air spray:

Eucalyptus Essential Oil acts as a natural, anti-microbial, non-toxic air freshener that removes bacteria, viruses, and mold from the environment. Diluted with water, this spray can freshen the room and eliminate the body odors trapped in shoes and sports gear.

Surface cleaning agent:

A surface cleaning agent can be made by combining Eucalyptus Oil with Lemon and Peppermint Essential Oils and then diluting the blend with water and/or vinegar before using it on kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

– Do not use during the first three months of pregnancy and while breast-feeding, nor in children under 6 years.
– Not recommended for asthmatic subjects because of the high content of 1,8-cineole (especially in inhalation or diffusion).
– Topical use is recommended (massages on the organ concerned, along the spine, or on the arches of the feet) or in diffusion/inhalation, oral use is not appropriate for this essential oil.
– Irritating in high doses, always dilute well for a topical application.
– Possible reactions with medication (because of its 1,8-cineole content, which has an inducing effect on certain enzymes), do not use orally without medical advice simultaneously with a medicinal treatment.
– Very powerful, it can irritate some people in diffusion. In this case, mix it with milder essential oils (Lavender, Fir balsam…).
– Keep out of reach of children.
– Some natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy in some sensitive people when the essential oil is incorporated in a cosmetic composition: limonene.
– As a general guideline, always test the application of your preparation, in the elbow, at least 48 hours before using it.

WARNING: These properties, indications and methods of use are taken from reference books or websites in aromatherapy. This informations are given for informative purposes, they do not represent any medical advice, or involve our responsibility. For any use in a therapeutic purpose, consult a doctor.