EUCALYPTUS OIL
Botanical: Eucalyptus radiata
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle)
The Eucalyptus tree is sometimes called the "Gum Tree," and there are over seven hundred species of gum trees, all of which are rich in oils, but not all of them can be used for medicinal purposes. Most of them are native to Australia, and no other continent is so characterized by a single genus of tree as the "Eucalypts," which can be found in almost every part of the continent. In fact, the Blue Mountains of Australia were so-named, because the area is densely populated by the oil-bearing Eucalyptus trees, which fill the atmosphere with finely-dispersed droplets of oil. When combined with dust particles and water vapor, they scatter short-wave-length rays of light that are predominantly blue in color, producing a constant blue haze over the area.
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing evergreen that may reach well over three hundred feet in height, and because it sends out a vast network of roots, the tree has been known to drain marshy areas, even eliminating malarial swamps and fever districts in certain hot, humid countries, thus earning the common name, Fever Tree. The flowers in bud are covered with a cup-like membrane, giving the genus its name, Eucalyptus, which is derived from eucalyptos, the Greek word for "well-covered." Eucalyptus leaves were first used as a medicine to cover serious wounds by the aboriginal people of Australia, who called it kino, and its medicinal qualities were later introduced to the settlers.
The essential oil is extracted from the fresh leaves and twigs of the Eucalyptus tree, and Joseph Bosisto pioneered commercial production of the essential oil in Australia in 1860.
Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled
Color: Clear, pale yellow
Consistency: Thin
Aromatic Description: Slightly camphorous, sharp, clear.
Constituents: a-pinene, b-pinene, a-phellandrene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, aromadendrene, epiglobulol, piperitont, globulol, 1,8-cineole
Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary.
There's nothing quite like the scent of a eucalyptus forest after an extended dry spell is broken by rain - everything smells so clean and fresh!
Eucalyptus trees, more commonly known as gum trees locally, are the predominant genus of trees in Australia. Australia has over 600 species; comprising nearly 75% of our flora.
Some species of eucalyptus, such as mallee, can survive in incredibly dry and hot conditions; others are quite at home in below freezing temperatures.
While much loved here, unfortunately eucalyptus trees have become invasive species in other parts of the world, such as California; where they have been around since approximately 1853.
HEAD ACHE : Apply the oil liberally all over the forehead and other affected parts tie a towel tightly over the head and take rest for some time.
TOOTH ACHE : Soak a small cotton piece in the oil and apply the same, repeatedly over effected tooth till the pain subsides.
BODY PAIN : When mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water, and have bath in the morning and feel fresh and free from body pains .
PAIN IN HANDS : Rub the oil liberally over the affected hands.
PAIN ON LEGS & JOINTS : Rub the oil where ever pain on legs and joints when you retire for the night you will get sound sleep, and you can feel fresh in the morning.
THROAT PAIN : Before retiring for sleep at night, rub eucalyptus oil externally all over the effected throat and and have a towel tied round the neck and take rest, you will feel fresh and free from pain in the morning.
DENGUE FEVER : Eucalyptus oil is highly effective remedy for dengue fever. Mix five drops of the oil in a few ozs of warm water, add a small spoon of sugar also in the mixture, drink the mixture once or twice in a day, have a drink of soda also after this dose. This will give sure relief from the fever in a day or two. This dosage would be more effective if taken when you get symptoms of flue or fever.
COLD AND CHEST CONGESTION : Soak a clean white piece of cloth with Eucalyptus oil and take deep inhalation of the oil repeatedly and this will give relief from cold and from chest congestion rub the oil all over the body before retiring to bed over chest and back two three times in a day and night. This removes all breathing difficulties and induces sound sleep. Eucalyptus oil is a sure and reliable remedy certified for purity and quality by Government Analysis.