PLANT NAME (Botanical name): EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus)
Geographical source: Spain, Portugal, Australia, France, China
Commonly used to scent topical preparations such as liniments and salves. It also serves as a flavoring in cold and cough products such as syrups, cough drops and inhalants.
Aromatherapy: purifying, invigorating, cooling.
In the late 1700's, early botanists first tackled the job of describing the more than 500 species of eucalyptus. The job is not yet complete, because botanists are still discovering new varieties and hybrids and revising old classifications.
The genus name for eucalyptus comes from the Greek "Eu kalyptos" which stands for "well-covered". It refers to the flower buds which are cone shaped and have a lid-like structure that opens as the flowers mature. Eucalyptus trees exude a sticky, tannin-rich substance known as kino. Kino has a history of medicinal use because of its astringent properties.
In fact, 19th century British colonists noting the fragrant, medicinal aroma of eucalyptus groves, planted the 'fever trees' in tropical fever-ridden districts throughout the Empire to help drive away insects and contagious disease. The extensive root system of these trees also helped dry out water-logged soils, deterring disease-carrying insects, especially mosquitoes, which need standing water to breed.
Today, most eucalyptus oils come from California as well as Australia, Tasmania, Brazil, China, India, Portugal, Russia and Spain. The oils are steam-distilled from the fresh leaves and branch tips. A yellow oil, darker than the ones normally available on the market, is yield from the initial distillation. The crude oil is then redistilled, removing less stable constituents that cause it to deteriorate more rapidly. The second distillation also produces a more consistent product.
People familiar with the sweet, fresh, woody aroma of green eucalyptus leaves are often surprised by the more medicinal aroma of the oil. The difference is explained by the chemical changes that naturally occur when heat is applied during distillation and redistillation. Also, the essential oil is not made out of some aroma constituents in the living plant. For those who prefer a sweeter aroma, the lemon-scented oil is a good alternative.
There can be found three varieties of eucalyptus oils: industrial; perfumery oils; medicinal and aromatherapy oils.
The species of tree and its essential oil used in industry contains constituents used in floatation. This process is mainly used in the mining industry to separate ore particles from unwanted minerals.
The lemon-scented eucalyptus oil used in perfumery contains nearly 90 percent citronella along with geraniol. Both of these substances are top fragrancing compounds in the perfume and cosmetics industry.
Cineol, also known as eucalyptol, is the primary active constituent in the medicinal/aromatherapy eucalyptus species. The medicinal, camphoraceous aroma of cineol is for activating, vitalizing and energizing. Hundreds of cold and flu preparations such as cough drops, throat lozenges and chest rubs use eucalyptol.
By experimenting with the wide variety of eucalyptus essential oils available, you can chart a truly personal course through the garden to the aromatic benefits of eucalyptus essential oils.
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Cautions
Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.
Additional Information
The brisk aroma of eucalyptus essential oilis activating, vitalizing and energizing. When mixed with other essentialoils, it creates great blends for steam inhalation, chest rubs, roomsprays, bath, massage or air diffusion.
North WoodsSauna
This recipe will create a woodsyatmosphere and have a refreshing and uplifting effect.
20 dropseucalyptus 20 drops fir needle 20 drops tangerine 10 dropsjuniper berry 10 drops pine 10 drops wintergreen 10 dropslemon
Add a few drops of this blend tobath water or fill a bowl with boiling water and inhale.
MassageOil
This activating eucalyptus massageoil iseffective for sore and aching muscles.
Add notmore than 36 drops of this blend to three ounces of sweet almond oil.Shake briefly and massage a small amount into tired, achy muscles andjoints.
Energizing Spritzer
The eucalyptus essential oil in this blend adds an inspiring note to a water based spritzer. Whenever you need a little boost, whether before abig meeting, after a long day or to get you started in the morning, simplyspritz your face lightly and inhale thefresh, invigoratingaroma.
Add not more than 36 drops of this blend to three ounces of distilled water. Shake vigorously and add toa bottle with a spray atomizer attachment. Be sure to shake bottle beforeeach application.
PurifyingDiffusion
This recipe is great for thewintertime cold and flu season.
Add several drops of this blend to asteam vaporizer.
Founded in 1984 in the Trinity Mountains of north central California, Aura Cacia is a leading manufacturer of 100% pure and natural essential oils and quality aromatherapy products.
Aura Cacia offers more than 80 essential oils that create moods such as relaxation, rejuvenation and sensuality.
Essential oils from Aura Cacia are 100% pure botanical oils without any added water, alcohol or other diluting agents. These aromatic oils are generally steam-distilled from herbs, fruits and flowers. Citrus fruit essential oils are cold-expressed.
No animals are used to test Aura Cacia products. The products are biodegradable.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. Information provided at ZooScape.com relies partly on Traditional Uses. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
