Everything you need to know about Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

(Eucalyptus globulus)

Centuries ago, the eucalyptus tree was thought to cleanse the environment, so the frail and sickly would choose to live in areas where these fragrant trees grew hoping for recovery from their ailments. While just living under the trees might not be the cure people hoped for, the tree does indeed offer healing. The Australian Aborigines applied crushed eucalyptus leaves to wounds to promote healing. They also used eucalyptus leaves to fight infection and relieve muscular pain. In India, eucalyptus is used to cool fever and fight contagious diseases. Even Western surgeons recognized the benefits of eucalyptus, and have used a eucalyptus solution to wash out operation cavities. Today eucalyptus is used in many different types of pharmaceutical products, from vapor rubs to cold remedies. Even veterinarians and dentists use eucalyptus in their practices. Its sweet, menthol, woody scent coupled with its proven healing abilities makes it a favourite essential oil in aromatherapy.

Therapeutic Uses: Antibacterial, asthma, arthritis, chicken pox, coughs, decongestant, fever insect repellent, measles, migraine, muscle pain, rheumatism, shingles, sinusitis, sprains throat infections.

Essential Oil Applications:

For arthritis, muscle pains, and rheumatism, mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on affected area.

For asthma, coughs, sinusitis, stuffed up noses, and throat infections, use 5-7 drops in vaporizer. Can also be mixed in a carrier oil and massaged on chest.

To kill airborne bacteria in a sickroom, use in a spray bottle. Mix 10 drops of oil in 1 quart water; shake well before spraying.

To guard against fly infestation, put droplets of oil on ribbon, and hang near windows or place on windowsills. Refresh weekly.

For check pox and shingles, use 2-3 drops on a cotton swab and apply to affected areas. Relieves pain associated with these ailments.

As an insect repellent, mix equal amounts with bergamot and lavender. If applying to skin, use in carrier oil. If using in a linen closet, apply to cotton balls and place on shelves.

To freshen up garbage bins, place a few drops of oil on a paper towel, and wipe over lid or place in the bottom of the bin to both kill germs and smells.

Mixes well with: Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, citronella, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, marjoram, orange, oregano, peppermint, pine, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree, and thyme.

Extraction method: Steam distillation.

Parts used: Fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if diagnosed with high blood pressure or epilepsy. Always use in dilution. Avoid if taking homeopathic remedies, as eucalyptus acts as an antidotes against such therapies.

Fun Fact

In the 19th Century, eucalyptus trees were called "fever tree," because they destroyed the breeding ground of the malaria mosquito. The tree grows fast, and uses up large amounts of water, thus large amounts of trees can turn swamp into usable land - and also rid the area of mosquitos in the process.

Purchase my favourite brand of eucalyptus essential oil here:

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-7546-Eucalyptus-4-Ounce/dp/B0019LRZ2A/ref=sr_1_49_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1494868845&sr=1-49&keywords=essential%2Boils&th=1

*All information for this blog was taken from "Aromatherapy for Everyone- Pierson/Shipley"*