The medicinal properties of eucalyptus have been used for centuries by Australian Aborigines. Today, eucalyptus’s powerful antiseptic properties are valued all over the world. Eucalyptus oil is distilled from partially dried leaves and twigs of the “blue gum” eucalyptus tree. The oil has a pungent camphorous scent and blends well with other tree oils, such as cedarwood and pine. Also refreshing antiseptic oils, such as lemon and thyme.
Eucalyptus’s warming and drying properties are effective in treating all respiratory disorders. Its decongestive action is especially effective as a steam inhalation. It fights infections, reduces fevers and soothes inflammation of the respiratory tract. It stimulates the nervous system, combats tiredness and promotes concentration.
There are over 500 varieties of eucalyptus that bear oil. These have different chemical compositions. The most commonly used is the “blue gum” Eucalyptus globulus. Eucalyptol, also known as cinerole, is a potent oxide that stimulates the respiratory and digestive systems. It is responsible for the oil’s camphorous scent, which has expectorant properties. Eucalyptus contains antiviral limonene and antiseptic pinene.
The alcohol citronellol is present in eucalyptus oil in small quantities. Cintronellol has an antiseptic, warming and uplifting effect. Eucalyptus oil is often used in commercial cough drops and throat lozenges. The uses of eucalyptus oil are many, from a pleasant smelling decongestant to a soothing and gentle remedy for urinary infections.
Using eucalyptus in your oil warmer is a simple way to benefit from its antiseptic qualities. As the eucalyptus oil vaporizes it releases its antiseptic ingredients into the air, disinfecting the room and masking unsavory odors. Allow to vaporize gently into the room air for full benefit.
Eucalyptus oil can be used to make a versatile balm. Simply melt a tablespoon of vaseline by placing it in a bowl over a pan of hot water, and add 6 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of peppermint oil. Rub a little of this balm under your nose to clear your sinuses, especially at night. A little rubbed on your lips helps heal cold sores.
The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus make it an excellent remedy for infections, particularly of the urinary tract. Combat painful cystitis with a soothing daily massage over the lower back, abdomen and hips. For a gently massage oil, add 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, and 5 drops of neroli oil. Gently massage the lower back with eucalyptus will help soothe a bout of cystitis.
The antiseptic action of eucalyptus makes it a versatile medicinal oil. Applied as a compress, eucalyptus soothes inflammation and can be used to relieve muscular aches and rheumatic pains. For strains and sprains, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and 5-6 drops of lavender oil to a cold compress and apply. Its warming and anti-inflammatory properties make eucalyptus oil an excellent pain reliever.
For steam inhalation, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, lemon and pine oils to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in deeply. You can harness the decongestive properties of eucalyptus by using it in a steam inhalation.
The history of eucalyptus tells us it is popular among the Aborigines, who burn the leaves to relieve fever, believing the illness will leave the person and go into the smoke. The dried leaves are also smoked to relieve asthma and other respiratory conditions. In Victorian England, dried leaves were put in sachets to keep cupboards and closets fragrant and to act as an insect repellent. Eucalyptus leaves are the only food eaten by koalas. People used to believe that alcohol contained in the leaves of the eucalyptus made the koalas permanently drunk, giving rise to their lazy behavior!
As with all oils, use wisely and in moderation at first, enjoy the thought of healing yourself with aromatherapy!
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