Eucalyptus globulus is the tree we use to get eucalyptus essential oil. It is native to Australia and is commonly called the Tasmanian bluegum.
The Tasmanian bluegum is an evergreen tree. It grows to be up to 180 feet tall. The tree often sheds its bark, and it produces green leaves covered by blue-gray bloom. That’s how the tree got is bluegum name. The tree also produces cream-colored leaves and woody fruit.
The essential oil of eucalyptus is extracted by steam distillation of Eucalyptus globulus leaves. It has a strong, fresh, woody scent. The scent is slightly sweet and with hints of camphor and balsamic.
How Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits the Body
Eucalyptus essential oil has several properties that make it very beneficial for the body. It is antibacterial and antiseptic. This led to it being used for treating wounds, cuts, and burns. It can even be used to deal with insect bites.
The essential oil of eucalyptus is a good choice for treating respiratory conditions. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties mean it can be used to treat sore throats, colds, and flu symptoms. It also acts as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory. It can help clear the sinuses and deal with asthma and bronchitis.
Eucalyptus oil is often used in dental and mouth care. It has been used to keep away cavities, plaque, and other dental issues. It can maintain hygiene of the whole mouth. The oil’s effects on the intestines and the skin are similar as it kills germs and treats infections.
Patients with diabetes can use eucalyptus essential oil as a vasodilator. It can also reduce fevers and treat muscle and joint pain.
How Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits the Mind
Eucalyptus essential oil has many beneficial effects on the mind and emotional wellbeing. At first glance, it acts refreshing, stimulating, and soothing on the mind.
The essential oil of eucalyptus enhances optimism and openness. It can also help with concentration.
People who are melancholic might also turn to eucalyptus oil for help. It can disperse negative feelings and open up stagnated feelings. Eucalyptus essential oil restores vitality.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Can Relieve Depression Caused By:
- Stagnated, negative feelings
- Gloomy and moody. Can’t see happiness coming.
- Feeling limited, restricted and constricted. Hemmed in on every level.
Blending Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Other Symptoms of Depression:
- Rosemary and Lemon – Can’t concentrate and doubts all actions
- Cedar and Petitgrain – Sad, insecure and suffering nervous exhaustion
- Lemon and Lavender – Overwhelmed to a point of feeling panic or hysteria
Eucalyptus in Ancient History
The oldest fossils of eucalyptus trees were found in South America. The fossils were around fifty million years old, and are evidence that eucalyptus once grew in South America. By the time it was discovered by the Europeans in Australia, it wasn’t growing in South America.
The native people of Australia were familiar with the different species of eucalyptus. They used it for many different purposes. They used the gum from the tree as an adhesive. Some species were used to create objects like bowls and shields.
For medicinal purposes, eucalyptus was used to treat respiratory issues. It was also believed that crushing a leaf of eucalyptus and smelling its scent would help clear the head.
Eucalyptus in Modern History
Europeans first came in contact with eucalyptus trees in 1770 during the Cook expedition. Different species of eucalyptus found different uses. Some species were even used to reduce the water table. This was very effective in preventing the reproduction of malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Bluegum was noted for its medicinal properties during the nineteenth century.
In 1874, an English botanist Robert Bentley held a lecture to the fellows of the Royal Botanic Society about bluegum. The lecture was later published as On the Characters, Properties, and Uses of Eucalyptus Globulus and Other Species of Eucalyptus. In the lecture, he said this about bluegum, among other things:
“The first and the most important influence which this tree excerts, and that which has brought it more especially into notice, is its power of destroying the malarious agency which is supposed to cause fever in marshy districts; from which circumstance it has been called ‘the fever-destroying tree.'”
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Cautions
The major problem with eucalyptus essential oil is that it can cause allergic reactions. It can even cause airborne contact dermatitis. For these reasons, it would be best to perform a skin patch test when using it.
The essential oil of eucalyptus shouldn’t be used by children. Nor should pregnant or nursing women use it. If overused eucalyptus essential oil can be toxic so use only as prescribed.
