Eucalyptus Essential Oil Profile
Properties, Characteristics and Aromatherapy Uses of Eucalyptus EO
Eucalyptus essential oil has a wide variety of therapeutic effects for aromatherapists. Learn how to safely use it and the physical and mental benefits of eucalyptus oil.
Essential Oil Botanicals: The aromatherapy essential oil Eucalyptus is derived from the plant Eucalyptus globulus, a large tree with pointed, blue-green leaves that are very aromatic. Both the eucalyptus leaves and stems are used to produce the essential oil through steam distillation.
- Scent: Eucalyptus essential oil is camphor-like, somewhat sweet, and pine-like.
- Color and Body Grade: Eucalyptus is a clear essential oil that is considered a top-note oil.
- Essential Oil Chemical Content: Eucalyptol (80%), butylaldehyde, fenchen, cineol, camphen, globulal, pinen, pinocarveol, terpineol, sequiterpene and valeraldehyde.
Eucalyptus Properties: Eucalyptus feels cool to the skin and warm to the muscles and has fever reducing properties mostly due to the anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus has antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties as well that has shown benefits being used in vaporizers or added to room humidifiers.
Eucalyptus is considered by some to be a universal oil and suitable for use undiluted on the skin of adults; however, this author suggests caution using the oils directly on the skin and instead supports diluting the essential oils in a carrier oil or massage lotion. It is one of the most popular essential oils because eucalyptus oil has the ability to enhance other essential oils and has a wide variety of benefits.
Eucalyptus Physical Benefits and Effects:
- Deodorant due to the antibacterial properties
- Used in insect repellents
- Expectorant for respiratory support
- Known to relieve cramps
- Promotes wound healing
Eucalyptus Mental/Psyche Effects: Eucalyptus essential oil is said to have an expansive effect that can be both calming and invigorating.
Precautions for Using Eucalyptus: Homeopathic patients should not use eucalyptus essential oils, since they will counteract the homeopathic remedy. Eucalyptus essential oils are very powerful and should never be used undiluted on babies or young children (it is still safe to use in a diffuser or vaporizer); but can be used undiluted on adults with caution. Eucalyptus is one of the essential oils to be avoided by epileptics and those with high blood pressure as well.
Therapeutic Essential Oil Combinations: Combine eucalyptus essential oils with lavender essential oil to increase the sweetness. Marjoram and pine essential oils will support the decongestant and expectorant effects. For increased concentration and stimulating effect, try combining eucalyptus essential oil with bergamot or orange.
A word about essential oils: All essential oils are highly concentrated and very few are suitable for undiluted (neat) use on the skin. Only the highest quality essential oils should be used. Dilute essential oils in carrier oils such as olive, apricot kernel, jojoba, or other natural oils; put a few drops in a cup of Epsom salts and dissolve in a bath tub of water or use a few drops in a diffuser, vaporizer or humidifier. Please consult your health care professional with any questions or concerns about your natural health care program.
Sources:
- Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques by Tappan and Benjamin. 4th Edition.
- Aromatherapy Massageby Clare Maxwell-Hudson
- Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche by Peter and Kate Damian
- Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Len Price and Shirley Price
