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Medicinal uses

Used for its medicinal purposes, industrial properties and scent, the British Pharmacopoeia describes Eucalyptus Oil as the oil distilled from the leaves of E. globules, the best known being the Blue Gum or Fever Tree. Today, other species are also being more widely used for their aromatic qualities.

Eucalyptus oil has been distilled for many years. In 1788 Drs John White and Dennis Cossiden distilled eucalyptus to treat chest problems and colic. Since then it has been prescribed for respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and influenza. In Asia it has been used as a topical liniment, in Southern and Central America eucalyptus oil is used to ease the pain of arthritis, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Its stimulating effect helps circulation and reduces muscle tension. Aboriginal medicine advocates it’s use for reducing fever and enhancing lung capacity. Eucalyptus oil is also considered effective for respiratory infections, sinus headaches, chicken pox, measles and herpes.

Introduced to the West in the nineteenth century by the director of Melbourne Botanical Gardens, cultivation of the tree moved into Southern Europe and North America. Knowledge of the potential for eucalyptus oil increased and the use of it’s medicinal purposes became more widespread; in Russia to counteract influenza and Sicily to combat malaria.

Applications of Eucalyptus Oil

The antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and antiseptic properties of Eucalyptus make it a very versatile ingredient.

Inhaling eucalyptus oil coats the respiratory tract forming a protective layer with the effects being almost immediate. The Eucalyptus oil expands alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs), which increases airflow into the lungs and increases oxygen flow to the body, temporarily expanding lung capacity. Eucalyptus helps to thin the mucus in the nasal passages and lungs, which combined with its natural, broad-spectrum anti-microbial properties, effectively inhibits growth of bacteria and viral replication, reducing the likelihood of colds and related infections.

  • Eucalyptus acts as a decongestant, reduces nasal dripping, reduces nasal stuffiness and helps to clear sinuses.
  • It reduces the severity of sinusitis.
  • Good expectorant
  • Reduces coughing
  • Used to treat bronchitis
  • Used to treat whooping cough
  • Helps to prevent and reduce severity of colds and flu, bronchitis and laryngitis.
  • Good for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • It has been used as a prescription for emphysema by preventing lung infections
  • Improving breathing
  • It can help to prevent asthma attacks and reduce the severity of asthma attacks or respiratory allergies.
  • Kills dust mites
  • Can reduce or prevent hay fever, allergies, headaches and migraines

Eucalyptus has an associated ability to improve circulation. Cineole, the active component in eucalyptus oil, activates the nerve surrounding the blood vessels causing them to relax and in so doing, helps to dilate the blood vessels. This action enables more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles, tendons and other soft tissue in the affected area. Eucalyptus has therefore been described as a natural “vasodilator”.  As circulation improves, pain and inflammation will reduce.

  • Helps ease pain of arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, backaches and muscle aches.
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Eases sore feet, sprained ankles and knees, tendonitis, gout and spurs
  • Relaxing muscle tension

Eucalyptus is natures strongest natural antiseptic. Originally used in Australia in the treatment of skin lesions to prevent infections and promote recovery time.

  • Antiseptic for the skin
  • Good for cuts, cold sores, abrasions, burns, sun burn, insect bites, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, poison ivy and other skin irritations
  • Helps to eradicate lice and fleas

Eucalyptus essential oil is also soothing, invigorating and calming and can be used in the bath, steam room, sauna, and massage or in an oil burner

  • Relaxing and soothing in the bath
  • Invigorating vapours help improve concentration
  • Aids relaxation and restful sleep

The effectiveness of eucalyptus oil is enhanced when combined in the correct proportion with other essential oils:

Grape seed oil: carrier oil to enhance penetration, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

Aloe Vera: antiseptic & effective pain reliever for burns, particularly sunburn.

Jojoba Oil: assists in the rejuvenation of scarring and damaged skin, restores elasticity in skin.

Vitamin E: antioxidant, ability to repair tissue damage caused by harmful UV radiation

Rosmarinus oil: massage oil for rheumatic and arthritic pain

The use of Eucalyptus Oil is largely based on tradition or scientific theories. There are few studies investigating it’s safety and effectiveness with humans and therefore it’s use, as with all herbs and supplements should be carefully considered and in consultation with a medical provider or pharmacist. In large doses Eucalyptus can be an irritant to the kidney and should not be taken internally except as a proprietary lozenge. All forms of Eucalyptus Oil should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding and should not be used by children unless under medical supervision. Always consult a health care provider immediately if side effects are experienced. Use of Eucalyptus Oil (and other essential oils) should be guided by expert advice.

Eucalyptus Nurseries does not claim that Eucalyptus Oil has any direct health benefits or recognised therapeutic effects in the treatment of medical conditions. We do not sell the oils or liniments - this information is for your interest only.

Links to Scientific studies are available at http://www.intelihealth.com and http://www.botanical.com