Eucalyptus Essential Oil: How, Where & Why We Use It

WELL KNOWN, WELL LOVED EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Eucalyptus is one of the most well regarded and sought after essential oils in part because of its reputation as highly effective. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries in traditional aromatherapy and herbalism practices for its clearing, camphorous properties that encourage deep breathing and promote openness. Part of the Myrtaceae family of plants, there are more than 700 known species of Eucalyptus. Though a few different species of Eucalyptus are distilled for use in aromatherapy, Eucalyptus Globulus is the most commonly used in the world. Though native to Australia, the tree is now naturalized in many countries throughout the world and is prized for its leaves rich in eugenol (or cineole) that is used in common products like cough & cold treatments or muscle-soothing ointments. Not just a primary source of sustenance for koala bears, read on to learn more about how eucalyptus can be used to support your personal wellness.

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF THE COMMON COLD

Eucalyptus has a fresh, clean scent that is often described as camphorous. What this means is that it’s opening and encourages taking a deep breath. In her book “Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy” ¹, author Jennifer Peace Rhind describes the way eucalyptus that is high in an oxide known as 1-8 cineole (or eugenol) can be effective at supporting your respiratory system. “It can also have a direct effect on the respiratory tract, which is why it’s often used as an expectorant. 1-8 cineole has considerable therapeutic significance; it is a decongestant and antitussive (cough suppressant)”.

Product to Consider:

Fortify roll-on - boost your vitality and support your overall wellness with this antitussive (cough suppressant) that also contains balancing geranium and opening pine needle

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL TO PROMOTE WARMING MUSCLES AND REDUCING SORENESS

Rhind also speaks to the high 1-8 cineole content helping to provide eucalyptus with anti-inflammatory properties, therefore finding it beneficial to both warm and soothe painful muscles, or to ease pulled muscles and stiffness in the body. To help the body restore and recover, eucalyptus is known to blend well with lavender and rosemary, both of which can be found in our Pain Release line of products.

Products to Consider:

Pain Release roll-on - an analgesic blend that helps to numb pain and ease soreness in the body, also formulated with marjoram, rosemary and roman chamomile

Peppermint Halo roll-on - cool, soothe and invigorate the head with this refreshing blend that also includes peppermint, rosemary and vetiver

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL TO PROMOTE DEEP, CLEARING BREATHS

Eucalyptus oil has been used historically in aromatherapy and in herbal medicine as ‘the breathing oil’. The fresh and clearing properties of the oil are thought to encourage deep breathing and to help ease symptoms of the common cold or during episodes of sinusitis, hay fever or bronchitis ². In personal hygiene products, eucalyptus has been a popular additive in the flavoring of toothpastes and mouthwashes. Medicinally, eucalyptus can be found in pharmaceutical preparations such as pastilles, lozenges and syrups for cough and cold ¹.

Products to Consider:

Deep Breath diffuser blend - a refreshing and stimulating blend that also includes essential oils like marjoram, peppermint and lemon to encourage you to breathe deeply

Fortified Breeze Diffuser Blend - cool, refresh, energize and restore your space; also blended with lemon, tea tree and white thyme

Eucalyptus single note - experience the sweet, woodsy and opening benefits of eucalyptus and prepare your body to breathe deeply

Reference List

1. Rhind, J. (2020). Essential oils: A comprehensive handbook for aromatic therapy. London: Singing Dragon.
2. Harding, J. (2013). The Essential Guide to Oils: all the healing oils you will ever need for well-being and vitality. London: Watkins Publishing, eucalyptus.