Explore New Ways To Use The Eucalyptus Plant In Your Wellness Practice

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT

The eucalyptus plant, one of the most fragrant and deeply aromatic plants in the world, produces many different varieties of essential oils, the most common of which are called Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus citriodora. Part of the Myrtaceae family of plants, eucalyptus plays an important role in aromatherapy in large part because of the more than 700 species it contains. The plants are so fragrant because each leaf has numerous oil glands that tend to release the fresh, clearing scent of the plant when they’re been agitated, either through the leaves being bruised or after they’ve been saturated in the rain.

The eucalyptus plant is also commonly known as the dinner of choice for one of Australia’s most well-recognized and fuzzy native marsupials, the koala bear; the leaves of some species of eucalyptus comprise their main diet!

As far as its uses in aromatherapy, species of eucalyptus that are prized for their respiratory benefits are those which contain significant amounts of something called 1,8 cineole. In her book “Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aromatic Therapy”, author Jennifer Peace Rhind says the following about the eucapharma or 1,8 cineole-rich types of eucalyptus: “In the eucapharma oils, the oxide known as 1,8 cineole is present in some species at levels up to 90%. Moss and Oliver (2012) reported that inhalation of this constituent can increase subjective alertness; this might explain why the typical eucalyptus smell can give a feeling of alertness. However, it can also have direct effects on the tissues of the respiratory tract.” She goes on to explain that eucalyptus species that are high in 1,8 cineole, like the Eucalyptus globulus we primarily use in our product formulations here at Saje, have a considerable therapeutic significance and are often used in formulations to act as decongestants, antitussives (cough suppressants) and in treatments for respiratory tract infections.

USE THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT TO SUPPORT FRESH AIR IN YOUR HOME

Because the eucalyptus plant is known for its fresh, opening and clearing aroma, it makes an excellent addition to diffuser blends that are offered to help invite refreshed, cleansed and deodorized air into your space. We’re big fans of diffusing because of the way you are able to personalize your in-home scent experience and because of the lack of artificial fragrances or chemicals being distributed in your air. Rest assured that diffusers use only clean water and 100% pure essential oil to create fresh, natural fragrances in your home while also helping to refresh your air through the creation of negative ions.

Diffuser blends that include the eucalyptus plant:

Fortified Breeze: this herbal and woodsy blend was formulated specifically to help support and enhance your overall feelings of wellness through the use of essential oils that are cleansing, clearing and fortifying. Soothing and fragrant eucalyptus is blended with zesty, fresh lemon and herbaceous and refreshing tea tree for a scent that is uplifting and balancing. Add 10-15 drops to your favorite diffuser as desired.

Refresh diffuser blend: one of our most popular diffuser blends for helping you reset and feel uplifted is this revitalizing and invigorating blend of essential oils known to help remove stubborn airborne odors and help your home to truly feel refreshed. Sweet, clearing spearmint meets floral lavender and herbal eucalyptus for the perfect pick-me-up, any time of day.

Eucalyptus single note essential oil: another option for adding the soothing, herbal and woody notes of the eucalyptus plant to your space is by diffusing the 100% pure single note essential oil. On its own, eucalyptus delivers the same cleansing and purifying benefits that help you to feel clear and open. If you want to feel like you’ve spent the day treating yourself to a eucalyptus steam room at the spa, go ahead and add this essential oil to your diffuser of choice.

USE THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT WHEN YOU WANT TO FEEL YOUR BEST

The eucalyptus plant is also included in a number of formulations that are blended to help encourage overall health and wellness. Whether you’re feeling run down or simply not at your best, these hearty and robust blends can help you to feel soothed, eased and relieved.

Wellness products that include the eucalyptus plant:

Peppermint Halo roll-on: the first product we ever formulated at Saje and still our #1 top selling product today is the cooling, soothing and tingling roll-on called Peppermint Halo. Blended with peppermint to invigorate, eucalyptus to encourage deep breathing and rosemary to warm and stimulate, this product feels best when it’s rolled along the temples, hairline, back of the neck and across the shoulders. Go ahead and feel better, naturally!

Fortify roll-on: the hero product in our cough and cold line, this blend was formulated to help soothe, ease and relieve symptoms of cough like cold. We know that eucalyptus is effective at supporting relief of respiratory discomfort, and it’s blended alongside other essential oils that are beneficial when you’re feeling under the weather like cleansing tea tree, balancing geranium and comforting cinnamon. Roll along the throat and chest as needed.

Fortified Warmth bath salt soak: as part of the line of products designed to help you feel supported and comforted, this bath salt soak is one of our favorites. Cleansing and refreshing eucalyptus reminds you to breathe deeply while rosemary warms and stimulates. A blend of epsom and sea salts will soothe and decompress your hardworking body while you soak. We like to add about two teaspoons of salts to a full bath and soak for up to 30 minutes for maximum benefits.

USE THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT WHEN YOU WANT TO BREATHE DEEPLY

In aromatherapy, the essential oil produced from the eucalyptus plant is commonly referred to as “the breathing oil”, and this is in part because of the fresh and sharp scent of the oil that encourages us to breathe deeply from our chest cavity. Below we are sharing three additional diffuser blends that are formulated with eucalyptus for when you want that just-took-a-walk-in-the-forest feeling in your home all year round.

Diffuser blends that include the eucalyptus plant:

Deep Breath diffuser blend: a fan-favorite blend inspired by the renewing experience of a steam room, this opening blend encourages deep, mindful breathing and relaxation for the body and spirit. Fresh and herbal eucalyptus meets soothing marjoram and stimulating peppermint for a natural refresher.

Rain Forest diffuser blend: inspired by the vast and expansive natural rain forests here in our hometown of British Columbia, Canada, this purifying, fresh and woodsy blend is reminiscent of a walk in the wilderness with leaves and branches crunching underfoot. Balsam Fir relieves mild stress and elevates your spirit, pine is lofty and refreshing, cedarwood helps you feel grounded and connected to the earth while eucalyptus supports fresh and clear deep breaths.

Into The Trees diffuser blend: as the name suggests, this warm, woody and peaceful diffuser blend will have you feeling like you’re standing in the middle of the forest. Breathe in the vitality of nature with cypress to balance and stimulate the senses, sweet pine to ground the mind and fresh eucalyptus to soothe.

USE THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT TO HELP EASE PAIN IN THE BODY

Eucalyptus essential oil is also reported to help soothe and ease aches and pains in the body by acting as comforting and relieving. Alongside other essential oils renowned for their pain relieving properties like peppermint, rosemary and marjoram, you’ll often find eucalyptus, encouraging deep breathing and relaxation for both the body and mind.

Pain & recovery products that include the eucalyptus plant:

Pain Release body oil: massage soothing relief onto your overworked body with this topical analgesic that eases minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains. Formulated with sweet and calming marjoram, soothing and relaxing roman chamomile and warming and stimulating rosemary, this blend also includes herbal and clearing eucalyptus for all-over relief.

Pain Release roll-on: similar in formula to the the Pain Release body oil, this roll-on is an easy to use and apply format that allows for targeted relief to areas of the body where you might experience pain or discomfort like the arms, legs, back or neck. Designed for topical application to relieve soreness, this formula also includes lavender, cajeput and peppermint in a base of grapeseed oil.

Muscle Melt body butter: our Community loves this deeply nourishing and hydrating body butter for helping to soothe discomfort and ease the overworked muscles in our body. The base of this moisturizer is shea, cocoa seed and mango seed butter for deep hydration that is never sticky or greasy. The essential oils blended in the formula are stimulating and revitalizing sweet birch, floral and relaxing lavender and sweet and spicy ginger, among others.

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR INCORPORATING THE EUCALYPTUS PLANT INTO YOUR WELLNESS ROUTINE

The eucalyptus plant is as visually appealing as it is useful in preparations to support both the body and mind. Varying in form from a short shrub to an evergreen tree, the branches and bunches of the eucalyptus, often accompanied by glossy, round or teardrop-shaped leaves can make for many uses in the home outside of essential oils; here are a few of our favorites:

1. Hang a bundle in the shower. When you’re looking to recreate the soothing experience of the spa at home, try adding a bundle of eucalyptus branches to your showerhead. The heat and steam from the water in the shower help to provide a burst of aroma to leave you feeling refreshed and balanced.
2. Create a bouquet. You can also arrange a bundle of eucalyptus sprigs to serve as a decor centerpiece anywhere in your home. The unique look of the branches is sure to spark a good conversation!
3. Serve as tea. Hot eucalyptus tea is known for its soothing properties, commonly used to treat symptoms of cough and cold. However delicious, it’s best to leave the tea making to the professionals and purchase eucalyptus tea that’s been expertly and safely blended rather than trying to make your own.

—Jennifer Peace Rhind