Eucalyptus is a large genus with more than 660 different types of plant species. It is a shrub of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Used in Aborigines ancient medicine, it wasn't until 1788 that the first documented distillation of eucalyptus oil occurred, where doctors John White and Dennis Cossiden used eucalyptus essential oil to treat chest problems and colic. In the the mid-1800s the oil began gaining world wide popularity and later still, In the late 1850s, when the commercial production of eucalyptus oil began in Victoria, Australia, (the oil was converted to gas and was used to light up buildings). In the nineteenth century, European hospitals began using the oil as an antiseptic and disinfectant for medical and surgical equipment. There are three chemotypes, with varying amounts of geranyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, (þ)-limonene and eudesmol. This gives them some variations in their actions. Globulous is of the popular Cineole chemotype.
Eucalyptus Globulus is an energising and uplifting oil, well known for it's benefits on concentration, focus and tiredness. It is frequently used in mood lifting blends and is thought by many to be useful to those suffering with depression or exhaustion. It's stimulating energy helps fight against sluggishness, whilst still being known for it's healing properties. Spiritually cleansing, it is used to lift an atmosphere from negativity after arguments fights and row, and is thought to protect and heighten spirituality also.
Eucalyptus makes a wonderful chest rub or inhalation ingredient, opening the nasal passages, calming the respiratory system and easing sinusitis and chest infections with it's decongestant and antiseptic properties. It helps warm chills and eases muscle pains and headaches. Eucalyptus is useful in joint rubs, easing symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis, especially in cases when these are made worse by the cold. It is useful in managing post exercise soreness and helps keep the respiratory tract clear for sports too. Cystitis suffers delight in sitz baths containing Eucalyptus. It seems to be very effective in cases when symptoms have been made worse by a chill. Yet any gentile or urinary infection can be soothed by this essential oil diluted, and skin wounds caused by herpes can be soothed and helped to heal this way too. It is also anti-fungal meaning it may help thrush too. Wounds, bites and stings can all be aided by the antiseptic healing action of eucalyptus oil. Fungal infections such as ring worm and athletes foot respond well to it too. It really should be a household item for all of us!
Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Synonyms: gum tree, southern blue gum, tasmanian blue gum, fever tree, stringy bark.
Extraction Method: Steam distilled from leaves and young twigs
Main places of production: Native to Australia, the oil is now cultivated in North Africa, Spain , California, China and India too.
Interesting facts:
- Used in Aborigines medicine
- grows up to 357 feet
- tough leaves and flower buds that are covered with a cup like membrane
- leaves are a bluish green colour
- Eucalyptus is a large genus with more than 660 different types of plant species belonging to the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae).
- There are three chemotypes, with varying amounts of geranyl
acetate, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, (þ)-limonene and eudesmol. This gives them some variations in their actions. Globulous is of the popular Cineole chemotype.
Key constituents:
- 1,8-Cineole
- a-Pinene
- (þ)-Limonene
- Globulol
- (E)-Pinocarveol
- p-Cymene
- (þ)-Aromadendrene
- Pinocarvone tr
Actions:
- cleansing
- antiseptic
- decongestant
- warming
- purifying
- analgesic
- antispasmodic
- toning
- balancing
- cicatrisant
- deodorant
- depurative
- expectorant
- febrifuge
- rubefacient
- stimulant
- vulnerary
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Physical Uses:
- headaches
- colds
- flu
- sinusitis
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
- rheumatism
- genital infections
- cystitis
- chills
- wounds
- herpes
- ulcers
- insect bites
- stings
- lice
- fungal infections
- athletes foot
- asthma
- burns
- catarrh
- diarrhoea
- fevers
- gall stones
- migraines
- neuralgia
- rheumatism
- sinusitis
- throat infections
- tight muscles
- sore joints
- lowering blood sugar
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Emotional and Psychological Uses:
- concentration
- focus
- tiredness
- uplifting
- depression
- exhaustion
- sluggishness
- stimulating
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Spiritual and Energetic Uses:
- yin energy
- planet Saturn
- water element
- healing
- protection
- cleansing from arguments fights and rows
- heightens spirituality
Oil descriptive: A strong medicinal and camphor smell with woody undertones.
Scent note: Middle
Blends well with: Lemon, Lavender, Cypress, Pine, Marjoram, Tea Tree, Thyme, Rosemary
Cats and dogs: Considered toxic to both cats and dogs.
Warnings, cautions and contraindications:
- Not ideal for children under 10
- Not suitable for children under 3
- Do not use around the face or nose of children under 7
- Essential oils high in 1,8-cineole can cause CNS and
breathing problems in young children. - Do not use internally
- Not safe for those taking blood pressure medications or with low blood pressure
- Not safe for use during pregnancy
- Not suitable for those with neurological conditions
- Not suitable for those at risk of respiratory depression.
- Not suitable for use by diabetics of those taking blood sugar lowering medication
- No not use for two weeks prior to surgery
- Not safe for those with kidney or liver disease
- If you have any other diagnosed health condition, or take other medications or supplements, please speak to a professional before use.(Feel free to contact us via webchat - we are qualified and insured to advise you)
Find out essential oil ranges here here:
Essential Oils | Oil Burners & Diffusers – HIPPIE Life UK
*Applications and properties are based on traditional folklore and provided for entertainment purposes only. They are not necessarily proven health claims and are not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease. Always see your doctor!
Please seek advice from a holistic vet or qualified veterinary aromatherapist if planning to use essential oils on animals as their safe and effective use is different on animals. We are only qualified and insured to advise on human use where animals may be present within the environment, not the use of essential oils on the animal itself.
Sources: HIPPIE Essential Oil Supplier safety and certification sheets, "Little Book of Essential Oils", "The Beauty Book", and "Essential Oils" all by Neal's Yard Remedies, "Essential Oil Safety" - Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, "Subtle Aromatherapy" - Patricia Davis, "The Art of Aromatherapy" - Robert Tisserand, "Handbook of Incense, Oils and Candles" - Maya Heath, "Complete Formulary of Magical Oils" - Celeste Hayne Heldstar
