EUCALYPTUS

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Other Names: Blue Gum; Eucalyptus dives - Peppermint Gum; Eucalyptus citriodora - Lemon-scented gum; Eucalyptus smithii - Gully gum; Eucalyptus olida - Strawberry gum; Eucalyptus radiata - Australian Eucalyptus.

Family: Myrtaeae

 

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil is known throughout the world for its use as a decongestant in colds and influenza. The genus Eucalyptus is endemic to the southern hemisphere and is part of the large Myrtaceae Family of plants.

Eucalyptus oil possesses a high content of 1, 8-cineole, a compound used to enrich other oils. Cineole has a density of only 0.93, so it floats on water. The essential oil of Eucalyptus is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and stems primarily. Cineole exists in the oil dots within the leaves of the Eucalypt. There are many species of Eucalyptus from which essential oils can be obtained and each species produces oils with slightly different properties.

 

Uses in Natural Skin Care Products:

It has a cleansing effect on the skin and reduces redness and irritation. Eucalyptus oil is reputed to aid in wound healing and is antispetic and anti-parasitic.

Uses in Traditional Medicine:

Eucalyptus oil has many other uses in addition to being a chief remedy in the treatment of colds and influenza. It helps relieve tension and stress, with a relaxing effect on the nervous system and is said to reduce the pain associated with rheumatism and gout.

The aroma of Eucalyptus oil is very uplifting, over coming tiredness and aiding concentration. Peppermint Gum and Blue Gum varieties of Eucalyptus oil can be found in Wildcrafted’s Refreshing Massage Oil Blend, Active Body Massage Oil Blend and the Native Australian Hydro Oil Blend.