Eucalyptus is a tree is from the Mytaceae family native to Australia and the dried leaves and oil are used in making various medicines.  There are many species of the genus Eucalyptus that are used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of various medical conditions. Eucalyptus oil is the generic name for distilled oil from the leaf of Eucalyptus and cultivated worldwide. Selected leaves of the Eucalyptus are steam distilled to extract the Eucalyptus Oil. The most prevalent standard cineole-based “oil of eucalyptus” is a colorless liquid that yellows with age and a penetrating, camphoraceous, woody-sweet scent.

Trades of Eucalyptus oils are categorized into three broad types according to their composition and their main end-use, which is medicinal, perfumery and industrial. About 75% of the world trade in Eucalyptus Oil is produced by China, with most of this oil being derived from camphor oil fractions rather than being true Eucalyptus Oil. The significant producers of true Eucalyptus Oil is in South Africa, Portugal, Spain, Chile, Brazil, Australia, and Swaziland.

The Australian Aboriginals used eucalyptus leaf oil infusions as traditional medicine for treating body pain, sinus congestion, colds, and fevers.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits

The Eucalyptus Oil contains chemicals that help control blood sugar. There are also chemicals that act against bacteria and fungi. The Eucalyptus Oil helps to block chemicals that cause asthma.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil or products containing Eucalyptus Oil will repel and off Botanicals, making it a very good insecticide. 

• Infections
• Fever
• Stomach
• Coughs
• Respiratory tract infections
• Whooping cough
• Asthma
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatism – joint pain
• Acne
• Wounds
• Ulcers – ability to heal
• Burns
• Bacterial dysentery
• Ringworm
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Loss of appetite
• Cancer
• Bleeding gums
• Bladder disease
• Fever
• Flu

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses

Eucalyptus Essential Oil should not be applied to the skin or taken by mouth in full-strength. The oil must be diluted for safety. The diluted Eucalyptus Oil can be taken by mouth for inflammation of pain and swelling of respiratory tract mucous membranes, coughs, bronchitis, sinus pain and inflammation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.

• Manufacturers use Eucalyptus Oil in the process as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. Other products include in making mouthwash, antiseptic, liniment and ointment, and in toothpaste, cough drops, and lozenges.
• Eucalyptus Oil can be used also as an expectorant, which will help loosen coughs, antiseptic, fever reducer when used in vaporized fluids.
• Diluting Eucalyptus Oil when applied directly to the skin will ease pain and swelling of respiratory tract mucous membranes, joint pain, genital herpes, and nasal stuffiness.
• Add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil diluted with water in a spray bottle for easy protection against insects.
• The dentist office uses products that include eucalyptus oil in the sealers and solvents for root canal fillings.
• The dried Eucalyptus leaf is used as a flavoring agent in many foods.
• Diffuse Eucalyptus Essential Oil throughout the room continuously through the span of an illness. Also, massage into reflex points of the feet, as well as the chest, back, and throat.
• Due to the vasodilation, using Eucalyptus Oil on a daily basis can increase circulation, which is great for diabetics. It is recommended massaging the oil into the body with lotion after each shower or bath.
• With Eucalyptus’ antiviral and antibacterial properties makes it a great natural cleaning agent.
• For ear inflammation, never put essential oil directly in the ear canal. However, the Eucalyptus Oil can be massaged on and around the outer part of the ear. Using only one drop to start diluted for children.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil uses are wonderful for all types of respiratory diseases. Just diffuse the oil daily, massage one drop over the chest area at least once a day, and one drop into the reflex points of the feet.
• To help with draining mucus from the lungs, just massage one drop of Eucalyptus Oil into the reflex points of the feet and apply one drop over the chest at least one to three times a day.
• Eucalyptus Oil can cool the body down, perfect for using during a high fever. Take a bowl of cool water and add a few drops on oil mix and take a cloth and dip in the bowel and wring out to put on heat point of the body. Heat points of the body are the forehead, the back of neck, the underarm, and under the knees.
• Depending on your type of flu symptoms, Eucalyptus Oil uses will vary. You can apply to the abdomen for easing diarrhea, or massage into aching joints and muscles, or simply diffuse through the air to fight infection.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Side Effects

Eucalyptus essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.