Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Polybractea
Eucalyptus Oil has been used as a medicine to treat breathing issues, asthma as well as repelling bugs and insects. It can also be applied to the skin to help treat irritated areas, and the cooling sensation of the oil means that it is popular to be used in skin and haircare products.
History of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil originated in Australia and was first used in the 1700's, and the Aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection. The oil quickly became a huge part of Australia’s history, and at one moment in time was one of the biggest exports that Australia had. It’s properties and scent were likened to menthol, but had a calming effect and was used in medicinal treatments for respiratory issues, infections and diseases. Today, China produces the most Eucalyptus Oil but often the types produced are not ‘true’ due to the commercial processes used. Other distributors of the oil include South Africa, Australia, Chile and Brazil. In the 1940’s Eucalyptus Oil sales skyrocketed, and it was one of Australia’s successful periods in distributing the oil. Today, Eucalyptus Oil is still used in alternative medicine, beauty and home products due to its accessibility and beneficial properties.
So, why has Eucalyptus Oil survived through the ages?
Although it’s not the oldest essential oil on the market, Eucalyptus Oil has survived and become a staple for many because of the immediate effects one can feel when using it. For example, commercial chest rubs and cold and flu remedies that are for topical use will often contain Eucalyptus, as it helps to open your airways especially when you are congested. It can also be used on its own in a process called steaming, which is where you put a few drops into hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale.
Similar to mint oil, the menthol, fresh scent helps with uncomfortable breathing and chest pains when you’re sick, and overall the feeling that the oil exudes on the skin is cooling and medicinal, without feeling overpowering. In sports rubs and other pain relievers Eucalyptus Oil is also an ingredient, as it can help with inflammation as well as cooling the area that is irritated. Due to it being cemented into the commercial world of pharmaceuticals, it means that others see the benefit of purchasing the oil. Accessing Eucalyptus Oil is fairly easy, and in comparison to other essential oils on the market it is considered affordable, especially when you look at the benefits it gives you. If you are someone who prefers natural remedies, Eucalyptus Oil is one of the best oils to have in your collection, as there isn’t just anecdotal evidence to back up its benefits.
Extracting Eucalyptus Oil
Today, there are different variations of Eucalyptus oil, some purer than others depending on the distributor. The process of creating the oil is usually done through steam distillation, and is a popular method when extracting essential oils. The process uses steam to gently lift the oil from the eucalyptus leaves, where it can be skimmed off the condensed water in the distiller. There are other methods that are also used commercially which include using alcohol or ethanol based substances to extract the oil, but steam distillation is considered the least invasive as well as not having to use harsh chemicals or alcohol for extraction.
Can I make Eucalyptus Oil at home?
Yes you can! Depending on the climate, if you live in an area where eucalyptus trees grow (often wild) you will be able to access the leaves on a regular basis. In certain climates which are incredibly cold you may find it difficult to access eucalyptus. You could always buy the shrub/tree online and make the oil that way. First it’s important to wash the leaves with lukewarm water to get rid of pesticides and dirt. Then, use a carrier oil such as almond or coconut and put the leaves in the oil, and put on a low heat for at least 4-6 hours.
Later, when the oil has nearly cooled, strain the mixture and put into UV protected bottles. Although this will not produce absolute essential Eucalyptus Oil, it is still considered incredibly effective, as through using a carrier oil you have a massage oil or oil that you could use as a home made chest rub. Another process that can be used is through storing the leaves in alcohol for 1-2 weeks and then straining the mixture and leaving the remainder of the alcohol to evaporate. Although this is another effective way, it does take longer. So, if you’re impatient - the carrier oil method may work better for you.
Can I make Eucalyptus Oil at home?
Yes you can! Depending on the climate, if you live in an area where eucalyptus trees grow (often wild) you will be able to access the leaves on a regular basis. In certain climates which are incredibly cold you may find it difficult to access eucalyptus. You could always buy the shrub/tree online and make the oil that way. First it’s important to wash the leaves with lukewarm water to get rid of pesticides and dirt. Then, use a carrier oil such as almond or coconut and put the leaves in the oil, and put on a low heat for at least 4-6 hours.
Later, when the oil has nearly cooled, strain the mixture and put into UV protected bottles. Although this will not produce absolute essential Eucalyptus Oil, it is still considered incredibly effective, as through using a carrier oil you have a massage oil or oil that you could use as a home made chest rub. Another process that can be used is through storing the leaves in alcohol for 1-2 weeks and then straining the mixture and leaving the remainder of the alcohol to evaporate. Although this is another effective way, it does take longer. So, if you’re impatient - the carrier oil method may work better for you.
Bergamot Oil Varieties
Eucalyptus Oil Varieties
There are three main types of Eucalyptus Oil produced, but we can assume that there are more than three varieties that grow, especially in the wild. The three main types are Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Globulus and Eucalyptus Lemon.
Eucalyptus Radiata is made from the leaves of the Eucalyptus Radiata tree. With most Eucalyptus oils acting as a decongestant, this particular variety also works well for muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches. The respiratory benefits are still the same, but if you are looking for a multi-use Eucalyptus Oil, this one is brilliant. Eucalyptus Globulus comes from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree and is best used for respiratory issues that are caused by the common cold or a chest infection/cough. And finally, Eucalyptus Lemon comes from the Eucalyptus Citriodora Citronnellalifera tree. It is similar to Eucalyptus Radiata in the sense that it also helps with muscle pain and inflammation, but it also can help with some skin disorders due to its antibacterial properties.
So, how do I know which variety of Eucalyptus Oil is best for me?
It completely depends on what you are looking to achieve out of using Eucalyptus Oil, and it may be worth purchasing two different types if you find that you reach for it often in your collection. For example, if you are congested due to hay fever, or a common cold/cough, we would recommend investing in a variety that is a strong decongestant. However, if you find that Eucalyptus Oil soothes muscle pain for you best, you could also purchase a second variety which you know targets the issue better. With varieties of oils a lot of the time it boils down to personal preference and what works best for you! Finally, remember that Eucalyptus Oil blends beautifully with multiple essential oils, so you can always test out some blends to help you with a particular issue. For example, mint and eucalyptus together make a double-attack decongestant!
Eucalyptus Radiata is made from the leaves of the Eucalyptus Radiata tree. With most Eucalyptus oils acting as a decongestant, this particular variety also works well for muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches. The respiratory benefits are still the same, but if you are looking for a multi-use Eucalyptus Oil, this one is brilliant. Eucalyptus Globulus comes from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree and is best used for respiratory issues that are caused by the common cold or a chest infection/cough. And finally, Eucalyptus Lemon comes from the Eucalyptus Citriodora Citronnellalifera tree. It is similar to Eucalyptus Radiata in the sense that it also helps with muscle pain and inflammation, but it also can help with some skin disorders due to its antibacterial properties.
So, how do I know which variety of Eucalyptus Oil is best for me?
It completely depends on what you are looking to achieve out of using Eucalyptus Oil, and it may be worth purchasing two different types if you find that you reach for it often in your collection. For example, if you are congested due to hay fever, or a common cold/cough, we would recommend investing in a variety that is a strong decongestant. However, if you find that Eucalyptus Oil soothes muscle pain for you best, you could also purchase a second variety which you know targets the issue better. With varieties of oils a lot of the time it boils down to personal preference and what works best for you! Finally, remember that Eucalyptus Oil blends beautifully with multiple essential oils, so you can always test out some blends to help you with a particular issue. For example, mint and eucalyptus together make a double-attack decongestant!
Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has been used for hundreds of years, and today is a popular natural remedy for coughs, colds and muscle pain depending on the variety of oil you have. It has cemented itself into commercial pharmaceuticals, and is used in gels, lotions, pastes and sprays to mostly assist with respiratory issues when someone is sick. It is an accessible oil which originated in Australia, and has a soothing, cooling scent which also makes it a go-to in aromatherapy to instill a feeling of tranquility.
So, what are the benefits of Eucalyptus Oil?
Keeps bugs away
Eucalyptus Oil is a natural bug repellent, and can be used instead of chemical bug sprays that you use on your skin either when abroad, or in an area where there are mosquitos and other bugs
Freshens breath
Like Clove Oil, Eucalyptus Oil is a great antibacterial and can double down as a natural mouthwash when diluted in some water! Mix with Clove Oil and use regularly, and your bad breath will slowly get better.
Clears your chest, nose and throat from congestion
A natural decongestant, Eucalyptus Oil can be inhaled or made into an ointment that can be put under your nose, on your chest and on the bottoms of your feet to help with congestion caused by a cold or an allergy like hay fever.
Soothes aching muscles
The cooling sensation of Eucalyptus Oil can work well on its own or blended with other essential oils (and a carrier oil) to create a massage rub that can be applied topically to the desired area to alleviate aches and pains.
Alleviates headaches
Similar to decongesting your respiratory system, you can apply the oil to your forehead and massage in to provide a cooling sensation and reduce the pain that you get with a headache.
Please note that the benefits felt from Eucalyptus Oil will vary from person to person, and there is also a chance that a particular variety of the oil will work better for a particular issue, for example muscle pain and congestion; there are two different varieties of Eucalyptus Oil that target these issues best!
Uses of Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has been used for hundreds of years, originating in Australia. Aborigines used to apply eucalyptus leaves to wounds as well as treating infection, and the oil today is used in alternative medicine and is an excellent remedy for respiratory treatments in particular. Commercial businesses have used Eucalyptus Oil in cough and cold remedies, as well as in skincare, toothpastes and other beauty products.
So, what can I use Eucalyptus Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy Eucalyptus Oil is great to instill a feeling of calm and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also be blended with other essential oils to target a number of issues such as headaches, insomnia and depression.
Chest rub
Combining Eucalyptus Oil with a petroleum jelly or oil can create an excellent chest rub which can also be used on the bottoms of your feet. It can improve your respiratory system whilst you are suffering from a cold and soothe the uncomfortability that comes with being sick.
Steaming/vapour inhalation
Similar to a chest rub, using a steaming method with a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil can help relieve your respiratory system when you are feeling unwell. It can also be used on a daily basis as a method to open up your pores, and make you feel awake and alert for the day ahead.
Arthritic pain
When combined with a carrier oil or moisturiser, this solution can aid arthritic pain when massaged into the target area.
Muscle pain
Combined with a carrier oil or moisturiser, Eucalyptus Oil can work to target muscle pain and can be massaged into the skin.
Hair care products
Whether it’s creating your own hair mask, or applying a few drops topically to your scalp to keep dandruff at bay, Eucalyptus Oil can be combined into a number of carrier oils, ointments and lotions to create at home hair care products with guaranteed results.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we are passionate about sharing our knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil, or finding out blends that you can try at home - our website has all the information that you’ll need. In this blog we are going to be talking about Eucalyptus Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
An enriching carrier oil, Coconut Oil and Eucalyptus Oil blend well together to create DIY soaps, massage oils and moisturisers. We recommend that you use it as a moisturiser to only apply in the evenings, as Coconut Oil is thick and can often be too greasy for daily wear.
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Almond Oil
A light and sweet smelling oil, Almond Oil and Eucalyptus Oil work perfectly together. Similar to Coconut Oil, this blend can be used as a moisturiser, or a few drops into a bath to soothe the skin whilst also locking in moisture.
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Jojoba Oil
This is a great carrier oil to mix with Eucalyptus Oil if you struggle with breakouts and acne on your back and shoulders. The makeup of Jojoba Oil is similar to your own oils produced by your pores, therefore you are at less risk of breakouts and flare ups that other oils and moisturisers may incur.
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Lemongrass Oil
Fragrant, tangy and refreshing, Lemongrass Oil and Eucalyptus Oil work perfectly in a diffuser to refresh a room and also to make you feel clear headed and alert.
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Lavender Oil
Similar to cedarwood, Lavender Oil is one of the few essential oils on the market that practically complement every oil. To create a soothing floral blend with a refreshing undertone, blend Eucalyptus and Lavender together. It would also pair well if you wanted to make a DIY soap.
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Cedarwood Oil
Similar to Lavender, Cedarwood Oil also complements a number of essential oils on the market, and the woody, musky scent of cedarwood contrasts with the refreshing coolness of Eucalyptus Oil to create a beautiful massage oil that can alleviate muscle aches and pains, as cedarwood and eucalyptus both possess said properties.
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Peppermint Oil
Similar to eucalyptus, Peppermint Oil has a refreshing scent, which like Eucalyptus Oil is used in many beauty products as well as pharmaceuticals. To create the ultimate chest rub (which will be strong and minty!) combine with eucalyptus and a carrier oil and rub onto the desired area!
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