Help
All You Need to Know About Eucalyptus Essential Oils
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus radiata
Place of Origin: Australia
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Plant Part: Leaf
Aroma: Sweet, Fruity
Consistency: Thin
Eucalyptus radiata is considered the most
therapeutic of the varieties.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil possesses a crisp, woody-like aroma, and delivers a wealth of benefits. The incredibly versatile Eucalyptus oil helps calm and center the mind; it can also repel insects, clean and deodorize the home, and help inspire deep breathing. These properties are just a few of the many reasons why we added Eucalyptus to our Wellness collection.
So, let’s take a journey through history to discover the oil’s origins, how it’s produced, and why it’s a must-have for any essential oil collection.
Where Does Eucalyptus Essential Oil Come From?
Australia is home to roughly 700 types of Eucalyptus, and researchers and botanists continue to discover and catalog unknown species. While Eucalyptus trees originated in Australia, they can now be found in other parts of the world, too. These “exotic” plants from Down Under made their way to Europe in the early 1800s and have subsequently spread to Africa, South America, India, and California.
As a member of the Myrtaceae family, the evergreen Eucalyptus Radiata tree can reach 97 feet in height. The glossy leaves taper off to sharp point and possess a full-bodied, aromatic fragrance. In fact, Eucalyptus Radiata is commonly known as the narrow-leaved peppermint tree, due to the fact that the Eucalyptus leaves closely resemble the narrow-leaved peppermint plant.
What Are the Different Types of Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
While radiata is the most versatile out of the Eucalyptus oils, here is a little more information about the most common types of Eucalyptus Essentials Oils:
- Eucalyptus radiata: Commonly known as, narrow-leaved peppermint and Forth River peppermint, this type of Eucalyptus has a gentler aroma than the other types, making it ideal for those more who have a more sensitive sense of smell
- Eucalyptus citriodora: This type of Eucalyptus is commonly known as lemon-scented gum and Corymbia Citriodora. A lemon, citronella-like fragrance mellows the oil’s camphor notes, making it an excellent choice for skin care purposes.
How To Distill Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Steam distillation is the most common method to extract Eucalyptus oil from the plant. Steam distillation uses a carefully calibrated combination of soft pressure and heated steam on either fresh or partially dried leaves, and young twigs. Once the vapor cools, the water and oil separate, allowing the producer to bottle the essential oil.
The Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
When it comes to versatility, Eucalyptus Radiata is the perfect place to start. Let’s look at just a few of the benefits of the oil:
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Supporting Your Immune System
According to a 2010 study, Eucalyptus oils come with broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. The oil also offers powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-infectious properties. Diffuse Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and inhale the vapor to promote a healthy respiratory system and deeper breathing.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Aching Muscles and Joints
Uncomfortable aches and pains can just make you feel “off” sometimes. Whether you’re achy after a particularly grueling workout, or maybe your joints just aren’t what they used to be, Eucalyptus can help soothe muscles and aid in therapeutic massage.
The Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published the results from a clinical trial that investigated the effects of inhaling Eucalyptus Essential Oil after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who inhaled the essential oil for 30 minutes during rehabilitation reported less pain.
We suggest blending Eucalyptus Essential Oil with Ginger Essential Oil to optimize Eucalyptus’s soothing properties while also stimulating and warming the affected areas.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Tension Relief
The tension relieving and analgesic properties of Eucalyptus oil make it an ideal oil to keep on hand to ease discomfort from head tension. Breathe in the oil, or dilute and apply a small amount to the temples for relief. According to some research, the benefits of Eucalyptus oil appear to be even more pronounced when you combine it with Peppermint oil and a carrier oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Deeper Breathing
The sharp, cleansing aroma of Eucalyptus can help ease congestion and inspire deeper breathing. Try blending Eucalyptus Essential oil with Peppermint, Oregano, and Rosemary Essential Oils. Diffuse this blend to help bring relief when you are feeling under the weather.
Other Noted Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Eases discomfort related to ear aches when applied to the back of the ear.
- Repels rats and pests in and around the home.
- Can be used to assist in disinfecting the home.
- Diffuse Eucalyptus to help purify the air and prevent the growth of mold in the home.
Read More ↓
How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Mix with DIY soaps and room sprays for a deodorizing effect.
- Diffuse or add to blends to repel insects.
- Apply topically with a carrier oil, diffuse, or inhale the scent directly from the bottle to help promote deep breathing and soothe the mind.
Which Oils Blend Well with Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus possesses a welcoming and gentle fragrance. Its slightly woody, yet sweet and fruity notes give a softer scent than its counterparts. Eucalyptus combines well with several other essential oils, including:
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Recipes
Soothing Massage
- 5 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 1 drop of FCO
Mix all together. Massage into neck, shoulders, and along the back.
Head Tension Balm
- 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 1 ounce of Virgin Coconut Oil
- 1 ounce of Shea Butter
In a clean, glass container, mix creams together and blend in the essential oils. Massage a small amount into the temples and back of the neck as needed. Close container lid tightly when not in use.
Read More ↓
Using Eucalyptus Essential Oil Safely
Do not use Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil on children under 10 years old (consider Eucalyptus Citriodora or Myrtle as a safer alternative for children 2 years +). Refrain from using while pregnant or breastfeeding. Always apply Eucalyptus with a carrier oil for topical application. Click here for dilution rates.