This or That: Types of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Did you know that there are several types of Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Let us help you figure out which Eucalyptus Essential Oil will be the best for you and your needs.
Eucalyptus essential oils are one of those oils that just about everyone is familiar with, simply because of their commonality and incredible effectiveness. However, it's important to note that there are actually several types of eucalyptus and eucalyptus oils. Even though each is similar in chemical makeup and benefits, there are some key differences between them that might cause you to choose one type of Eucalyptus over another, depending on your needs. From Eucalyptus radiata to eucalyptus citriodora and more, each eucalyptus oil brings about its own special scent and unique benefit specializations. Explore the different types of eucalyptus essential oils and find the best eucalyptus oil for your needs!
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Originating from the continental island of Australia, Eucalyptus is a popular essential oil that people have used for many generations. Today, there are several different types of Eucalyptus essential oil, each coming from their own type of Eucalyptus tree. While there are several hundred types of Eucalyptus trees, the most common Eucalyptus oils include Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Eucalyptus Citriodora.
At Rocky Mountain Oils, we are pleased to offer both Eucalyptus Radiata and Eucalyptus Citriodora, as well as our Organic Eucalyptus essential oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil is very strong, and it offers many benefits. Some of its most common uses include:
- Clearing congested airways or sinuses
- Purifying the air or surfaces around the home
- Freshening laundry
- Soothing sore, tight, or tired muscles
- Awakening your mind and senses
- Repelling insects and pests
Eucalyptus Radiata
While all Eucalyptus essential oils offer very similar benefits, each different type of Eucalyptus oil has a slightly different chemical makeup and can be better than others for certain needs. Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil is perhaps the most well-known type of Eucalyptus. It has many nicknames, including Gum Tree and Narrow-Leafed Peppermint. Many consider Eucalyptus Radiata to be the most versatile of the Eucalyptus oils. It has a fresh, clean aroma that is slightly gentler than other Eucalyptus aromas.
Eucalyptus Radiata is made up of 60-70% cineole, a terpene that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This particular Eucalyptus oil also contains alpha-pinene (another anti-inflammatory) and limonene. It also contains a variety of alcohols and aldehydes, which make it gentler on the skin than other kinds of Eucalyptus oil.
Generally speaking, you should pick Eucalyptus Radiata when you experience any sort of issues with breathing or congestion. We also suggest picking up Eucalyptus Radiata for the following situations:
- When applying topically on children or those who have more sensitive skin
- If you have a more sensitive nose to essential oil aromas
- When you experience respiratory conditions, such as a congested nose or chest, or cough
Organic Eucalyptus (Radiata)
At Rocky Mountain Oils, we make it a top priority to ensure that our essential oils are pure and free of any adulterants or contaminants. This means that we only work with farms that use natural, chemical- and pesticide-free farming methods. Our USDA certified organic essential oils come from farms that have registered with the USDA and adhere to their guidelines for organic farming. This does not mean that all non-USDA certified essential oils are of lesser quality. In fact, we ensure that every bottle of oil, whether it comes from a USDA-certified farm or not, is truly 100% pure and farmed with sustainable techniques.
Our Organic Eucalyptus essential oil is essentially the same as our Eucalyptus Radiata oil; the only difference is that it comes from a USDA-certified farm. When you use our Organic Eucalyptus oil, you can receive the same benefits as you would from our Eucalyptus Radiata oil. This is especially true when you use it to help clear your airways and enhance more regular breathing.
Eucalyptus Citriodora
This particular type of Eucalyptus oil is known for its slightly lemony scent, which gives it the nickname of Lemon-Scented Gum. Eucalyptus Citriodora has a mild citronella-lemon aroma, which is great for those who maybe don't care so much for the traditional Eucalyptus smell.
Eucalyptus Citriodora has a high concentration of citronellal (between 60-75%). Citronellal gives this particular Eucalyptus oil its lemony scent, and has great antimicrobial properties. It is also a great natural insect repellent, and can help to naturally improve your hair and skin health.
While Eucalyptus Citriodora is a little more expensive than Eucalyptus Radiata, we think it is a must-have oil for your collection. Each different type of Eucalyptus oil has its strengths, offering greater benefits for certain needs or conditions. Eucalyptus Citriodora is the best Eucalyptus oil for:
- Soothing sore and tired muscles
- Repelling insects and pests
- Avoiding or easing fungal conditions, such as Athlete's Foot
- Easing painful pimples or diminishing the appearance of blemishes
- Purifying the air and surfaces in your home
- Calming the mind and emotions
All Eucalyptus essential oils offer a variety of benefits to care for your daily needs. However, some may end up working better than others in different situations. Next time you reach for your Eucalyptus oil, remember the differences and think of why you want to use Eucalyptus. By choosing the right kind of Eucalyptus oil for your specific needs, you can experience greater benefits and greater overall health.