Latin (Botanical) Name: Eucalyptus Globulus
Plant Family: Myrtaceae
Common Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Typically Used Plant Part: Leaf
Color: Clear
Aromatic Characteristic: Fresh, medicinal, menthol, woody aroma
The Eucalyptus Tree is often associated with koala bears, as their main food source is Eucalyptus leaves. While the majority of the 700 species of eucalyptus grow as trees, some grow as shrubs.
Eucalyptus essential oil has been widely used for centuries as a traditional and natural remedy. Australian Aboriginal people called eucalyptus leaves “kino”. They used the oil from its leaves to heal wounds, treat body aches, colds, sinus congestion, and fevers. They also called the tree "Fire Tree" among the people.
Although Australia is the origin and leading source of eucalyptus oil, the production of the Eucalyptus tree and essential oil has spread to other parts of the world, including Brazil, Europe, Greece, China and India. It has been used in Chinese, Greek, European and Ayurvedic medicine for its disinfectant and expectorant properties. Of the 700 Eucalyptus species in the world, about 500 produce an essential oil, and global Eucalyptus Oil production is primarily made from the Eucalyptus globulus species, more commonly known as "Blue Gum".
In the 1880s, surgeons began using Eucalyptus Oil in operations because of its antiseptic properties.
Today, eucalyptus oil is used in many different products such as lotions, creams and dental products, thanks to the benefits it contains (especially thanks to 1.8 Cineole, which also gives its unique eucalyptus aroma).
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
With its 1.8 Cineole content, it helps to clear the respiratory tract and breathe easier, relieving cough symptoms caused by cold or flu and relieving flu and bronchitis symptoms [1] [2] [3]. Inhaling steam with eucalyptus oil or using a scrub containing eucalyptus oil can loosen mucus so that it can be expelled when you cough.
Thanks to the 1.8 Cineole component in its content, it helps to reduce the pain and aches, especially in the muscles and joints, caused by aging [1] [3] [4].
It is an ideal purifying and cleansing vegetable oil for use on the skin. Its antiseptic characteristic makes it a popular choice for use on wounds, cuts, burns, bites, stings and wounds. In addition to helping soothing irritated skin, it supports relieving pain, protecting any open wounds from infection, and healing [3].
Eucalyptus oil shows antimicrobial and antibacterial characteristics thanks to its main component 1.8 Cineole. With its antibacterial characteristic, it helps fight germs that cause bad breath [4]. Thanks to the alpha-Pinene component it contains, it helps to reduce acne [5]. Also, it helps reduce harmful surface and airborne bacteria.
It is known by research that the refreshing scent of eucalyptus essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy, helps accelerate the circulation to the brain, helps relieving mental fatigue, thus helps saving the mind from laziness and invigorate the spirit. Eucalyptus oil is ideal for a soothing and relaxing massage experience, thanks to its main chemical components eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol [6].
When used cosmetically to nourish hair, eucalyptus essential oil helps moisturize an itchy scalp. It also helps to destroy head lice [7].
Eucalyptus oil helps reduce some fungi, thanks to its high content of 1.8 cineole [8].
Eucalyptus oil can also be used in the kitchen as a cleaning product that will effectively remove grease and grime.
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] U. R Juergens (2014). Anti-inflammatory Properties of the Monoterpene 1.8-cineole: Current Evidence for Co-medication in Inflammatory Airway Diseases. May 2014Drug Research 64(12)
[2] Lin Wang (2017). Protective Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Against Pulmonary Destruction and Inflammation in COPD Rats. January 2017, Journal of Diseases and Medicinal Plants 3(1):17
[3] A. E. Sadlon, D. W. Lamson (2010). Immune-Modifying and Antimicrobial Effects of Eucalyptus Oil and Simple Inhalation Devices. March 2010, Alternative Medicine Review: a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic 15(1):33-47.
[4] S. K. Brown, W. S. Garver, R. Orlando (2017). 1,8-cineole: An Underappreciated Anti-inflammatory Therapeutic. January 2017, Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics 06(01).
[5] S. Athikomkulchai, R. Watthanachaiyingcharoen (2008). The development of anti-acne products from Eucalyptus globulus and Psidium Guajava oil. J Health Res., 2008, 22(3): 109-113.
[6] Ka Young Kim, Hyo Jin Seo, Sun Seek Min, Mira Park, Geun Hee Seol (2014). The Effect of 1,8-Cineole Inhalation on Preoperative Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2014, Article ID 820126, 7 pages, 2014.
[7] M.B. Ghavami, S. Ahmadi (2017). Effectiveness of eucalyptus and cinnamon essential oils compared to permethrin in treatment of head lice infestation. July 2017Journal of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services 25(112):86-98
[8] C. Morcia, M. Malnati, V. Terzi (2012). In vitro antifungal activity of terpinen-4-ol, eugenol, carvone, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) and thymol against mycotoxigenic plant pathogens. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2012;29(3):415-22.