Eucalyptus – Essential Oil
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, and others)
Eucalyptus leaves are a big favourite with koalas, and the herb was traditionally used by the Indigenous Australians in the treatment of fevers. Originally grown in Australia and Tasmania, it now grows all over the world.
Uses include:
Flu / colds
High blood pressure
Catarrh
Chest infections
Sore throats
Lethargy
Rheumatism and arthritis
Cautions
Do not use on babies under the age of 12 months.
Do not use if taking homeopathic remedies – as it may have the potential to antidote them and stop them working.
Flu and colds
Anti-viral properties make it an effective oil to use when you have flu. The oil causes you to sweat, because it stimulates the blood flow to the skin.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops of pure essential oil to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Inhalation: Boil 1 litre of water and pour into a bowl, add up to 10 drops of pure essential oil, place a towel over your head, and allow steam to rise and inhale. Use once a week.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Footbath: Put 3 drops of oil in bowl of warm / hot water and soak feet for up to 15 minutes.
High blood pressure
Eucalyptus oil has a calming effect as it works on slowing down the breathing.
Directions for use
Inhalation: Boil 1 litre of water and pour into a bowl, add up to 10 drops of pure essential oil, place a towel over your head, and allow steam to rise and inhale. Use once a week.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Catarrh
Eucalyptus oil has a clean aroma and acts as a decongestant.
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops to a bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Inhalation: Boil 1 litre of water and pour into a bowl, add up to 10 drops of pure essential oil, place a towel over your head, and allow steam to rise onto face. Do not do if the skin is very sore as the steam may ‘burn’ already painful skin. Use once a week.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Massage: Mix 20ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Chest Infection
Directions for use
Bath: Add up to 5 drops to bath of water, and lie back and relax.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Inhalation: Boil 1 litre of water and pour into a bowl, add up to 10 drops of pure essential oil, place a towel over your head, and allow steam to rise onto face. Do not do if the skin is very sore as the steam may ‘burn’ already painful skin. Use once a week.
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Massage: Mix 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) to 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Oil burners: Sprinkle up to 5 drops of pure essential oil onto water and light the burner.
Further Information
Where grown: Although it is originally from Australia and Tasmania, this tree has found its way all round the world and is now cultivated in China, California, Brazil, Spain, and India to name but a few. In areas where there are high levels of malaria, the eucalyptus tree offers some protection as it helps to deter insects, and it is often planted in these areas with that end in mind. It is also a very ‘thirsty’ tree – so it helps dry out unwanted boggy areas.