This is a versatile and relatively cheap oil. It originated from Australia. There are hundreds of different species of eucalyptus but the ones most frequently used in aromatherapy are Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum eucalyptus), eucalyptus dives (broad-leaved peppermint eucalyptus), eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus polybractea and eucalyptus citriodora (lemon-scented eucalyptus).
The smell is strong and medicinal. But it is reasonable effective against many micro organisms.Eucalyptus oil effectively inhibited the spread of many micro organisms tested
Composition and properties.
According the the book Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, eucalyptus radiata contains mainly terpene alcohols and is expectorant and antiviral. Eucalyptus dives is mucolytic. It also contains ketones, which are toxic and must be avoided in pregnancy. Eucalyptus globulus is expectorant. It also should not be used on small children. Eucalyptus polybractea is expectorant.
To be safe, avoid eucalyptus oil during pregnancy.
Uses
Eucalyptus is generally used to fend off infectious illnesses, like flu, measles and so forth. It is supposed to help bring down fever. It is often applied on the chest and back to relieve a bad cold. It should be diluted with vegetable oil before applying on the skin. Add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or Soya oil to apply on the back, chest and under the nose if you have a cold. To keep the virus from spreading, diffuse eucalyptus essential oil in the air.
Also you could try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapours released. It would probably help you recover more quickly from flu. A note about this is that you should not use eucalyptus oil for more than 5 days as a row as it is potentially toxic. You should never ingest it as very small amounts can be fatal if taken internally.
It is also an effective insect repellent. leave a few drops of eucalyptus oil where you want to deter insects. Alternatively, you could mix 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil or Soya oil and use that as an insect repellent.
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