Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globus
Family Name: Myrtaceae
Odour and Taste: Aromatic and camphoric, pungent , minty
Part used: leaf
Specific Gravity: 0.870 to 0.912 at 250C
Optical Rotation: +8.00° to +16.00° at 250C
Refractive Index: 1.457 to 1.467

Blends Well With: Alcohol, ether and mint.

Uses: This oil is used to strengthen the immune system, medicine congestion relief. This oil is vitally used in many insect repellents.

Countries where it is Found

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaf of Eucalyptus. About seventy five percent of world trade is done through China but it's not real Eucalyptus oil. It is actually a derivation of camphor oil. South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Chile and Swaziland etc. are other countries which produce real Eucalyptus oil.

Harvesting information

Based on climatic conditions, Australia provides almost all the conditions to grow Eucalyptus. Still it is cultivated in many parts of the world.

History of the Plant

It is evident from history that it was a popular oil worldwide. Ancient generations used it in pharmaceutical, flavouring components, repellents and antiseptics.

The first traces of export of this oil were found in 1852 from Australia, it is said that it was exported to many countries. For 50 years it reigned in the market but after that Australia's share decreased suddenly but now again export prospects are becoming bright and Australia is trying to regain the crown position by improvement in technology. It is assumed that it was introduced either in 1894 or 1895 in Ethiopia by Menelik II`s or English captain O "Brain.

Extraction Process

Eucalyptus leaf is distilled to get the essential oil from the leaf. For this, three methodologies are used:
Some Eucalyptus trees are grown for their timber purpose. When they are felled their leaves depart from them which are recovered to extract oil from the leaves.

Some trees which are grown only for extracting oil from the leaves, for them coppicing system is used. These plants then are grown for not more than twenty months and later are cut.

According to the last method, which is used merely in Australia and is called harvesting of natural stand, forage harvester is used to extract oil from blue and green species as they coppice easily even after cutting repeatedly, ensuring that there is no loss of vigour with passage of time.

Commonly known Benefits

1.    If someone is suffering from bronchitis, influenza, cough and cold, then he is knowingly and unknowingly taking the oil as it is an important component in pharmaceutical to relieve the symptoms of both.
2.    Ointments and inhalants are also made by use of eucalyptus oil, as it can be used as antibacterial.
3.    It strengthens our immune system too.
4.    It is most popularly used in hygiene products like dental care, soaps etc.
5.    It also disinfects injured parts, so can be used for wound or injury.
6.    Most insect repellents are incomplete without it.
7.    It is used in so many baked goods, confectionery items, and meat items for flavouring them, but it is used only 0.02%, excessive use can spoil the taste.

More information on Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is readily distilled from leaves and can be employed as cleansing, deodorizing and, in very minor amounts, in food supplements; particularly confectioneries, cough drops and decongestants. The leaves are tough in texture, hang obliquely or vertically, and are dotted with glands comprising fragrant oil. The blooms in bud are covered up with a cup-like membrane (whence the name of the genus, derivative from the Greek eucalyptus well-covered), which comprises thrown off because a lid when the flower expands. The fruit is surrounded by a woodsy, cupular receptacle and holds a lot of little seeds. The essential oil of Eucalyptus is applied in medicinal drug. The most authoritative component is Eucalyptol, present in Eucalyptus Globulus up to 70% of its volume. It comprises mainly of a terpene and a cymene.

The meditative Eucalyptus Oil is likely the most cogent antiseptic of its category, particularly while it is old, as ozone is made in it on exposure to air. Eucalyptus Oil is applied as a stimulant drug and bactericidal mouthwash. Locally employed, it vitiates sensitivity. Its additions cardiac medicine, it has antiseptic attributes confer a few anti-malarial drug actions, although it cannot acquire the place of chinchona. In croup and spasmodic throat problems, the oil possibly freely applied externally. The oil comprises a component of 'catheder oil,' employed for sterilizing and lubing urethral catheters. In heavy doses, it plays an irritant to the kidneys, by which they are mostly excreted, and because a marked anxious sedative drug in the final analysis arresting respiration of its action about the medullar center.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) - refreshing, energizing and powerful Eucalyptus has a lasting aroma with fluid consistence and one of the most well-known smells of all the essential oils, along with lilac, rose and peppermint. Almost every person can well acknowledge any of these fragrances.

Eucalyptus is an efficient respiratory care and has a powerful determine on eupnoeic and is helpful for revitalizing lung issue and routine.

Eucalyptus arouses oxygen consumption in our cell tissues and improves circulation. Expanded oxygenation in the lungs brings up the cleansing and reanimate of RBCs.

For treating bronchial afflicts usage Eucalyptus because a breathing in or circularize in the air. Might too use in a dilution by light coconut oil or jojoba and apply generously to the chest and top back.