Eucalyptus, the herb of the Aborigines

            Eucalyptus, the blue gum tree, originated in Australia.  Today, it is also cultivated in India, California, North Africa, Egypt, and Spain, prized for its essential oil.  It is a member of the Myrtle family.  There are at least 50 species of eucalyptus trees, an interest to every Koala bear.  Only two species are used in aromatherapy, Eucalyptus globules and citriodora.  The first is known as blue gum, with round blue green leaves.  Citriodora is the Lemon eucalyptus, having pointed leaves with 85% citronellal, a bactericidal.  The latter is more cooling and antiseptic with a pleasant lemon scent.

            Australian Aborigines used eucalyptus to combat malaria and fevers.  The tree absorbs large amounts of water from the earth.  Natives combated malaria by growing trees near standing stagnant water.  When this was later repeated in other parts of the world, the eucalyptus eradicated the incidence of malaria.

            In the 1900’s the botanist, von Muller, introduced the essential oil to the Western world.  The Eucalyptus globulus, the oil glands are visible when held up to the light.  Steam distillation produced the essential oil.  Fifty pounds of leaves and branches yields one pound of essential oil.  The Citriodora produces a lemon yellow, clear oil with a delicious lemon-scent.

            Eucalyptus is one of the most well-known essential oils.  It certainly has one of the strongest odors and cancels many lighter scents when blended.  I like to combine eucalyptus and peppermint to see which one dominates the blend.  Both are great antispasmodic pain relievers and work well together.  However, I always think I smell like a locker room when I wear a blend with peppermint and eucalyptus.

            Eucalyptus is popular in topical treatments for arthritis and rheumatism.  When stiffness and lack of mobility is a symptom, this massage blend will work wonders.  I prefer Lemon eucalyptus in this blend because it moves and drives trapped energy and pain.

Oh, my aching back blend

            In 2 ounces of olive oil, or a carrier oil of choice, add the following essential oils.

                        10 drops of Lemon eucalyptus (citriodora)

                          2 drops of Pine

                          2 drops of Cedarwood

                          6 drops of Peppermint

                          1 drop of Clove

            Allow to cure 3 hours.  Apply warm to the back, knees and legs, massaging using small circular motions.  Follow with warm, moist heat, as desired.  Massage the feet with the blend as the recipient relaxes.  Repeat as desired.

            Store remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap away from direct heat and bright light.

            Eucalyptus is best known for its actions on the lungs, bronchial and throat.  It is a great remedy for coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma and upper respiratory infections.  As an inhalant, eucalyptus has been used to help tuberculosis patients.  I use it with chronic pulmonary disease patients.  The essential oil activates red blood cell function, carrying oxygen to every cell in the body.  Terpene is the natural occurring ingredient in eucalyptus that is very medicinal.  In synthetic and many commercial eucalyptus essential oils, terpene is removed.  The aroma is more fragrant, but less potent.  Check you source to make sure terpene is present.

            When treating the lungs or asthma, eucalyptus is best diluted into a carrier oil.  Asthmatics may prefer aloe vera gel because it will feel cool on the skin.  Aloe is also detoxifying, even through the skin.  Others will benefit with jojoba or sweet almond oil.  The following blend will aid most upper respiratory problems for adults and teenagers.  Eucalyptus will help children more in an aroma lamp or by diffusing it into a room.

Lungs, Asthma, Colds and Flu Blend

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, combine the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus

                          6 drops of Rosemary

                          1 drop of Tea Tree

                          3 drops of Sweet Basil, Ocimum basilicum

            Combine well or cure for 3 hours when possible.

            Massage the upper back using large, circular motions.  Gently massage the chest, using small circular motions, with several drops of blend.  Cover the upper torso with an old t-shirt or pajama top.  Repeat every 2 or 4 hours, as needed to reduce symptoms.

            Asthmatic attacks often occur when the blood sugar drops.  Make sure the recipient drinks and/or eats every 4 to 5 hours, except when sleeping.  Lifestyle habits should include a balanced dietary program.

            Store any leftover blend in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.

            Bronchitis may respond better to diffusion through an aroma lamp or room diffuser.  Eucalyptus may be used alone or in combination with pine, lavender, rosemary, Melissa, basil or lemon verbena.  Since eucalyptus overpowers lighter aromas, consider saving the lavender, Melissa and lemon verbena for other fragrant blends.  Eucalyptus alone is a powerful remedy for the lungs and bronchials.

            Sinusitis is another problem eucalyptus will help.  It opens the sinuses to ensure proper drainage.  If there are pockets of infections, eucalyptus’ antibiotic properties can usually cure them.  I have used blends with clients who refused sinus surgery and their bodies healed when the problem was chronic infection.  Dot the blend across the forehead and around the cheeks, avoiding the eyes.  Repeat 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms clear.

Sinusitis Blend

            In one ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus

                          1 drop of Sage

                          1 drop of Tea Tree

                          3 drops of Frankincense

                          1 drop of Ginger root

            Allow to cure 3 hours, if possible.  Apply to clean skin on the forehead and cheeks.  Repeat every 2 to 3 hours, as needed to drain the sinuses.  For a stubborn infection, it may require several days of treatment.   If fever occurs, seek medical help as well.

            Store remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Place in a cool area away from direct light.

            Eucalyptus is an excellent addition to a cough suppressant blend.  Combine it with Cypress for spasmodic cough and Myrrh to reduce mucus.  Infuse a room or make this blend.

Spasmodic Cough

            In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        6 drops of Eucalyptus

                        4 drops of Myrrh

                        3 drops of Cypress

                        2 drops of Anise seed (Star anise) (Illicium verum)

            Allow to cure 3 hours when possible.  Massage the upper back and chest near the sternum.

            This blend can be made into an inhalent by dropping the essential oil blend into 2 cups of steaming water.  The blend may also be added to an aroma lamp to infuse a room.

            Store leftover blend in a dark, glass bottle with a screw cap.  Keep in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

            Eucalyptus can be dabbed on insect bites and stings.  It effectively repels insects and kills lice.  As an antifungal, dilute it and apply on athlete’s feet.  Two drops of eucalyptus can be diluted in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil to treat the symptoms listed above.

            In a sitz bath, eucalyptus treats cystitis, leucorrhea discharges and genital itching.  Eight drops diluted in a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes daily will usually clear symptoms in a few days.  Eucalyptus is not recommended for children in a bath or sitz bath.

            A whiff of Eucalyptus, dropped on a hankie, can clear the mind of confusion and enhance clarity.  Interestingly, people nearby will either move closer or farther away from the aroma!