If you’ve been fighting the sniffles and sneezes making the rounds in your office or home, then you might be surprised to know that Eucalyptus essential oil does more than ease congestion and soothe coughs during cold and flu season. An Australasian plant with a long history of therapeutic use, today we’re looking at how Eucalyptus purifies our environments.
THE HISTORY: Boasting more than 700 different species in the genus, Eucalyptus is a ubiquitous sight for those familiar with the landscape of Australia and some surrounding islands. The most common variety used worldwide for natural health and beauty is Eucalyptus Globulus, also known as Tasmanian Blue Gum tree. It also traditionally has a myriad number of uses, from cleaning and disinfecting, as an insecticide for plants and bug repellent for people, to applications in traditional medical systems as an antiseptic, decongestant, and expectorant.
THE CONTENT: The main component that makes up to 90% of this essential oil is a compound called eucalyptol. Also found in tea tree, sage and rosemary, this compound has been shown in research to be anti-inflammatory and pain reducing.* It has also been shown to slow the production of mucus and help some symptoms of asthma.** In 2004, a study showed eucalyptol to be helpful for rhinosinusitis. *** For cold and flu sufferers, and those with chronic respiratory complaints, this essential oil is packed with health enhancing properties, and there are many different ways to get the benefits from eucalyptus. Just remember to seek out one that is organically certified, like our Primavera Eucalyptus 85% certified organic essential oil.
THE BENEFITS: Every home should have a natural first aid kit with a bottle of certified organic eucalyptus essential oil in it. Below are some simple ways to used Eucalyptus to enhance your wellbeing and health.
- A must for cold and flu season, it can be used in an oil burner to sanitize the air in your home. 2-8 drops in the bowl of your diffuser with release a soothing fragrance and natural antibacterial action into the air.
- When vaporized in steaming water it makes a wonderful decongestant for stuffy noses. Just keep your face at least 12in above the bowl of water, and form a tent with a large towel to trap the steam.
- A drop or two mixed with a handful of jojoba oil or sweet almond oil makes a soothing congestion rub which can be applied to the chest and back to help soothe coughing produced by deep congestion in the chest.
- If you’ve overdone yourself at the gym, it can also be applied when mixed in a carrier oil to aching joints and muscles, as it may stimulate circulation and ease minor aches and pains.
- Traditionally a brilliant natural disinfectant for minor cuts and grazes, one drop on a plaster will help keep bacteria away from those small day-to-day bumps and scrapes.
THE PRODUCT: If you’d like to put Eucalyptus essential oil to hard work in your home or office this coming season, you can also find it in our Primavera Cold Therapy Blend. A mixture of 2 different Eucalyptus varieties, Lavender, Thyme & Myrtle, this blend is thought to keep cold and flu bugs at bay, and may help reduce the symptoms of some respiratory illnesses. For those who love to mix their own blends, we have Primavera Eucalyptus 85% certified organic essential oil , which is perfect for crafting your own protective home aromatherapy blend.
You can also find Eucalyptus oil in…
- Weleda Sage Deodorant – In this gentle but powerful spray deodorant, eucalyptus helps control odour and offers a hint of pleasant, spicy scent to the anti-bactieral blend.
- Rahua Voluminous Shampoo – This shampoo designed for bounce and body, features eucalyptus and lavender as an aromatherpeutic fragrance to soothe and calm the mind while boosting the locks.
- Ambre Botanicals Herbal Garden Body Scrub – A great scrub for sensitive skin, this formula uses eucalyptus as part of its refreshing garden inspired scent, along with clary sage and basil.
Keep an eye on THE LAB for more ingredient spotlights on how to enhance the health and wellbeing of your body and your home environment featuring certified organic essential oils!
Please note: Eucalyptus oil is not advised to be taken internally unless at the direction and guidance of a medical professional. These are strongly concentrated plant actives! Keep Away From Pets and Children!***
References:
* Santos, F. A.; Rao, V. S. (2000). “Antiinflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of 1,8-Cineole, a Terpenoid Oxide Present in many Plant Essential Oils”. Phytotherapy Research 14 (4): 240–244. doi:10.1002/1099-1573(200006)14:4<240::AID-PTR573>3.0.CO;2-X. PMID 10861965.
** Juergens, U. R.; Dethlefsen, U.; Steinkamp, G.; Gillissen, A.; Repges, R.; Vetter, H. (March 2003). “Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 1.8-Cineol (Eucalyptol) in Bronchial Asthma: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial” (pdf). Respiratory Medicine 97 (3): 250–256. doi:10.1053/rmed.2003.1432. PMID 12645832.
*** Kehrl, W.; Sonnemann, U.; Dethlefsen, U. (2004). “Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis with Cineole: Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial”. The Laryngoscope 114 (4): 738–742. doi:10.1097/00005537-200404000-00027. PMID 15064633.
