Eucalyptus oil

The eucalyptus tree is highly adaptable to a variety of conditions. This property is due to the tree’s genetic makeup, which makes it easier and faster to produce wood, resulting in faster growth. Some call eucalyptus a gum tree, but this is actually incorrect, since the secretion of the bark is a tannin-like substance called “kino”.

Kino is a red, aromatic, sticky substance secreted from the bark. It is a tonic with an astringent effect. Aborigines used it for diarrhea and, topically, for sore throats, fevers, wounds and ulcers – astringent tannins stop bleeding.

The Eucalyptus tree also produces manna. Manna is produced when insects damage the bark and leaves, resulting in a sweet edible substance called red gum or manna. This substance contains a lot of sugars (arabinose, raffinose, dextrose and sucrose), has a pleasant sweet taste and has a mild laxative effect. The Aborigines collected it or scraped it from the leaves (leaves heavily coated with manna were crushed) and baked.

Eucalyptus Globulus is the most common of the 800 species of eucalyptus. This plant has the ability to fight the anopheles mosquito, which causes malaria, which gave it the nickname “Fever Tree”. Its larvicidal properties suggest that eucalyptus essential oil is a potential source of valuable larvicidal compounds against malaria vectors and an ideal alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Origin and characteristics of eucalyptus

The name Eucalyptus refers to the cap of the flowers that covers the stamens – from the Greek “eu”, meaning “good”, and “calyptos”, meaning “covered”.

Under favourable conditions, the fast-growing eucalyptus tree can reach a height of over 110 metres.

This tree is native to Australia, where about three-quarters of the vegetation is made up of eucalyptus trees or shrubs. They grow throughout Australia, except in the driest areas, where they are replaced by acacias. After the eucalyptus was introduced to Europe as an ornamental tree, it acquired some characteristics that it did not have in its native soil – for example, it was found that the tree secretes certain chemicals that poison the surrounding soil, preventing other plants from growing nearby.

The appearance of the trunk and bark comes in many forms and shapes – from flaky to smooth, ribbed or split, and some have beautiful colors, from white and gray to pink in some varieties. Its many beautiful flowers contain a lot of nectar, the fruit is a small capsule. The shape and color of the leaves change as they grow. Young leaves are bluish and rounded, without a stem, grow opposite each other and point upwards. With age, they become leathery, elongated-sickle-shaped, the color changes to green. To minimize the loss of oil or water due to evaporation, mature leaves begin to wilt, protecting themselves from sunlight. Although the high content of essential oils makes eucalyptus vulnerable to forest fires, special adaptations in the bark and trunk provide protection.

The eucalyptus industry claims that the better the wood, the less oil – on the other hand, the wood of a tree that produces a lot of good oil does not matter much. There are from 10 to 20 species of the latter.

Eucalyptus Oil and Its Benefits

Currently, eucalyptus trees are grown and used for their medicinal properties all over the world. The high content of cineole causes the sharper smell of Eucalyptus Globulus compared to other species of eucalyptus. The oil from this tree species is the most well-known ingredient in many products, including toothpaste, cough syrup and chewing gum.

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the dried and crushed leaves and twigs of the tree. This oil is light yellow in color, and volatile aldehydes can irritate mucous membranes. It is a disinfectant and very effective against mycoses, inflammations, colds, rough dry skin of the hands. Eucalyptus essential oil is suitable for external use only.

Relieves cold and flu symptoms

Eucalyptus oil has long been used to relieve coughs, it is one of the active ingredients in some over-the-counter cough syrups and popular chest and throat rubs that relieve cold or flu symptoms. Eucalyptus oil can relieve coughs and also clear chest mucus through inhalation of its vapors. Rubbing with eucalyptus oil will have the same effect. This method can also help reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Disinfects wounds

Following the experience of Australian aborigines, who used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infections, eucalyptus oil is diluted and applied topically to the skin. This essential oil fights inflammation and promotes skin healing. It is suitable for treating superficial cuts, minor burns and other injuries.

Treats herpes

The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus can relieve the symptoms of herpes. Applying eucalyptus oil to areas affected by herpes reduces pain and speeds up the healing process.

Pain Reliever

Research shows that eucalyptus oil can help relieve joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the-counter creams and ointments intended to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus oil can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with many conditions. It can also be helpful for back pain or when recovering from joint or muscle injuries.

Breath Freshener

Eucalyptus oil’s antibacterial properties mean it can be used to fight the germs that cause bad breath. Common mouthwashes and toothpastes already contain this oil as an active ingredient. Use this oil diluted as a mouthwash or toothpaste to help prevent plaque buildup and protect gums from bacterial infections.

Eucalyptus Oil and Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus essential oil is a cleansing and immune-boosting oil that is ideal for use in aromatherapy, as well as as a surface cleaner and fabric freshener.

The cooling aroma of eucalyptus oil relieves mental fatigue by improving circulation to the brain, stimulating and refreshing the mind. Diffusing eucalyptus vapor in the bedroom at night can clear nasal passages for sinus congestion and kill harmful bacteria in the air.