The genus Eucalyptus makes up nearly ¾ of Australia's total number of
plant species. The medicinal properties of the oil were most likely first
discovered by the Aborigines, the native inhabitants of Australia. The genus
name is derived from the Greek eu, meaning 'well' and kalyptos, meaning
'cover'. Eucalyptus refers to the well-covered flower buds which are cone
shaped and have a lid-like structure that opens as the flowers mature.
Aromatherapists and over-the-counter pharmaceutical manufacturers might take
the name to mean that Eucalyptus covers well a variety of common conditions.
Description of Eucalyptus essential
oil:
A lofty tree about 90 meter in height with a clean straight bole and smooth
bark, peeling off in long strips, rather thick and carved, large flowers,
fruit a hardened capsule, seeds very small. The essential oil is obtained
from the leaves and the branches of the eucalyptus tree. The oil is a fine
decongestant and has strong germicidal and antibacterial effects.
Appearance: Thin
Aroma : : Fresh, balsamic, camphor-like, pungent, dry
ColorPale yellow-green or colorless
Chemical constituents: Eucalyptus oil has various chemical
compounds that include Cineol, pinene, limonene, cymene, phellandrene,
terpinene, aromadendrene.
Extraction: A steam distillation process is used to
extract the oil from the tree parts.
Aromatherapy uses:
Aromatherapists use the oil for energizing and clarifying aroma. Lots of
the hundreds of colds and flu preparations available - cough drops, throat
lozenges and chest rubs - contain eucalyptus oil and its derivatives. It
provides quite natural treatment for respiratory ailments, bronchitis,
feverish conditions, the flu and skin problems such as burns, ulcers and
wounds. It makes a wonderful balsamic blend for massaging back and chest to
fight bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. Aromatherapy applications
rely on the activating, vitalizing and energizing actions the aroma of
eucalyptus inspires. An activating eucalyptus massage oil is effective for
sore and aching muscles.
Pharmaceutical uses:
The leaves and oil are especially used for respiratory ailments such as
bronchitis, feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid, cholera etc) and skin
problems like burns, ulcers and wounds. For wounds and abscesses, the strong
germicidal effects of the eucalyptus oil can help heal wounds, burns ulcers
and insect bites or stings. It will help loosen phlegm and improve lung
functions. Eucalyptus oil is also great for the use in a sickbed
environment. The primary active constituent in the eucalyptus species is
cineol, which has wide array of medicinal uses. Cineol's medicinal,
camphoraceous aroma has antiseptic and expectorant properties. The brisk
aroma is energizing.
Cosmetics and toiletries:
Eucalyptus essential oil is highly antiseptic but also very inexpensive, so
it's used specifically in aftershaves, colognes, mouthwashes, and household
cleansers. The essential oil of eucalyptus, with its main component
eucalyptol, is used in many drugstore products as a liniment for sore
muscles, in vapor rubs for lung and sinus congestion, in skin blemishes /
oily complexion lotions and creams and in shampoos for oily hair. Many
people use either eucalyptus leaves or the essential oil in steam baths and
saunas by placing a few drops on the hot rocks so that the scent fills the
room. Eucalyptus oil helps to clear minor, non-cystic acne problems or skin
blemishes by reducing the oiliness of the skin. Eucalyptus is also an
essential component of sauna products. Eucalyptus is a stimulating and
refreshing oil that may help restore emotional balance and promote
concentration.
Industrial applications:
Cypress oil mostly used in flavor industry in making following flavoured
food items:Species of eucalyptus oils that are used in industry contain
constituents used in flotation, a process used mainly in the mining industry
to separate ore particles from unwanted minerals. The process of separation
of crude sulphur ores from the gangue particles is known as
Froth
Floatation Process. Sulphur ores are immeresed in eucalyptus oil,
and high jet of strong air is blown inside with compressor so that a froth
is created inside the tank and lighter ore particles floats at the surface
and are removed , while heavier gangue particles are left behind.
Perfumery:
The eucalyptus oil which is most often used in perfumery is eucalyptus
citriodora, the lemon-scented eucalyptus. Lemon eucalyptus contains up to
90% citronellal along with geraniol. Both of these constituents are primary
fragrancing compounds in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Such a high
percentage of citronellal in one botanical source makes its extraction very
cost-effective. It is an important fragrance ingredient in the blending of
essential oils.
It is used in making deodrants for men due to its balsamic odour.
