Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globus

Family Name: Myrtaceae

Odor and Taste: Aromatic and camphoric, pungent , minty

Part used: leaf​

Blends Well With: Alcohol, ether and mint.

The name "eucalyptus" originated from the Greek word ‘eu’ meaning “well” and ‘kalyptos’ which means “cover”. This was originally derived from the “well-covered” bud caps that bloom and eventually fall off the tree when they mature. Native to Australia, eucalyptus trees comprise around 90% of the country's forests.

There are over 700 species of eucalyptus. It’s best-known species, Eucalyptus globulus, is often referred to as blue gum, fever tree, or gum tree. It is the tallest of the species and can grow to up to 60 feet high.

Eucalyptus essential oil, meanwhile, is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. They are dried, crushed and then distilled to extract the camphorous and potent essential oil.

1.  For Maintaining Skin Health

Eucalyptus oil acts  a great cleansing and purifying agent. If you mix this oil  with bath salts and not only will your skin feel much fresher, the oil will also help clean away all the day’s dirt while fighting existing skin infections. Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it also makes a great all-natural treatment for wounds, insect bites, acne, and other minor skin problems.

2. Hair Care

The oil is known  to help promote a healthy scalp. The active ingredients found in the oil stimulate the blood vessels in the scalp, causing it to increase the blood flow to the hair follicles. This, in turn, encourages healthy hair development. As a natural insect repellent, eucalyptus essential oil is also popular as treatment for head lice.

So, if you are suffering from an irritated scalp, hair loss, and even head lice, try massaging eucalyptus essential oil diluted in coconut oil onto your hair and scalp. Not only does this help strengthen and moisturize your hair, it also aids in keeping your scalp healthy.

3. As Antiseptic

In a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), eucalyptus oil and its major chemical component, 1,8-cineole, is said to have antimicrobial effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as different strains of viruses and fungi. In a different study, the oil is recognized to have aerial antimicrobial effects.

Consequently, the oil can be used as an ingredient in a non-toxic, all-natural disinfecting spray. It can help remove bacteria, viruses, and molds in affected areas. With its insect-repelling and deodorizing property, you’re not only keeping your space germ-free, you’re saying goodbye to insects and musty smells as well! That’s hitting three birds with one stone!

 4. Muscle Pain and Relief

Eucalyptus oil is perfect for providing your muscles with the relief they need. Tired from a long day at work or sore from surfing? Eucalyptus essential oil makes an amazing massage oil. It’s not only a great muscle pain reliever, its refreshing and distinct aroma can also help improve mental clarity and mood.  All you need to do is mix the oil with a carrier oil and massage the mixture onto your body. If that’s not enough relaxing for you, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into your bath along with some whole milk.

5. Treatment for Respiratory Ailments

Eucalyptus essential oil is most popular for its ability to treat a wide range of respiratory diseases, such as cough, colds, asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. It’s been historically used to cure the aforementioned respiratory problems. In the Indian Pharmacopoeia, eucalyptus is listed as an expectorant.

Eucalyptus cough drops also help promote the production of saliva. This aids in swallowing and, consequently, makes coughing less severe. As mentioned, the oil has significant bronchodilating effects. This means that when its scent is inhaled, it opens the sinuses and breathing passages, thereby helping foster easier and deeper breathing.

Furthermore, eucalyptus essential oil’s antimicrobial effects also make it a great remedy for respiratory infections. In fact, it has been known to aid in the treatment of tuberculosis by alleviating its symptoms and by helping fight off the infection, thereby reducing inflammation and clearing the lungs.