Eucalyptus Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus essential oil is arguably one of the most important botanicals ever discovered. Botanists tell us that over 800 species make up the genus Eucalyptus and those species range in size from small shrubs to large trees. If that's not confusing enough, there are also nearly 20 species commercially used in the production of essential oil. Essential oils distilled from the bark, leaves and roots of various eucalyptus plants vary greatly in chemical makeup, color and scent. The good news is that most eucalyptus oil marketed today is distilled from the leaves of E. globulus and this is the species most often referred to simply as "eucalyptus". It's the most readily available in the U.S. and is the species most often discussed in popular aromatherapy texts. Characteristics of Eucalyptus OilEucalyptus made from E. globulus can range from pale yellow to nearly colorless. It should have a definite "eucalyptus" scent. Eucalyptus can feel very cool and wet in the nose and have a marked "medicinal" aspect to its scent.Psychological AromatherapyEucalyptus is rarely used in psychological aromatherapy, mostly because of its off-putting, medicinal scent. At least one popular aromatherapist uses it to "dispel melancholy" but, usually, eucalyptus is regarded as a "medicinal" oil.Traditional Uses for Eucalyptus OilThe practice of distilling eucalyptus essential oil dates back only to 1853 or 1854 but the use of other eucalyptus preparations almost certainly goes back much further.Author Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following actions to eucalyptus oil:
Scientific Studies on Eucalyptus OilGiven the attention that "natural" medicine gives eucalyptus, it's not surprising that dozens of scientific studies have focused on the potential health benefits of this oil.Anti-Microbial Activities Eucalyptus is one of the best-known anti-microbial essential oils and a 2007 study published in the journal Current Microbiology found that an essential oil made from E. globulus demonstrated anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity against more than 100 strains of strep, 20 strains associated with pneumonia, two influenza viruses and other microbes. This was an in vitro study but was done on specimens taken from human patients who had been previously diagnosed with respiratory tract infections. Analgesic & Anti-Inflammatory Properties At least one peer-reviewed study has supported the folk use of various eucalyptus oils for their anti-inflammatory and pain relieving potential. In the Journal of Pharmacology, a 2003 study evaluated various eucalyptus essential oils and produced such positive results that the researchers called for, in their words, "development of new classes of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs" based on the "active" chemical components of eucalyptus essential oil. Safety IssuesEucalyptus essential oil is recognized as a poison in Australia and poisonings from both topical and oral use have been reported. In fact, in one 9-month period, the Victorian Poisons Information Centre logged over 100 phone calls involving eucalyptus oil poisonings in preschool-aged children. While more recent studies have suggested that eucalyptus oil may be less poisonous than previously thought, there's no question that this essential oil can cause serious side effects, especially if ingested.References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Darben, T., et al. (1998). Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Day, L., et al. (1997). Eucalyptus oil poisoning among young children: mechanisms of access and the potential for prevention. Cermelli, C., et al. (2007). Effect of Eucalyptus Essential Oil on Respiratory Bacteria and Viruses. Sliva, J., et al. (2003). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. Leave Eucalyptus Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory
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