Eucalyptus oil, particularly from Eucalyptus globulus, stands to be one of the most versatile therapeutic agents known for its refreshing aroma and healing benefits. Its versatility extends from providing respiratory support to enhancing the mood while also providing pain relief. Discovered in the deep forests of Australia for fighting all sorts of ailments, modern science has now validated its utility to prove that it is a complex compound that is an immunostimulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. 

In coherence with aromatherapy, Eucalyptus oil has the potential to have a direct holistic physiological impact and form a therapeutic bridge between physical and psychological healing.

Before we dive deeper into the benefits, it is important to understand how to differentiate between the various species of eucalyptus and what to look out for when you are seeking Eucalyptus essential oil.

Understanding Different Species of Eucalyptus

When you’re buying Eucalyptus essential oil, make sure to always check which species it belongs to, because the benefits of each differ from each other. For this guide, we will be focusing on the benefits and uses of Eucalyptus globulus, a plant we use in Puraroma’s formulations to help you access holistic healthcare at home. Due to its high concentration of eucalyptol, it is colossally beneficial for respiratory and immune support. 

How Eucalyptus Oil is Extracted

Discovered originally in Southern Eastern Australia and Tasmania, the Eucalyptus globulus has the ability to adapt to various climates across the globe and now can be found growing throughout. 

At Puraroma, we use steam distillation to transform the Eucalyptus leaves into therapeutic oil. They are cleaned and chopped to create more surface area and placed into stainless steel stills. We then pass steam through the plant matter, causing the oil sacs in the leaves to burst to reveal the aroma. This is then passed through a cooling system to condense and naturally separate the oil from the water. The quality of the final oil gathered would depend on several factors like meticulous temperature control, the quality of the water used, the duration, etc. Our labs employ modern gas chromatography to ensure the oil meets stringent quality standards.

Therapeutic and Practical Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a multitasker. It performs multiple functions at once. It offers a spectrum of benefits, all at once, once in the body. Let’s unpack them one by one.

Eucalyptus Oil for Health: From Colds to Pain Relief

Eucalyptus globulus is loaded with the active compound 1,8-cineole. This compound has remarkable healing properties and performs by boosting our body’s own capability to heal. It comes in a crutch by activating our body’s natural cleaning mechanisms and anti-inflammatory response.

Respiratory Support And Cold Relief

One of the primary reasons why eucalyptus is so efficient in treating respiratory discomforts is because 1,8-cineole works strongly as an expectorant and mucolytic agent. In other words, it breaks down mucus and thins it down, making it easier to cough it out. More specifically:

• It flushes out pathogens by increasing these bronchial secretions

• Combats inflammation in the airways

• Relaxes and smooths down muscles in the respiratory tract—bronchodilatation

Pain Relief And Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It is quite fascinating how the 1,8-cineole compound in E.globulus works to relieve pain and inflammation in our bodies. It does two things at once—it activates (TRPM8) our cold-sensitive receptors to cause local anesthesia while simultaneously impeding signals that trigger pain (TRPA1) that are activated during an injury. This synergy not only numbs pain but also reduces inflammation.

Immune System Boost

The compound has a powerful effect on our body’s natural immune system. Our immune system works by circulating some white blood cells in our body to send them as protectors and detect invaders like viruses, parasites, and bacteria and attack them. Other white blood cells produce immunoglobulins—antibodies that help fight off infection and remember past infections to initiate a faster response the next time.

Eucalyptus globulus works in many ways to boost our immune system:

• It increases the production of these white blood cells.

• Promotes the production of immunoglobulins.

• Enhances the body’s natural defence barriers and also the activity of macrophages (a type of immune cell that engulfs these invaders).

Stress Reduction And Mental Clarity

When eucalyptus oil is inhaled, the 1,8-cineole molecules travel through our olfactory system, all the way to the limbic brain, a part of our brain that controls our emotions, memory, behaviours, and motivation and triggers our responses. It can have a powerful positive effect on our moods and cognitive function by reducing stress hormone production and modulating neurotransmitter levels. 

Eucalyptus Oil for Skin and Hair Care

Today’s market and consumers, due to a lack of in-depth education, is beauty-obsessed, and have narrowed their perception of eucalyptus to its cosmetic benefits. New age consumers are often influenced by the marketing of its external benefits and often miss the holistic approach with which eucalyptus essential oil targets concerns. The 1,8-Cineole in Eucalyptus essential oil also has a dermatological reaction and has several benefits to support our skin and hair:

• Antimicrobial Properties for Skin Health: It fights fungal infections effectively and combats various bacteria by creating an inhospitable environment for harmful microorganisms on the skin.

• Scalp and Dandruff: 1,8-Cineole inhibits fungal growth and thereby prevents dandruff. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties reduce inflammation and itching in the scalp and support overall scalp health.

• Wound Healing and Skin Soothing: Once again, the anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain in wounds and burns while also creating a natural protective environment to support natural healing. 

Eucalyptus Oil for Household Uses

Eucalyptus oil has proven its effectiveness in various household applications:

• Natural Cleaning Agent: Its antiseptic properties make it a good addition to cleaning solutions. It naturally disinfects surfaces by eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi.

• Insect Repellant: The compounds of eucalyptus repel insects and are toxic to head lice. When eucalyptus is applied topically, it should always be diluted for skin application.

• Air Freshener and Deodorizer: The aromatic molecules of eucalyptus oil, when they are micro-diffused, create a relaxing, reinvigorating environment.

DIY Recipes Using Eucalyptus Oil

The versatile nature of the plant makes it an excellent solution for healthcare, cosmetic needs, and household needs. The oil is very potent and hence requires to be diluted accurately for it to perform effectively. Let’s explore some recipes that harness eucalyptus oil’s therapeutic powers:

Safety Considerations When Using Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Here are some safety protocols to adhere to while using Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Age Specific:

• It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Infants and children should not be exposed at all.

• Only suitable for adolescents and adults.

Medical Considerations:

• People with epilepsy, asthma, or chronic respiratory ailments should not use it.

• Women who are pregnant under three months should avoid use of eucalyptus essential oil.

• They should not be ingested.

• Breastfeeding women should avoid it as well.

• Essential oils can interact with medications. In the event of allopathic or medicinal treatment, consult your therapist.

Other essential precautions:

• Skin application: Always dilute Eucalyptus globulus essential oil before application, as it can cause skin irritation. Use a dilution of 20% (1 part essential oil to 4 parts carrier oil).

• In diffusion: Do not diffuse pure Eucalyptus essential oil, it must be diluted between 10 and 15% in other essential oils. Limit diffusion sessions to 30 minutes

• Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, and sensitive mucous membranes

Where to Buy the Best Eucalyptus Oil

There are some non-negotiables you can cross-check to verify the quality of the essential oil you are buying.

Purity check: Look for 100% potency. It should not have any additives.

1,8-Cineole concentration: This compound should be present in the majority,  58 to 85.5%

Puraroma guarantees lab-tested quality along with full traceability documentation in every single bottle of our high-quality eucalyptus oil. We meet the most rigorous testing standards and undergo three types of quality control tests to ensure you’re getting purity in its best form. 

• Gas Chromatography Analysis to confirm active compound percentages

• Physical & Chemical Testing to define density (0.905-0.921), refractive index (1.460-1.466), and rotatory power [(+)3-(+)8] 

• Organoleptic Analysis to verify colour (pale yellow), odour (aromatic, rising aldehyde odour at the top), and appearance characteristics (liquid)

The effectiveness of Eucalyptus essential oil is well-documented and stands to have remarkable benefits in supporting respiratory health, healing, wellness needs, and immune support. It can be an extremely effective antidote when used with the right protocols. What makes this oil especially wondrous is its holistic impact on physiological well-being along with mental and environmental planes!