Eucalyptus
What is Aromatherapy?
Description of Some
Essential Oils for Beginners Eucalyptus
globulus, E. radiata and others.
History of
Aromatherapy
Manuka (Leptospermum
scoparium)
Essential Oils for
Relaxation
Tea-Tree Oil (
Melaleuca alternifolia)
Treatment
How Does Aromatherapy
Work? |
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Eucalyptus globulus, E. radiata and others.
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There are about 300 varieties of Eucalyptus. Most essential
oil is distilled from the variety Eucalyptus globulus from Australia.
Oil from the species Eucalyptus radiata is preferred by many aromatherapists
as it has a pleasanter aroma, is more easily assimilated and less likely
to irritate the skin.
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The oil is distilled from the leaves of eucalyptus tree.
It is pale yellow in color, with a penetrating and refreshing smell.
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Active Ingredients (Eucalyptus globules)
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| Eucalyptol (about 80%) |
| Ethyl alcohol |
| Amyl alcohol |
| Various aldehydes |
| Camphene |
| Eudesmol |
| Phellandrene |
| Pinene |
| Aromadendrene |
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Eucalyptus radiata has less eucalyptol (about 70%) with
terpineol and other alcohols and some monoterpenes. Its composition is
closer to that of the Melaleucas, and like them it is a good immuno- stimulant,
good for people who are tired, run down, prone to frequent cold, etc.
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| Properties: |
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Antiseptic, analgesic, anitneuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic,
antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative,
diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic,
rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary.
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| Uses |
| Colds and Catarrh |
| Eucalyptus is best known as a decongestant inhalation for colds and catarrh. |
| Bactericidal and anti-viral |
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Eucalyptus is a very powerful bactericidal and anti-viral.
A steam inhalation with Eucalyptus is an effective natural treatment for
colds. It eases nasal congestion and inhibits proliferation of the cold
virus.
Eucalyptus used in airsprays or any form of vaporization during epidemics,
will give a good measure of protection from 'flu and the infectious illnesses
of childhood.
A spray containing 2% essential oil of Eucalyptus is found to kill 70%
of staphylococci in the air.
Eucalyptus essential oil is more effective than eucalyptol, its main active
ingredient, that is used pharmaceutical preparations.
The effectiveness of oil of Eucalyptus appears to be due to the action
of aromadendrene and phellandrenes. When these come into contact with
the oxygen in the air, their chemical reaction produces ozone. Bacteria
cannot live in this environment.
The anti-viral action of Eucalyptus has been observed empirically frequently.
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| Eucalyptus for Epidemics and Illnesses |
| In epidemics and infectious illnesses, Eucalyptus serves several purposes
at once: |
| It helps the sufferer
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| It protects the people coming into contact with the sufferer.
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| It lowers the temperature when used for fever. |
| It prevents the spread of infection in cholera, measles, malaria, scarlet
fever and typhoid. |
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For measles and scarlet fever, apply dilute Eucalyptus
to the skin of the infected person at frequent intervals. Surround the
bed with a gauze that can be kept moistened with Eucalyptus solution.
For 'flu and bronchitis, use the following formula in a inhaler:
4 parts of Eucalyptus
2 parts Thyme
2 parts Pine
1 part Lavender
To fumigate rooms, add 10 grams of the above blend to a liter of water.
For Chicken Pox: Combine Eucalyptus with Camomile and Lavender. Use this
in baths and sprays. This greatly reduces the fever and itching associated
with the chicken pox. Used as soon as the disease was identified, this
will prevent others in the family from getting it or to reduce their symptoms
or severity.
Urinary tract infections respond very well to Eucalyptus
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