Cooling
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus has been distilled from at least 1788 when two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from the resin of the eucalyptus gum and envelops the entire landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities of this ancient tree would be hard to miss.
There is a wide range of eucalyptus varieties, any one of which would be a useful addition to a Basic Care Kit. Eucalyptus oil is steam-distilled from a number of different variations of the tree Eucalyptus spp. Each of these oils are from one specified chemical race, rather like Zinfadel wine is of one variety but each vineyard produces a Zinfadel of a particular quality and taste.
Generalities:
Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer and protects it in winter. It is antinflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing. Research has proved its antiviral properties as well.
It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds but is equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, diabetes, and sunburn, while also being useful in veterinary care and as an insect repellent.
In general, Eucalyptus oil is used as a specific for the respiratory system. It is an antiseptic stimulant with a very specific balsamic odor that can only be described as smelling like Eucalyptus. This oil has great value in a vaporizer to stimulate and loosen bronchial secretions so that they can be coughed up, and is used primarily for coughs, colds, bronchial infections and asthma. Eucalyptus oil is very effective in killing bacteria and for clearing the system when used in a vaporizer. It is antiviral and cooling.
Eucalyptus citriodora
Also known as Lemon Eucalyptus or Lemon-Scented Gum. Eucalyptus citriodora has been used to perfume linen closets, and as an insect repellent, especially for cockroaches and silverfish.
- Application:
Diffuse or rub on bottom of feet or on location
- Fragrant Influence:
Has a sweet, strong, camphorous, fresh lemony scent. Citronella like. It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician, Do not take internally.
Also used for asthma, athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, respiratory infections, cuts, dandruff, fevers, herpes, infectious skin conditions, laryngitis, scabs, shingles, sore throat, sores and wounds.
Eucalyptus dives
This species has a different, more specific antibacterial action than other eucalyptus oils.
- Application:
Apply topically or diffuse. Avoid direct inhalation.
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
Containing low amounts of eucalyptol, Eucalyptus dives is mild and gentle. This variety is ideal for topical application.
Eucalyptus globulus
Also known as Blue-Gum or Tasmanian Blue Gum Eucalyptus. This essential oil usually has the highest 1,8-cineole levels and is heavily cultivated in Portugal, Spain and China.
For centuries Australian Aborigines used the leaves as a disinfectant to cover wounds. Shown by laboratory tests to be a powerful antimicrobial agent, E globulus contains a high percentage of eucalyptol (a key ingredient in many antiseptic mouth rinses). Often used for the respiratory system, eucalyptus has been investigated for its powerful insect repellent effects.
- Application:
Apply topically, diffuse, or use in a humidifier.
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing. A fresh, strong, uplifting scent that is medicinal, herbal and clean. A typical Eucalyptus odor.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
Eucalyptus trees have been planted throughout parts of North Africa to successfully block the spread of malaria. According to Jean Valnet, MD, a solution of 2% eucalyptus oil sprayed in the air will kill 70% of airborne staph bacteria. Some doctors still use solutions of eucalyptus oil in surgical dressings.
This oil may be used for aches and pains, acne, allergies, arthritis, bronchitis, burns, decongestant, respiratory infections, cystitis, endometriosis, increasing energy, gonorrhea, inflammation of the ear, eye, and sinus, malaria, rheumatism, respiratory infections, skin and throat infection or sores, ulcers, vaginitis, and wounds.
Eucalyptus polybractea
Used for acne and cystitis.
- Application:
Diffuse or apply topically, or use in a humidifier
- Fragrant Influence:
It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
Containing 95% Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus polybractea is one of the most potent of the Eucalyptus oils. Eucalyptol is a well known constituent in dental products and insect repellents. Anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and insect repellent. Has traditionally been used topically to support healthy respiratory function.
Eucalyptus radiata
Also known as Narrow-Leaved Peppermint. This is thought to be the most therapeutic Eucalyptus essential oil. An antimicrobial oil studied for its action against viruses. This oil is used extensively for respiratory infections.
- Application:
Diffuse or rub on bottom of feet or on location, or use in a humidifier.
- Fragrant Influence:
The scent is similar to globulus in that it is medicinal and clean, but also with peppery and camphorous aromas. It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Do not take internally.
This oil contains citrol, a constituent known for its cleansing abilities. When combined with bergamot, Eucalyptus radiata has been used effectively on herpes simplex. It may also help with acne, bronchitis, ear inflammation, endometriosis, nasal and sinus congestion, sinusitis, and vaginitis.
Information collected from various sources.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and American Indians, no doubt because of its extremely useful health-promoting properties.
- Application:
Diffuse. Massage on the stomach or add to water or tea for supporting normal digestion. Apply to bottom of feet or rub on the temples to treat headaches. To improve concentration, alertness, and memory, place 2 drops on the tongue. Add to food as a flavoring and preservative. Add a drop or two to a bottle of water curb appetite, and for a cooling refreshment on a hot day.
- Fragrant Influence:
It is purifying and stimulating to the conscious mind.
- Safety Data:
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, or sensitive skin areas. Do not apply “neat” to a fresh wound or burn.
Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, and has been extensively studied for it’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Peppermint has also been researched for it’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled, and it’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy.
One study examined peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.
It is an excellent digestive, it helps the respiratory system and circulation, it is an anti-inflammatory, and an antiseptic. These qualities make it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad breath, flu, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even keeps mice, fleas, and ants away.
If you chew on a Peppermint leaf and then suck in air, a distinct cooling effect will be felt in your mouth. This cooling effect is from the presence of menthol, which is useful in making cosmetics and body-care products.
Peppermint oil is extremely useful when you are hot either from a hot fever, hot flashes, or hot weather. Inhaled it cools a fever, decongests the sinuses, calms the mind, soothes a headache, acts as an antidepressant, stimulates the nervous system and mind, also calms the tendency for your mind to race.
- External Uses
Peppermint oil is used as an antiseptic to wounds and sores (use only in a very diluted form), as a chest rub for respiratory diseases (use in a blend of oils or fats), as a skin cleanser (hydrosol or water spray), and in rubs for aching muscles and limbs.
- Internal Uses
Peppermint oil has a proven reputation to cure nausea and vomiting. One drop on a sugar cube sucked slowly, or two drops in 8 ounces of water and slowly sipped.
Always use Peppermint oil diluted, as it can burn and irritate when used neat. Peppermint oil in a lotion has an interesting feature in that it cools while it warms. The menthol increases blood flow wherever it is applied, soothes while it gives a cooling feeling. Try it as a muscle rub for tired feet.
Peppermint oil can also be added to water and given to both pets and people to cure flatulence. One or two drops of peppermint oil per 6 oz of water should be sufficiently strong enough to cure the problem.
Collected from various sources
