Essential Oil of Eucalyptus

from Master the Basics of Aroma eTextbook

by American College of Healthcare Sciences

Essential Oil of Chamomile Roman

Latin Name

Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.)

There are several species of eucalyptus used to produce essential oil. Some of the more common include: Eucalyptus australiana (R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.), Eucalyptus leucoxylon (F. Muell.), Eucalyptus polybractea (R. T. Baker), and Eucalyptus sideroxylon (A. Cunn. ex Woolls).

Eucalyptus citriodora (Hook.) and Eucalyptus smithii (R.T. Baker) are two additional species, which we will study in separate monographs. In this monograph, we focus on E. globulus.

Family

Myrtaceae

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Pronunciation

ˌyü-kə-ˈlip-təs 24

Common Names

Gum tree, blue gum, stringy bark, and fever tree

Sources

Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia and Tasmania, although it is now found on many continents. At present, about 25 eucalyptus species are used to produce oil. Eucalyptus globulus is produced in China, Brazil, Paraguay, Australia, South Africa, and Spain.

History

Eucalyptus is a Greek word meaning “well covered,” which refers to the lid-like cover of the bud. In the late 19th century, eucalyptus was frequently planted in marshy areas. Its heavy water requirements made it extremely useful in preventing the malarial fever epidemics in swampy areas. The eucalyptus tree is one of the earliest used native medicines in Australia. Parts Used

Eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh or partly dried leaves and twigs.

Cultivation

Eucalyptus is a large tree, with varied foliage and flowers. Some species have interesting ornamental bark. It is now planted worldwide in regions with a subtropical or Mediterranean climate. Eucalyptus is a rapid grower, often reaching heights of 300 feet. Eucalyptus globulus, the blue gum, is very sensitive to abrupt weather

24 Definition of EUCALYPTUS. Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 13 July 2020, from https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/eucalyptus.

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changes and frost, but it adapts very well to dry soils. The red gum Eucalyptus rostrata (Schltdl.) resists both drought and flooding and withstands extreme heat, thriving in alkaline soil. Generally, eucalyptus grows well in a variety of soil types, but it does best in a rich loam.

Harvesting & Production

Eucalyptus E. globulus oil is usually harvested by hand and the trees are kept shorter and coppiced. It is steam distilled from the fresh or partly dried leaves and young twigs. The age of the leaves does not affect the composition of the oil.

Characteristics

Open your sample of eucalyptus. See if you can identify the following. Note your own experience of the aroma, color, and feel in your notebook.

Aroma

•Characteristic, aromatic, somewhat camphoraceous aroma, and somewhat bitter, astringent taste

Color

•A colorless or pale-yellow liquid

Feel

•Eucalyptus oil feels thin but slightly oily when rubbed between the fingers.

Perfume blotter test

•It should evaporate quickly and leave no stain on the perfume blotter.

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Active Constituents

Eucalyptus E. globulus oil contains approximately:

66-84% 1,8 cineole, also known as eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is called cajuputol when it is found in cajuput, but essentially, eucalyptol, 1,8 cineole, and cajuputol are the same constituents. 1,8 cineole is an oxide and has anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties including 4-15% alphapinene, 1 -3% limonene, 1 -3% cymene, phellandrene, and terpinene. Common monoterpene characteristics are analgesic, bactericidal, expectorant, and stimulant. The sesquiterpene caryophyllene also has been found in eucalyptus. Sesquiterpenes are analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, hypotensive, and spasmolytic. A range of constituents in smaller quantities.

Eucalyptus E. globulus oil is frequently rectified, which means that the minor active constituents (such as the sesquiterpenes, alcohols, and phenols) are removed by redistillation since they may have irritant properties. If you see eucalyptus E. globulus oil described as 80/85 NF, it means the eucalyptol content is between 80-85%, the standard set by the U.S. National Formulary. It is usually standardized with either synthetic or naturally derived eucalyptol. Eucalyptus E. globulus oil is difficult to reproduce synthetically, as it contains more than 250 chemical constituents.

Storage

As with all essential oils, it should be stored at cool temperatures and in well-filled containers protected from light.

Therapeutic Uses

Eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil may provide support for: Abscesses, blisters, boils, bronchitis, bruises, burns, Candida, catarrh, chicken pox, chills, colds, cough, cuts, cystitis, fever, flu, headache, infection, influenza, insect bites, laryngitis, measles migraine, mucus, muscle stiffness, rheumatism, sinus congestion, sinus infection, sinusitis, skin infection, skin ulcers, sore throat, sprain, viral infection, and wounds.

Eucalyptus E. globulus is a very effective analgesic with an immediate pain relief and soothing action. A research study found inhaling diffused eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil for 30 minutes a day helped lower pain and blood pressure levels in patients recovering from

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total knee replacement surgery. 25 Prepare as an ointment using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed. The analgesic action of eucalyptus E. globulus is useful for sprains, bruises, stings, and headache.

Eucalyptus E. globulus is also anti-neuralgic, able to relieve neuralgia (pain that extends along one or more nerves). Prepare as an ointment using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed, or use alternating hot and cold compresses.

Further, eucalyptus E. globulus is anti-rheumatic, able to prevent or relieve muscle stiffness or rheumatism. Add five drops of eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil to one ounce of base oil and massage the area or apply hot and cold compresses.

It is also an effective antibacterial (destroying and suppressing the growth and reproduction of bacteria) and antiseptic (able to prevent, resist, and counteract putrefaction). Eucalyptus E. globulus oil has been shown to be effective against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. 26 27 28 These two common bacteria are responsible for many infections, from skin ulcers to cystitis. Eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil’s antibacterial action is useful with abscesses, cystitis, skin infections, skin ulcers, and sore throats. For abscesses or skin infections, prepare as an ointment or compress using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed.

To cleanse the air in a room, use a vaporizer, diffuser, or hot water diffusing method.

For colds and flu, use eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil in a humidifier, room spray, diffuser, or bath. When adding to the bath water use three to four drops diluted with a dispersant such as whole milk or a base oil. Add the mixture once the bath is full, giving it a good swish to mix. Add two drops of eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil to a glass of warm water as a gargle for a sore throat.

25 Jun, Y., Kang, P., Min, S., Lee, J-M., Kim, H-K., & Seol, G. (2013). Effect of Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation on Pain and Inflammatory Responses after Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013(2013). 26 Bachir, R.G. & Benali, M. (2012). Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed., 2(9):739-42. 27 Tohidpour, A., Sattari, M., Omidbaigi, R., Yadegar, A., & Nazemi, J. (2009). Antibacterial effect of essential oils from two medicinal plants against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Phytomedicine, 17(2):142-5. 28 Djenane, D., Yangüela, J., Amrouche, T., Boubrit, S., Boussad, N., & Roncalés, P. (2011). Chemical composition and antimicrobial effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtus communis and Satureja hortensis against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus in minced beef. Food Sci Technol Int.,17(6): 505-15.

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Eucalyptus E. globulus is vulnerary (promotes the healing of fresh cuts or wounds). Prepare as an ointment using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed. This vulnerary action is useful for helping to heal abscesses, blisters, boils, burns, cuts, skin infections and ulcers, and wounds.

Eucalyptus E. globulus is antifungal, able to destroy fungi or suppress their reproduction or growth. Research has demonstrated eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil is effective against the yeast Candida albicans. 29 For Candida overgrowth, add three to four drops to a bath. Remember add the essential oil to a dispersant such as whole milk or a base oil. Add the mixture once the bath is full, giving it a good swish to mix. Also, eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil can be used in ointments for athlete’s foot or tinea.

Studies have shown that eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil and alcoholic extract have antiviral activity against the herpes virus HSV-1 . 30 It is demonstrated that HSV is one of the causes of encephalitis, dermatitis, and genitourinary infections, and also the probable cause of cervical cancer. 31 Use a vaporizer, diffuser, compress, or hot water diffusing method as outlined above.

Along with its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic actions, which help to address the cause of any respiratory problem and its related symptoms, eucalyptus E. globulus is a decongestant, or tends to reduce congestion. A decongestant action is useful for catarrh (thick phlegm), cough, excessive thin mucus, sinus congestion and infection, and laryngitis. Prepare as an ointment using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed. Use a vaporizer, diffuser, or hot water diffusing method as outlined above.

Eucalyptus E. globulus is also an expectorant, which encourages the discharge of mucus from lung and sinus. An expectorant action can be used with bronchitis, catarrh, cough, influenza, sinusitis, and respiratory infection. Prepare as an ointment or compress using one of the formulas given and apply as frequently as needed to the chest. Use a vaporizer, diffuser, or hot water diffusing method as outlined above.

29 Tyagi, A.K. & Malik, A. (2010). Liquid and vapour-phase antifungal activities of selected essential oils against Candida albicans: microscopic observations and chemical characterization of Cymbopogon citratus. BMC Complement Altern Med., 10(10):65. 30 Brezáni, V., Leláková, V., Hassan, S., Berchová-Bímová, K., Nový, P., Kloucek, P., Maršík, P., Dall'Acqua, S., Hošek, J., & Šmejkal, K. (2018). Anti-Infectivity against Herpes Simplex Virus and Selected Microbes and AntiInflammatory Activities of Compounds Isolated from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Viruses, 10(7), 360. https://doi.org/10.3390/v10070360 31 Gavanji, S., Sayedipour, S. S., Larki, B., & Bakharti, A. (2015). Antiviral activity of some plant oils against herpes simplex virus type 1 in vero cell culture. Journal of Acute Medicine, 5(3), 62-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacme.2015.07.001

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For influenza, coughs and colds in adults and children over ten years of age, put one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil in a pan full of water; leave on a very low heat on a stove top in an adjacent room so the vapors waft into the bedroom. For adults vaporize for one to two hours and for children over ten reduce the time to 30 minutes. A vaporizer or diffuser that cycles on and off will work in the same fashion. This creates vapors that are high in the antiseptic essential oil. The volatile molecules disperse throughout the room and help break up the mucus, as well as reduce the coughing.

Note: prolonged inhalation is not advisable for children under ten years of age. 32 of exposure is as important as concentration. This is an important safety

consideration throughout your studies always consider dose and duration whenever you use essential oils.

Duration

Eucalyptus E. globulus is a febrifuge, which reduces fever. This action is important for use with chills, fever, influenza, and pneumonia. Use a vaporizer, diffuser, or hot water diffusing method as outlined above.

Household Uses

Eucalyptus E. globulus oil is an effective antiseptic to use around the home. Its many uses include:

Dishcloth disinfectant: Soak cloths in a bowl with one drop of eucalyptus. Cleaner: Dissolve the sticky remnants of tape on furniture, floors, and appliances. It can, however, lift the varnish and finish from wooden furniture, so use with care. Sanitizer: Fumigate rooms or use to sterilize toilet and bathing areas. Floor cleaner: Add three teaspoons to a bucket of boiling water when scrubbing floors. Spot and stain remover. Toilet deodorizer: Place two drops in inner cardboard roll of toilet roll. Light a bulb ring in the bathroom with two drops of eucalyptus. Shoe deodorizer: Impregnate blotting paper and leave in sports shoes overnight. Trash cans: Add one drop directly in trashcan and wash with three drops in hot water.

32 Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, 2nd Edition. [Pageburstl]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/9780702062148/ page 273

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Perfumery

Eucalyptus E. globulus is a top note with high aroma intensity. It has a fresh, penetrating, woody aroma. Lemon eucalyptus E. citriodora is also used extensively in perfumery. Eucalyptus E. globulus is relatively stable in soap, and it has the ability to lift other perfume ingredients in a soap formula.

Oils that blends well with eucalyptus include:

Eucalyptus E. globulus blends well with cedarwood Atlas C. atlantica and cedarwood Virginia J. virginiana, lavender L. angustifolia, lemon C. limonum, pine P. sylvestris, rosemary R. officinalis, and thyme T. vulgaris.

Recommended Daily Use

Topical application:

Adults: Dilute 3 drops in 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of carrier oil or another safe diluent. Use this diluted preparation over a 24-hour period in 3 to 4 topical applications, or use the complete amount for one full bath.

Dilution ratio 1%.

Please note: Other texts may indicate E. globulus can be used at higher dilution rates. However, ACHS recommends a 1% dilution rate for a bath or whole-body application based on International Fragrance Association (IFRA) recommendations. 33

Note: These dilution ratios are based on the conversion of 30 drops of essential oil = 1ml.

Inhalation:

Adults: Inhaled via a diffuser. Note: When diffusing, don't exceed 30-minute intervals and diffuse in well-ventilated areas.

33 European Commission. (n.d.). Scientific committee on consumer safety SCCS: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products [PDF]. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_102.pdf

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If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and consult with a physician.

Cautions & Contraindications

Eucalyptus E. globulus herb not the essential oil has US FDA approval on the list Flavoring Agents and Related Substances. 34 Eucalyptus E. globulus, essential oil is on the Substances Added to Food list. 35

Eucalyptol (lozenge), eucalyptol (mouthwash), eucalyptus oil (lozenge), and eucalyptus oil (mouthwash) are all listed on the New Drug FDA list called Sec. 310.545 and defined as “Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain use. 36 ”

Eucalyptol (1 -8, cineole) product should be 20% and the German Commission E Monograph for eucalyptus oil recommends 5–20% for dermal applications. 37

However more recently the IFRA and Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety classify eucalyptus as a top 100 substance, and skin sensitizer with a code R43. 38 A substance is classified as a skin sensitizer (R43) when there is evidence in humans that the substance can induce sensitization by skin contact in a substantial number of persons, or if there are positive results from an appropriate animal test. A response is needed in more than 30% of the animals in a test with adjuvant Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT)), or of more than 15% in a test without adjuvant (Buehler test). The general concentration limit for classification as a skin sensitizer is 1%. The Allergens in Consumer Products paper has more information on R43 and the GPMT and Buehler test. 39

34 See: FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.510 35 Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=EUCALYPTUSOIL 36 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=310.545 accessed 9/19-13 37 M. Blumenthal, W.R. Busse, A. Goldberg, et al.: The complete German Commission E monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. 1998, American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas. 38 European Commission. (n.d.). Scientific committee on consumer safety SCCS: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products [PDF]. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_102.pdf 39 Wijnhoven, S.W.P., Ezendam, J., Schuur, A.G.,van Loveren, H. & van Engelen, J.G.M (2008). Allergens in Consumer Products(RIVM Report 320025001/2008). Retrieved from National Institute for Public Health and the Environment website: https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320025001.pdf

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Because of the high eucalyptol (1,8 cineole) content eucalyptus E. globulus essential oil should not be applied full strength to the face, eyes, or nose. It should not be applied to the face or nose of infants or children under 10 years of age. 40 Dose and duration of use are vital issues to consider when an oil has a high eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) content.

While there is no scientific evidence it is a generally accepted practice not use at the same time as homeopathic remedies, as it may limit their effectiveness.

It is also contraindicated if there is a history or diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitive clients 41 , or gastrointestinal inflammation, and liver and bile duct complaints. 42 Note according to Tisserand this is not necessary but he goes on to say “that some essential oils may present a risk to some classes of hypertensive patient, in certain dose/route combinations, and there may be a theoretical argument for exercising caution in certain cases of hypertension and hypotension. However, until we know more about where the risks lie, there is no case for contraindication of any essential oils.” 43

ACHS recommends to always err on the side caution and avoid in cases of chronic hypertension particularly when someone is on antihypertensive medication.

It can cause stinging on the skin if applied undiluted. Eucalyptol can irritate both the skin and mucous membranes. The maximum dilution in a finished product should be 20% and the German Commission E Monograph for eucalyptus oil recommends 5–20% for dermal applications. 44

However more recently the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety classify eucalyptus as a skin sensitizer with a code R43. A substance is classified as a top 100 substance, and a skin sensitizer (R43) when there is evidence in humans that the substance can induce sensitization by skin contact in a substantial number of persons, or if there are positive results from an appropriate animal test. A response is needed in more than 30% of the animals in a test with adjuvant Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT), or of more than 15% in a test without adjuvant (Buehler

40 Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 274. 41 Ibid. 42 M. Blumenthal, A. Goldberg, J. Brinckmann: Herbal medicine, expanded commission E monographs. 2000, Integrative Medicine Communications, Newton, MA 43 Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, 2nd Edition. [Pageburstl]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/9780702062148/ 44 M. Blumenthal, W.R. Busse, A. Goldberg, et al.: The complete German Commission E monographs: therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. 1998, American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas.

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test). The general concentration limit for classification as a skin sensitizer is 1%. The Allergens in Consumer Products paper has more information on R43 and the GPMT and Buehler test 45 .

Do not use eucalyptus E. globulus oil undiluted on wounds or skin inflammation. Do not apply full strength to the face, eyes, or nose. Even diluted it should never be applied to the face or nose of infants or children under 10 years of age. For children over the age of ten it can be applied diluted topically (not hear the face or nose) for a limit of two to three days. It must be kept out of reach of children, as should all essential oils, and never given orally to children and with extreme care in adults.

ACHS Toxic Rating

The American College of Healthcare Sciences toxic rating is II.

Formulas

Inhalation

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil: 6 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: 5 drops Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3 drops Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 2 drops Lemon Citrus limonum oil: 2 drops

Blend the oils. To prepare as an inhalation, put six cups of boiling water into a bowl and mix in two drops of the Inhalation blend.

This blend can also be added to the bath water or to a foot or hand soak. Add three drops diluted with a dispersant such as whole milk or a base oil. Add the mixture once the bath or bowl (form the hand soak) are full, giving it a good swish to mix.

Or, simply sprinkle the diluted blend of essential oils on a tissue and inhale.

Do not use this formula with children younger than ten and with children older than ten, use with extreme care. Never rub oils containing eucalyptol, also known as 1,8 cineole or cajuputol, onto a child’s chest or around his/her face and nose.

45 Wijnhoven, S.W.P., Ezendam, J., Schuur, A.G.,van Loveren, H. & van Engelen, J.G.M (2008). Allergens in Consumer Products(RIVM Report 320025001/2008). Retrieved from National Institute for Public Health and the Environment website: https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320025001.pdf

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Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil: 4 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil: 4 drops Tea tree Australia Melaleuca alternifolia oil: 2 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: 2 drops Ginger Zingiber officinale essential oil: 1 drop Sweet almond oil: 3 ounces (100ml)

(1% dilution)

Warm the sweet almond oil over a water bath 46 and blend with the essential oils. Use 1.5 ounces of the blend to massage painful joints with the warmed oil. Store leftover oil in a repurposed glass jar and use it for a second application.

Eucalyptus Ointment

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil: 30 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus leaves (dried): ½ ounce Sweet almond oil: 4 ounces Anhydrous lanolin: 2 ounces Beeswax unbleached: ½ ounce (adjust for consistency)

Melt the lanolin over a saucepan of simmering water (called a water bath or double boiler), add eucalyptus leaves, and simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain the mixture through unbleached muslin, squeezing the leaves to extract all the lanolin. The water bath prevents the lanolin from burning. Grate the beeswax and add more or less depending on the firmness required. Remove from heat and add the essential oil and sweet almond oil. Pour the ointment into sterile jars, top up again, and cool before putting on the lid.

46 See the Water Bath section within the lecture called Infused, Massage, and Bath Oils in Chapter Four.

Essential Oil of Eucalyptus

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Essential Oil of Chamomile Roman

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consideration throughout your studies always consider dose and duration whenever you use essential oils.

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Oils that blends well with eucalyptus include:

Topical application:

Inhalation:

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Inhalation

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Rubbing Oil

Eucalyptus Ointment

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More articles from this publication:

Essential Oil of Chamomile Roman

Welcome

About the Author

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Index

Essential Oil of Lavender

Essential Oil of Peppermint

Essential Oil of Bergamot

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Master the Basics of Aroma eTextbook