Koala bears love eucalyptus leaves, and so do the many people who benefit from eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus trees come in more than 500 species and range in size from shrubs to giants. Eucalyptus amygdalin, according to the Modern Herbal, can grow even higher than the mighty sequoia. The leaves of all varieties produce a strongly scented oil that has been used for hundreds of years to ease various ailments.
Main Types
The best-known types of eucalyptus oil are Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata, but there are others. Eucalyptus globulus comes from the blue gum eucalyptus tree. It is the best known, most often used and has the strongest scent. Eucalyptus radiata is a gentler version of the oil. Marge Clark, author of "Essential Oils and Aromatics: A Step-by-Step Guide for Use in Massage and Aromatherapy," says that Eucalyptus radiata is just as effective but is not as likely to cause irritation. She states that many people prefer Eucalyptus radiata for steam inhalation.
Additional Types
Eucalyptus citriodora, also called lemon eucalyptus, makes a wonderful air freshener due to its light lemon fragrance. Eucalyptus dives, also called peppermint eucalyptus, has a slight peppermint smell along with the unmistakable scent of eucalyptus. It is often used as an inhalant to help chest infections and colds. Eucalyptus smithii is the mildest eucalyptus oil. Aromatherapist Marge Clark recommends it as an especially good oil to help painful muscles and joints.
Uses
Eucalyptus oil can be found in various ointments, mouthwashes, lozenges and vapor baths. The combination of a few drops of the essential oil with a pot of boiled water makes a good steam for chest and head colds. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that this remedy can be used to help treat bronchitis and sinusitis. The diluted oil is sometimes used to ease muscle and joint pain, boils and wounds. Eucalyptus oil is often used in natural insect repellants. The University of Maryland Medical Center article notes that herbalists recommend the oil as a substitute for smelling salts to revive a person who has fainted. Eucalyptus oil has many other uses, including household cleanser, mold and mildew eradication, carpet freshener and plant spray.
Medical Research
According to the National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus, the results of preliminary studies have been promising for the use of eucalyptus oil in mouthwash for gingivitis, in treatments for skin ulcers and as a tick repellant. More studies must be conducted before any conclusions are reached. Research on other uses for eucalyptus oil is being conducted, but additional study is needed.
Warnings
Eucalyptus oils should not be used by infants, children or pregnant women. The National Institutes of Health Medline warns that eucalyptus oil can be extremely toxic, even life-threatening if taken by mouth. Some allergic reactions have been reported from topical use. Medline reports that some people have experienced reactions from inhaling eucalyptus steam. As with any treatment, users should be alert for any sign of sensitivity or allergic reaction.
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