Extraction Of Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the eucalyptus species that is indigenous to Australia. There are various types of eucalyptus trees but only a few are suitable for eucalyptus extraction for medicinal purposes. Historically, Australia was the world leader in eucalyptus oil extraction but, due to cultivation of eucalyptus by other countries, it is now possible to purchase cheaper eucalyptus oils abroad. Check with a qualified health professional as to the type of eucalyptus oil suitable for medicinal use.

History

According to Australasian Historical Archeology, the first sample of distilled eucalyptus oil was sent to Britain for testing in 1789. The British were interested in the perceived medicinal benefits of extracting and using eucalyptus oil. However, widespread commercial extraction and distilling of eucalyptus oil did not begin in Australia until the 1880s. Eucalyptus oil was primarily extracted for medicinal purposes up until the end of World War II. Competition from other countries, where eucalyptus trees had been exported and cultivated, forced a sharp decline in Australia's eucalyptus production.

According to the University of Melbourne, Australia produces the highest grade of medicinal eucalyptus oil in comparison to other countries. Australia does not have commercial plantations and extraction of eucalyptus oil is carried out in much the same way as it was in the 1950s. Most Australia eucalyptus distilling businesses are family-owned.

Types

The University of Melbourne states that over 300 species of eucalyptus contain essential oil. However, only about 20 species are used for commercial oil production. Eucalyptus oil for medicinal purposes is extracted from eucalyptus species such as the broad-leaved peppermint eucalyptus, Eucalyptus dives, blue gum eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, lemon-scented eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citriodora, narrow- leaved eucalyptus, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus smithii. According to Patricia Davis, in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," narrow-leaved eucalyptus oil is the most suitable oil for aromatherapy use.

Chemical Components

Eucalyptus oil is chemically composed of various components, depending on the exact species of eucalyptus from which the oil is extracted. Davis writes that blue gum eucalyptus oil is predominately composed of eucalyptol. Narrow-leaved eucalyptus oil contains a lesser amount of eucalyptol. According to the University of Melbourne, the composition of eucalyptus oil is primarily affected by genetic factors. However, most types of eucalyptus oils have similar properties for use in aromatherapy.

Method

Eucalyptus oil is extracted by steam distillation of eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus oil is extracted and distilled in Australia in New South Wales and central Victoria. Most Australian eucalyptus oil distilleries are still using distillation equipment that has not changed much since the 1950s. The harvested leaves are placed inside a vat and heated up with steam, to allow the oil to vaporize. After a process of cooling, the vapors are condensed into liquid form and collected and stored as oil.

According to the University of Melbourne, it takes approximately three to four hours to distill one batch of eucalyptus oil. The oil is further refined to isolate specific components in the oil or to produce a higher-quality oil. Eucalyptus oil produced outside of Australia is usually extracted as a by-product of commercial plantations in the timber industry and, therefore, the oil is not of the same quality as Australian eucalyptus oil.

Uses

According to Julia Lawless in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," eucalyptus oil is extracted and used for medicinal, perfumery and industrial purposes. In aromatherapy, eucalyptus oil is used to treat coughs and colds, urinary tract infections, wounds and burns, rheumatism and asthma. Consult a qualified health professional before using eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy.