The fever tree, blue gum tree, the koalas tree, you know any of these?

This tree does not ring a bell? You want a clue?

Australia …Koala … … Respiratory …

You guessed it right if you found the globular eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), the koalas favorite meal.

That type of Eucalyptus is from Tasmania and Australia. There are about 700 species and subspecies, going from a simple shrub to a very large tree. Their botanical family is  Myrtaceae.

Eucalyptus globulus was nicknamed « fever tree » by the Aborigines, who used it against fevers and infections.

In traditional herbalism and aromatherapy only a few species of eucalyptus are used.

Warning, it is important not to confuse the different eucalyptus because they have properties and uses that vary according to the botanical species, their origin and chemotype.

Oh no ….. Another barbaric chemical name! But what is a chemotype? A chemotype (CT) is the chemical identity card of the aromatic species.

Let’s discover the most commonly used essential oils of eucalyptus in aromatherapy!

The Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), the friend of the respiratory tracks.

Its essential oil has the odor characteristic of eucalyptol, which is now called « cineole. » It contains up to 70%.

Use: Mainly in diffusion to clear the respiratory tracks, colds, chest infections, ORL disorders. Its action on the cough is a good choice for the care of bronchitis and sinusitis.

It can also be used for massages, diluted with a little vegetable oil on the chest or by applications under the nose to breathe better. Warning, its high concentration of cineole prohibits the use for babies and children.

The Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata ssp radiata), gentleness for children.

More balanced than the globular eucalyptus, eucalyptus radiata has less smell with  some sulfur notes. Its properties are very close, it will be used for lung infections and ENT (ORL)  conditions. It is also anti-viral, so can be used in cases of influenza viruses.

The Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora): Stop to mosquitoes and pain.

Its name comes from its lemony smell. Within the 18 aromatic molecules identified in this eucalyptus, there is more than 3/4 of citronellal, more than 5% of citronellol and still 1% citronellyl acetate, 83% of components with the characteristic odor of « lemon! »

Its properties are related to its composition: The 70% citronellal, an anti-inflammatory aldehyde and mosquito repellent. Citronellol 5%, an antibacterial and antiviral alcohol.

This lemon eucalyptus essential oil is very effective in relieving muscles or inflamed joints

Note: For botanists, this eucalyptus has changed gender since 1995, its Latin name is now Corymbia citriodora.

The Peppermint Eucalyptus  (Eucalyptus dives): Goodbye to cellulite and unsightly cellulite.

Out of the 19 components, nearly 50% corresponds to a ketone: piperitone. This essential oil has mucolytic properties, ie thinning bronchial secretions. It also acts on the fat deposits that causes cellulite.

WATCH OUT! This molecule is toxic! This essential oil is contraindicated for babies and pregnant women.

Here is what small recipes to prepare yourself:

Prevention of influenza

• DIFFUSION: EO eucalyptus globulus 3 ml + EO eucalyptus radiata 3 ml+ EO tea tree 2 ml+ EO ravintsara 1 ml .

Massage to make cellulite disappear

• Dilute 30 ml  of vegetable oil Tamanu: EO Lemon eucalyptus 3 ml + EO Atlas cedar 3 ml + EO Eucalyptus dives 2 ml. Apply locally and friction.

Do take good care

Laurence