Description

The young trees have bluish-green leaves, while mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers and a smooth, pale gray bark often covered in a white powder.

The effectiveness of Eucalyptus against airborne bacteria and viruses appears to be the combined action of aromadendrene and phellandrene. When combined in the air, these two constituents produce ozone in which bacteria and viruses cannot live.

In epidemics and with infectious diseases, Eucalyptus essential oil helps the patient, and protects the aromatherapist or other visitors. A mixture of 10 grams to a litre of water can be used to fumigate rooms.

The antiseptic and healing properties of eucalyptus are well known. There are surgeons in Europe who used a solution with eucalyptus to wash out operation cavities and apply eucalyptus impregnated gauze as a post-operative dressing. It is also valuable for burns and helps to form new tissue as the burn heals. In addition, urinary tract infections respond well to eucalyptus and its diuretic action can make it useful in washing out the urinary system.

Eucalyptus oil can be used in massage to relieve pain in rheumatism, muscular aches and fibrositis. Although we have a wide choice of oils for such applications, we can use it for people who do not mind its powerful odour or perhaps even find its familiar medicinal smell reassuring.

*NB: Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.