Eucalyptus: one word, 700 plus species and a multitude of medicinal properties.
We’ve already covered the fundamentals, including the history of its journey to distant shores and three ‘mainstay’ eucalypts commonly regarded for respiration and the benefits imparted by their high levels of eucalyptol: Eucalyptus radiata, globulus, polybractea.
As promised, today’s post delves into several other eucalypts studied for their therapeutic potential when grown and steam distilled in the appropriate fashion to capture the essential oil with its delicate constituents intact and in optimal balance. (Not all steam distillation is created equal. That’s one of the reasons we always choose Young Living essential oils. Learn more here.)
Eucalyptus Blue
This one does have its own official fancy botanical name — Eucalyptus bicostata — and is a cross between Eucalyptus citriodora and E.globulus. Eucalyptus Blue has been growing in the wilds of the Andean Mountains for at least 250 years and used by locals for covering wounds (its leaves naturally disinfect and repel insects). Nowadays, it’s also grown and distilled on site at Young Living’s farm in Ecuador. (Talk about ‘farm fresh’.)
Eucalyptus Blue is great news if you’re allergic to eucalyptol but searching for something to help along the respiratory lines. It does contain eucalyptol (anywhere from 40-80%) but has a remarkable balance across its chemical constituents making it the only eucalyptus oil currently known not to cause an allergic reaction in people who can’t tolerate eucalyptol. As with all essential oils, test one drop first to be sure of your own individual sensitivities.
Eucalyptus citriodora
Eucalyptus citriodora is comprised of 75-80% citronellal, so it’s ideal for blending with oils like patchouli, peppermint and Young Living Purification™ (found in your Everyday Oils Collection) to make your own totally natural insect repellent. Add your blend of insect-repelling essential oils to a natural body lotion for easy application. Or mix with a natural skin toner like Young Living A·R·T Purifying Toner in a small spray bottle for an even easier way! Shake the bottle well before spraying a fine mist over feet, arms and legs. To apply to your face and neck, spray onto your hands and lightly pat on, avoiding contact with your eyes as you always should when using essential oils.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
Eucalyptus staigeriana
Nicknamed ‘lemon iron bark’, this species of eucalyptus has a reputation in bush remedies as a cure-all from wounds to respiratory ails and colic.
Eucalyptus dives
This variety does not rate for eucalyptol in particular, but is high in phellandrene, which generates ozone, a kind of oxygen which is known for its powerful air-cleansing capabilities. Also studied for its mucolytic properties, this is one to keep in mind if congestion is getting you down.
As with the other eucalyptus varieties we’ve discussed, all of these oils are excellent for diffusing and direct application onto location/chakras/VitaFlex points. Dilute if necessary in equal parts with a pure carrier oil like coconut, olive or Young Living V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Complex.
And so, after heading from Australia to Paris then on to other continents, our tour of eucalyptus essential oils draws to an end. Who would have thought this iconic smell of the Australian bush would be so cosmopolitan?
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
