Eucalyptus radiata essential oil (also known as eucalyptus australiana) is steam distilled from the fresh or partially dried leaves of the eucalyptus species, which are native to Australia. There are a number of different eucalyptus oils, but eucalyptus radiata is one of the least skin irritating eucalyptus oils and one of the safer ones for use in aromatherapy. Eucalyptus radiata essential oil is clear in colour with a fresh, clearing, warming, reviving aroma.
The main actions of Eucalyptus radiata are as an antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-catarrhal, expectorant and mucolytic. *See below for meanings.
There doesn't appear to be a reference to the use of eucalyptus by aboriginals in The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy, but wikipedia suggests that they use eucalyptus leaf infusions as a traditional medicine for treating body pains, sinus, congestion, fever and colds. Baron Ferdinand von Mueller (first government botanist of Victoria) in 1853 convinced his friend Joseph Bosisto (a Melbourne pharmacist) of the uses of eucalyptus oils, and it was in 1854 that Bosisto built his first distillation plant on the banks of the Dandenong Creek. The eucalyptus industry was firmly established by the 1880s, and the oil was in high demand during WW1, helping to control a meningitis outbreak, and the influenza of 1919. By 1930 many eucalyptus plantations were overseas, having mostly been grown from Australian seeds. This impacted dramatically on the Australian produced oils. The Australian eucalyptus oil industry has declined since it's peak in 1947, when total production reached almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, 70% of which was exported. In 1989 the world market was about 2-3000 tonnes per annum, but only 5-10% of this was produced in Australia.
Eucalyptus radiata is famous for working wonders on the respiratory system, making a very useful oil for the treatment of colds, flus, sinus, hay fever, asthma (and related infections, such as bronchitis), throat infections, coughs and fevers. It also makes an effective air antiseptic, helping to prevent the spread of germs when people around you are sick.
For the nervous system it helps to increase blood flow to the brain, stimulating it, aiding memory and helping to clear headaches. Eucalyptus helps when you're drowsy or fatigued, by invigorating and reviving.
Eucalyptus radiata is useful for treating boils, pimples, cold sores, herpes (incl. genital), shingles, burns, blisters, wounds and ulcers.
Eucalyptus radiata is a useful analgesic and has a slight anti-inflammatory action, which makes it useful for insect bites, muscular aches and pains, rheumatic pain and neuralgia. The chemical constituent 1-8 cineole which is present in eucalyptus radiata and some of the other eucalyptus oils has a special property of assisting the absorption of essential oils into the skin, helping them to work more quickly, allowing less time for evaporation.
Eucalyptus's ability to clear mucus and soothe coughs and irritated throats makes it one of the first essential oils to grab for colds, flus and related complaints.
It helps to dispel melancholy, restores vitality and encourage a positive outlook. It benefits those who feel emotionally 'hemmed in' or constricted, and would like greater freedom but are too scared, comfortable or burdened with responsibility to seek it. Eucalyptus can help disperse the negative feelings associated by giving a little breathing space. Eucalyptus can also be used to cleanse a place where negative energy remains (eg after conflict). It is described as a fragrance of newness and renewal and helps people who are seeking new horizons.
Eucalyptus radiata blends well with citrus, spice and other anti-bacterial and clearing oils, and surprisingly well with floral oils such as geranium and ylang ylang.
Generally non-irritating and non-toxic, although there has been some debate on this topic. Use a lower dose for people with sensitive skin.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
Terms:
antiseptic - destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
anti-viral - resists or destroys viruses
anti-catarrhal - reduces the production of mucous
expectorant - expels mucous in the respiratory system
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