Yesterday’s post focused on tea tree oil, and in keeping with the Aussie theme, today we’re talking about another essential oil from down under: eucalyptus.
As fascinated as I’ve been with essential oils the past few years, when I set out to research eucalyptus, it was still a mystery to me. I’m pretty sure my sixth grade science teacher said koalas are so chill because leaves from the Eucalyptus globulus tree act as a sedative. But a quick Google search reminded me we are not koalas. So don’t take eucalyptus oil by mouth unless your doctor for some strange reason tells you to. Like other essential oils, it contains some toxic components.
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Nonetheless, this sharp-sweet, heavily fragranced oil, distilled from the dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree, has a lot of positive uses. First used in aboriginal medicine to treat wounds and infections, eucalyptus oil eventually made its way through Western society.
In 19th-century England, hospitals used it as an antibacterial solution to clean urinary catheter tubes. In 1948, the US registered eucalyptus as an effective insect repellent with citronellal as an active compound. And eucalyptus’ antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make it a common ingredient in today’s cleaning products and common cough and cold medicines and ointments like Vic’s Vapor Rub.
According to Cathy Schram, owner of Herbs & More in West County, eucalyptus oil in its pure form is also helpful to keep around in flu season: “When you diffuse it in the air, you can breath a lot better—it really opens up your sinuses. It’s mostly used in a diffuser for people who have difficulty breathing. You can also spritz it on your pillow, and a lot of people use it in their hot tubs or in the shower—put a few drops of oil on the wall before a hot shower.”
What’s the magic? Typically, about 70 to 95 percent of eucalyptus oil is 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), a compound that’s anti-bronchitic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal.
Cineole is also known for killing bacteria that cause bad breath. Eucalyptus is an ingredient in certain mouthwashes and studies show the oil may work to prevent plaque and gum disease. (Meanwhile, oil of oregano might help whiten your smile. This is important stuff for us twentysomethings without dental insurance.)
Back to the common cold—if you’re still dragging from the tail end of flu season, eucalyptus could be useful to clear things up for spring.
A 2004 study showed eucalyptus oil (tested in vitro or in test tubes) may be useful in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. In animals, it also works as an expectorant, which means it helps ease coughs by loosening up phlegm.
Savvy koalas.
Tomorrow, another soothing essential oil: peppermint.
