Eucalyptus those Aches & Pains Away!

Photo credit: ekaterinvor

Article by Eileen Doody

Everyone is familiar with the distinctive, fresh, camphorous scent of Eucalyptus as it is found in so many medicines, foods and household cleaners these days. It is worth mentioning that while eucalyptus is contained in such products, it would be isolated compounds of the essential oil that are used and not the complete essential oil in its purity.

There are over 700 varieties of eucalypti with around 500 of them producing essential oils. The eucalyptus tree is one of the world’s tallest trees as it can grow up to over 300 feet. The name “eucalyptus” comes from a Greek word which means “well covered” due to the covering of the flower buds by a membrane. The Australian Aboriginal people used eucalyptus to heal wounds, treat infections and fevers. They also used it as a fumigant. The roots have a powerful drying action on the surrounding soil and for this reason it has been planted in some of the most marshy, malarial areas of the world. Eucalyptus is a strong anti-infectious which indeed helps to prevent malaria. When it was introduced to Europe, it developed the characteristic of secreting chemicals into the surrounding soil thereby halting the growth of other nearby plants.

The most popular eucalyptus used in aromatherapy is Eucalyptus globulus. This is a rather stimulating oil and is best used during the day. There are other eucalypti oils, mentioned below, reserved for evening use. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immuno-stimulant, expectorant, anti-catarrhal and is extremely beneficial for any respiratory complaints, sinusitis, coughs, cold or ‘flu. It clears congestion and dampness (you remember its roots soaks up dampness from the soil) which enables us to breathe deeper. In doing this, it helps to prevent infections. It is such an anti-infectious essential oil that diffusing it or spraying it into the environment has been found to prevent air borne infections from spreading. It has a cooling effect and so helps to lower the temperature if suffering with fever.

Eucalyptus also has an affinity with the genito-urinary tract and so can be useful for cystitis or urinary tract infections. This essential oil is excellent for any type of infection including cold sores, chickenpox and shingles helping to heal the skin as well as clearing up the infection itself. With these types of infections, there are gentler eucalypti available which may be more suitable – Eucalyptus smithii and Eucalyptus Radiata. These will not irritate the skin and can be used in the evening as they will not interfere with sleep. These eucalypti are suitable for use with children.

I have found using any of the eucalypti to be excellent in the treatment of aches, pains, joint problems, nerve pain and rheumatism. Eucalyptus citriodora, lemon scented eucalyptus, is a very calming, analgesic eucalyptus worth mentioning here. It has also been used very effectively as a bug repellent and you may find it used in many such sprays during the summer months. Any of the eucalypti help with this :).

On an emotional level, the eucalypti essential oils have a clearing and cleansing effect. They clear the mind and help with clarity, focus and concentration. Clearing the lungs and helping us to breathe deeper; we are calmer, more centred and our spirit is revived. The eucalypti clear away feelings of sadness and apathy. They open us up to thinking outside of our own “box” of limited feelings and beliefs. They lift our feelings of stagnation and negativity and help us to feel expanded, re-energized and re-aligned.

Some blend suggestions:

Colds/’Flu

Blend together in 10ml* of base oil, cream or lotion and apply to the soles of the feet, collar bones and between the shoulder blades 2-3 times daily.

You can use any of these blends of essential oils in the water reservoir of your diffuser. You can also make a spray blend; diluting them in a teaspoon of vodka and adding to a clean glass spray bottle with water or; adding them to a clean glass spray bottle filled with a hydrolat or floral water.

Coughs/Bronchitis

Blend together in 10 ml base oil, cream or lotion and apply to the collar bones, up the neck and between the shoulder blades 2-3 times daily.

Aches, Pains and Joint Issues:

Blend together in 10ml of base oil, cream or lotion and massage into affected area twice daily.

Cold Sores

Put one drop of Eucalyptus Smithii on the top of a cotton bud and apply (if the skin is not broken) to the cold sore. Do this 2-3 times daily.

Important Notes

• Essential oils may be toxic to some pets so keep your diffuser and essential oils away from them.

• Some essential oils have contra-indications so please consult a good aromatherapy book (written by a qualified aromatherapist) before use.

• Essential oils are toxic to aquatic life so please do not flush them down the toilet or the sink. Instead, wipe away any surplus essential oils in cream or diffuser with some kitchen paper and put in the bin.

• The above blend dilutions are suitable for teenagers and adults.

*5ml = 1 teaspoon.

Holistic Wellbeing has a wide range of essential oils you can view when visiting the Centre. I am always happy to answer any questions so do feel free to get in touch.

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Eileen is passionate about holding space for others in their healing and spiritual journeys. Her website is www.eileendoody.com. Her Facebook page is Eileen Doody Therapies.