Eucalyptus was first employed medicinally by the aboriginal people of Australia who used it to treat infections and fevers. The healing properties of eucalyptus are so well known to the native people that they would bind eucalyptus leaves around serious wounds. Following its discovery by the French naturalist De Labillardiere, eucalyptus was planted in some of the most marshy and malarial regions of Algiers. The roots of the tree have a powerful drying action on the soil. While the strongly anti-infectious oil was inhaled to reduce malarial fever, the tree transformed some of the wettest, marshy areas into the driest. The Australian eucalyptus industry experienced its real boom during World War I when the oil was used as medicine for a meningitis outbreak and the 1919 world- wide influenza epidemic. It reached its peak in production during the post war years of World War II, producing 1,000 tons per year, 70 percent of which was exported. Since then, production has declined and Australia now only produces between five to 10 percent of the world's supply.

"Eucalyptus deters mosquitoes and insects in general. I use it as a part of my mosquito blend for the summer months. Blended into a light, unscented summer body lotion, leave your blend by the door and simply apply it before you go out. Blend eucalyptus with other oils that are insect repellants such as citronella, geranium, lemongrass, peppermint, tea tree and lavender."

The oil can be distilled from young or old leaves. The leaves of the mature tree are long, pointed and a yellowish-green color as opposed to the younger trees which are round and a silvery-blue color. In general, eucalyptus has a clear, clean and refreshing smell; this generally comes from the younger leaves. The oil distilled from the older leaves has a stronger and more pungent aroma. Most of the oil is rectified and is double distilled to remove impurities. This oil smells quite different from the original crude oil.
According to most medical references, the active principal constituent of eucalyptus oil is 1,8-cineole. The medicinal properties of the oil are specified by the minimum quantity of constituents which are defined in the United States, British and other pharmacopoeia. These specifications require eucalyptus oil to contain no less than 70 percent 1,8-cineole and be practically free of alpha and beta phellandrene.
Although eucalyptus globulus is the variety that is most well known, eucalyptus radiata is recommended as well. With a much more pungent smell eucalyptus globulus and can be a little strong and overwhelming for younger children and seniors. I tend to use it for the conditions that affect the throat, nose and eyes, including fever and all aspects of the cold and flu that affect these areas. Eucalyptus radiata has a softer, gentler aroma that is more appealing to children and seniors and more easily assimilated. It can be recommended for problems in the chest area, such as chest infections, mucus and bronchitis.
As a major expectorant, decongestant and anticatarrhal oil, eucalyptus' principal sphere of action is on the respiratory system. The expectorant activity of eucalyptus may be directly traced to the 1,8-cineole, which has the property of reducing the swelling of mucous membranes and loosening phlegm, thus making breathing easier. Its antibacterial, antiviral action makes it useful in treating the common cold and easing nasal congestion, sinusitis, laryngitis, chronic bronchitis and asthma. As a tonic to the Lung-Qi, eucalyptus oil generally enhances the breathing function while promoting the uptake of oxygen by red blood cells. According to physician and aromatherapist Dr. Jean Valnet, the spraying of a two percent emulsion containing eucalyptus kills off 70 percent of local, airborne staphylococci. According to Dr. Daniel Penoel, 1,8-cineole rich oils, such as those of the eucalyptus species, stimulate the immune system because they have an enhancing effect on gamma and beta globulins. They reduce the primary phase of the inflammatory reaction and therefore their effect is said to be immunomodulant. The germicidal action of eucalyptus oil extends to the Genito-urinary system, where it is indicated for cystitis and leucorrhoea. The oil is an immune tonic and may be combined with oils such as tea tree and thyme to strengthen the body and prevent infection from occurring.
The stimulating, decongesting and balsamic qualities of the essential oil make it further indicated for rheumatic pain. It may also be applied to relieve muscular pain and neuralgia. Eucalyptus is also anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic and analgesic, making it ideal for massage treatments to relieve rheumatic pain and muscular aches and pains. However, make sure to blend it well with other analgesics as it does have a strong, medicinal odor.
As a pain reliever, it can be used for headaches combined with lavender and peppermint blended in either a cold pressed carrier oil or a light lotion, applied to the affected area.

Gabrielle Mojay describes the benefits of using eucalyptus:

"The pungent, yet soothing aroma helps to dispel melancholy and revive the spirits, working to restore both vitality and a positive outlook. Eucalyptus oil is suited to people who feel… constricted by their surroundings – whether at home, at work or in society. They sense the possibility of achieving greater freedom and a wider life experience, but dare not seek to create this due to excessive caution, habit, fear or responsibility. Eucalyptus oil helps to disperse the negative feelings associated with such situations, and gives us, inwardly 'room to breathe.' Whether the inspiration it instills leads to change or greater acceptance, the oil can transform a sense of suffocation into one of expansive renewal."

Finally, embrace this oil during the winter months in the spa for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can be combined with other oils such as palmarosa, ravintsara and spike lavender to create a winter blend to help yourself and your family stay strong and healthy.

Muscle Cramps and Spasms Blend:
8 drops rosemary
8 drops marjoram
6 drops lavender
4 drops of eucalyptus
Place the drops in one ounce of St John’s Wort infused oil and one ounce of sweet almond oil; blend well.

Trish Green is a homeopath, certified clinical and medically trained aromatherapist. She recently completed her education in aromatherapy for use in Oncology practice. She is the director of sales and marketing for Eve Taylor North America.