Eucalyptus is the universal language of koalas, but did you know around 700 species of this tree exist?

In part 1 of our eucalyptus series, we explored the somewhat romantic story of its cleansing powers being unveiled to the rest of the world at the Paris Expo back in 1867.

Of all the eucalypts, there are a handful in particular that are highly regarded for wellbeing benefits, each with varying degrees of eucalyptol (1,8 cineol).

This particular constituent — eucalyptol — has been studied extensively, including:

  • effects via inhalation … (Jurgens et al., 1998)
  • significant activity …. (Pattnaik et al., 1997)
  • effective … after 20 minutes of inhalation … (University of Vienna published in Chemical Senses, Nasal et al., 1994)
  • (Steinmetz et al., 1998)
  • effectiveness … (double-blind controlled clinical trial, Ulmer et al., 1991)
  • vs Triclosan … as part of an essential oil mouth rinse (University of Wales published in the Journal of Periodontology, Hunter et al., 1994)

Eucalyptus essential oil is produced by the steam distillation of leaves.  Of all the species, a half dozen are especially highly regarded: Eucalyptus radiata, globulus, polybractea, dives, citriodora, staigeriana — plus Eucalyptus bicostata, commonly called Eucalyptus Blue and grown and distilled in Ecuador.

Today, we’ll talk about three which are high in eucalyptol. 

All are excellent for diffusing. This works a treat as a general purifying and soothing air cleanser if anyone in the home has come down with a bug.

And all can be applied directly onto location/chakras/VitaFlex points. Dilute if necessary in equal parts with a pure carrier oil like coconut, olive or sweet almond.

Eucalyptus radiata

High in eucalyptol (60-75%) but low in potentially irritating aldehydes, this is one of the gentlest and most effective of the eucalyptus oils and ideal for diffusing, as direct inhalation and prolonged aromatic exposure will not irritate mucous membranes. And if you ever get a ticklish throat, you’ll find a tip for that here!

Eucalyptus polybractea

Potentially the highest in eucalyptol (85-95%) yet also low in isovaleric aldehyde, this combination makes Eucalyptus polybractea next in line after Eucalyptus radiata as least irritating yet most cleansing of the eucalyptus oils.

Eucalyptus globulus

With 70-90% eucalyptol, this essential oil is another great one to keep on hand.

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Thank goodness all 700 species aren’t distilled or we’d need a separate blog for them! In Part 3, coming soon, we’ll cover the ‘rogue’ eucalypts — the ones that have some different attributes again.

Enjoy the good oil daily.

The information on this site does not constitute advice. Please consult with your health practitioner. When using any of the products mentioned throughout this site, please be sure to read the labels and follow their suggestions for safe use.