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Eucalyptus Essential Oil Phytochemistry
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a huge evergreen tree native to Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea. The part of the plant richest in active principles consists of the leaves used for centuries, in the form of an infusion, to treat high fevers and asthma. Precisely from the leaves you can get valuable essential oil with a characteristic smell, camphor with woody notes. Eucalyptus essential oil is very rich in monoterpenes, including pinene. limonene and terpinene, ketones, including camphor and especially oxides, in particular 1,8 cineol, better known under the name of eucalyptol. The latter is the main responsible for the antimicrobial action, in particular antibacterial,
Main activities of eucalyptus essential oil
The main use of eucalyptus essential oil, now confirmed not only by tradition, but by numerous scientific studies on the matter, is in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract. In fact, it has a decongestant action on the nasal mucosa, soothing irritations and, above all, an expectorant activity, reducing the viscosity and increasing the fluidity of the mucus. In addition, its antiseptic activity makes it particularly suitable for the treatment of winter colds, since it is able to kill the pathogenic viruses responsible for the diseases typical of the coldest season. Eucalyptus essential oil also has an important analgesic and stimulating action on cognitive functions, promoting intellectual activity, improving attention and the ability to concentrate. Ultimately,
Uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Thanks to its multiple activities, eucalyptus essential oil can be used in the treatment of phlegm, cough, bronchitis and pharyngitis. It can be inhaled by placing 2 drops of oil on a paper towel, or 3 drops of oil can be used in fumigations, preferably with 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. To improve nighttime breathing and soothe coughs, you can also mix 3 drops of essential oil in a nutty fatty oil, such as sweet almond oil, and massage your chest and throat in circular motions. This last prescription can also be useful in the treatment of migraines and sinusitis: 3 drops of eucalyptus oil accompanied by three drops of peppermint in a dab of sweet almond oil, They can be used to massage the painful area, obtaining immediate relief. Massages with eucalyptus essential oil are also indicated for the treatment of rheumatism, muscle pain and joint problems.
Eucalyptus essential oil, like many other essential oils, is photosensitizing: for this reason, after external application, exposure to the sun is not recommended to avoid skin burns. In addition, it is toxic by ingestion, so it is good to avoid internal ingestion, especially in subjects with gastric or hepatic diseases, during pregnancy and in children under six years of age. In addition, in the latter subjects, it is necessary to avoid application near the nostrils because it is potentially responsible for spasms of the epiglottis. People with allergies should use essential oil with caution, perhaps testing it on a small patch of skin first and monitoring for any adverse reactions within 24 hours. In general, do not use the