"Hello! I would like some eucalyptus essential oil." "Certainly, but which eucalyptus are you talking about, madam?" This little exchange could take place in most pharmacies. Indeed, there is more than one eucalyptus essential oil, and it is important to differentiate them in order to use them wisely.
Eucalyptus radiata, globular, menthol, smithii or lemon?
Let's take a quick look at the most common eucalyptus essential oils to familiarize ourselves with this aromatic family, which is very interesting in winter.
Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus radiata is the most well-known and best-tolerated eucalyptus. It's what you unknowingly think of when you're in the sauna or steam room. It's actually quite common in these places where its freshness and pleasant scent are welcome. Eucalyptus radiata is primarily an essential oil that clears the respiratory tract and purifies the air. Indeed, it contains 1,8 cineole, an aromatic molecule known for its expectorant properties. The advantage of eucalyptus radiata, however, is that it is well-tolerated and generally does not cause spasms when inhaled. Also very well tolerated when diluted on the skin, eucalyptus radiata can be used in respiratory balm formulas for children if properly dosed. Many mothers massage it into an oil or cream on the soles of their children's feet in winter. Note that Australian aborigines use fresh eucalyptus radiata leaves to dress their wounds.
A simple little formula suitable for massaging children from 6 months:
- Eucalyptus radiata essential oil: 10 drops;
- Noble Chamomile Essential Oil (chamaemelum nobile): 10 drops;
- Apricot Kernel Vegetable Oil: 50 ml.
Massage the child's feet or back with 4 or 5 drops of this massage oil at bedtime for trouble-free sleep.
Eucalyptus globulus
This very common and widespread eucalyptus is more expectorant than eucalyptus radiata, and it is also reputed to have more cleansing properties than the former. In fact, some works attribute antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties to it. However, it is less well tolerated on the skin and is not suitable for young children. Ideal for diffusion, eucalyptus globulus can be combined with other eucalyptus to purify the air in a living room, a bathroom, a treatment room or a gym. It is found combined with eucalyptus smithii in the Eucaly'pur essential oil diffuser blend, which is absolutely perfect for diffusion in living rooms.
Eucalyptus smithii (eucalyptus smithii)
A must for diffusion Less often used than the previous eucalyptus, it is nevertheless very popular in England where, in addition to its cleansing and respiratory properties, it is attributed a beautiful energetic dimension for revitalizing massages. In such massages, it is combined in very small doses with citrus fruits such as grapefruit or with a small dose of black spruce in a vegetable oil to practice a very invigorating and anti-fatigue massage. It is even more concentrated than eucalyptus radiata and globulus in 1.8 cineole, which makes it a truly expectorant essential oil, sometimes too much for sensitive people. It is advised never to ingest it and not to use it on children or pregnant women. However, it is very well suited to atmospheric diffusion because its scent is fresh and very round, which is why it is found in particular in the Eucaly'pur diffusion mixture.
Menthol eucalyptus (eucalyptus dives)
This minty-scented eucalyptus is a UFO. It's not really expectorant and doesn't contain 1,8-cineole terpene oxide. However, it does contain a significant proportion of piperitone, an aromatic molecule belonging to the ketone family. This makes this essential oil particularly suitable for mucolytic or lipolytic treatments.
Eucalyptus dives For example, it is found as a low-dose ingredient in preparations to soothe bronchitis and chesty coughs, but also in massage oils against cellulite or adiposity. It can also sometimes be added to a shampoo for very oily hair. Be careful, mentholated eucalyptus must be used with great caution and is not suitable for children, pregnant women, or epileptics.
Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
eucalyptus citriodora This eucalyptus should be considered separately from the others described above. Indeed, its biochemical profile is very different and makes it an essential oil with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and mosquito repellent properties (like citronella ;-) ). This essential oil contains a significant amount of citronellal, a very negative terpene aldehyde. Lemon eucalyptus is sometimes called the "firefighter" of aromatherapy because it calms and soothes inflamed areas.
