Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Queen of Cold Weather

Eucalyptus is a go-to ingredient in countless commercial products used to treat the respiratory tract.
The leaves of the eucalyptus tree—there are many different species of eucalyptus—are distilled to make essential oil. Among these different species is eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as southern blue gum.

Botanical characteristics

Eucalyptus globulus is a tree that grows in hot, sunny regions and can reach up to 100 metres tall. Its fruits are covered with an operculum, a kind of globe-shaped lid, that gives the tree its name: globulus.⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

The tree's evergreen leaves, from which the essential oil is extracted, are bluish and fragrant. The tree's elaborate root system allows it to absorb a lot of water, and as a result, it partially dries out marshes and wetlands. This helps minimize the number of mosquito-infested areas, which can stem the spread of malaria in some regions.⁽¹⁾

One of the well-known uses of this tree's wood is in the production of cellulose pulp to make printing paper and tissue paper.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾

The Eucalyptus globulus essential oil

The leaf of the eucalyptus, whose underside is dotted with aromatic glands, is the main source of the aromatic essence. The essential oil derived from these eucalyptus leaves is yellow, has refreshing characteristics and is loaded with active substances.⁽¹⁾⁽⁴⁾

From a purely medicinal standpoint, its constituents are especially effective in the respiratory tract. This essential oil is rich in molecules of the terpene oxide family, especially eucalyptol (also called 1,8 cineole). Thanks to its properties, this molecule is effective in liquefying mucus, decongesting the respiratory tract and fighting pathogenic bacteria and viruses affecting the respiratory tract. ^{(1) p.491}

Thanks to its expectorant and oxygenating qualities, it is used to treat chills, colds and flu by making breathing easier.^{(1) p.491(5) p.80}

How to use Eucalyptus globulus essential oil and precautions to be aware of

It is important to know that eucalyptus globulus essential oil also contains a small percentage of camphor. While this active molecule is very effective at decongesting the entire respiratory tract, there are certain contraindications that must be taken into account.

Camphor (borneol) is not recommended for people with epilepsy, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young children. It is also not recommended for people suffering from asthma.^{(5) p.80 (7)(8)}

Furthermore, because it dries the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, this essential oil should not be used undiluted with a diffuser as it can cause coughing and irritation of the mucous membranes.

It should be diluted in low concentrations (10% to 20% max.) in other, milder essential oils such as:

• common lavender (Lavandula officinalis) or true lavender (Lavandula vera),
• sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) or
• balsam fir (Abies balsamea).

Avoid diffusing in the presence of pregnant women, young children, or people with asthma, allergies or sensitivities.^{(5) p.80 (7)(8)}

It is recommended that eucalyptus globulus essential oil be applied to the skin, diluted—2 to 3 drops of essential oil blended with one half to one full teaspoon of vegetable oil such as sweet almond, sunflower or grapeseed oil.

This dilution facilitates application and prevents skin irritation. Again, the people mentioned above must observe these precautions when using this essential oil ^{(5) p.80}

Before using this (or any) essential oil, always perform an oil tolerance test by applying a small amount of the oil at the inner bend of the elbow to ensure that it is tolerated by your skin.

Diluting one drop of essential oil in a small amount of vegetable oil and waiting a few hours before using it will reduce the risk of potential allergies in people with sensitive skin.

For someone with a cold, the essential oil blend can be applied to the arch of the foot, forearms, chest and upper back 3 to 4 times a day depending on the person's skin sensitivity. As the cold improves, the frequency can be reduced to 1 to 2 times a day.

Conclusion

Considering this information, eucalyptus globulus is an excellent choice for providing energy to a body weakened by respiratory viruses. It oxygenates, purifies, liquefies undesirable secretions and helps prevent coughing fits (antispasmodic properties).^{(1) p.491,492, (5) p.80 (6) p.34}

This makes it a good essential oil for use during viral epidemics affecting the respiratory tract. The Queen of Cold Weather... or at least part of the royal family. Trying it means opening yourself up to a multitude of benefits that could come in useful during these cold winter months.

Smelling its refreshing scent is a pleasure in itself. We hope you enjoy your experience discovering this essential oil, the undisputed queen of respiratory comfort!

References:
(1) Faucon Michel. Traité d'aromathérapie scientifique et médicale : Fondements et aide à la prescription, Ed. Médical Sang de la Terre, 2012, p. 490.
(2)http://collections.banq.qc.ca/ark:/52327/bs52040 p.27
(3) https://uses.plantnet-project.org/fr/Eucalyptus_globulus_(PROTA)
(4) https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-01733789/document p.49
(5) Maillard, Aude, Le grand guide de l'Aromathérapie et des soins de beauté naturels, Ed. I read, 2016, Aromazone
(6) A.Zhiri, D.Baudoux. Chemotyped essential oils and their synergies, Aromathérapie Scientifique, Ed. Inspir development.
(7) https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/lifestyles/safe-use-health-products-containing-camphor-eucalyptus-oils.html
(8) https://www.protegez-vous.ca/nouvelles/sante-et-alimentation/enfants-et-huiles-essentielles-gare-aux-intoxications