Eucalyptus Radiata

Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus radiata is an Australian tree with a bluish grey trunk which may reach thirty metres and belongs to the Myrtaceae family.

A closed shell hides the flower stamens which come out when they grow, which gave the tree its Greek name (eu "well", kaluptos "covered"). The leaves have oil glands and can capture solar energy on each of their faces, which makes them secrete an abundant nectar.

Main aromatic molecules: Monoterpene oxides (1,8-cineole or eucalyptol), monoterpenes and monoterpenols (α-terpineol).
Family: Myrtaceae.
Productive organs: Leaves and branches.
Yield: 2kg of essential oil per 100kg of plants.
Equivalence: 1ml → 32 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).

Bath
Skin application
Oral route
Respiratory route

Main properties

Antiviral, decongestant and expectorant, Eucalyptus radiata or Eucalyptus globulus is the Attila the Hun of respiratory diseases, irrespective of whether they are viral (cold, flu) or bacterial (bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis). It is pleasant to breathe and a formidable nasal decongestant. Furthermore, it has the capacity of curing skin infections, support the immune system and energise.

Find all the virtues and uses of essential oils in our tips section.

recipes

ENT infections (viral or bacterial)
For use from the age of 12, mix 5 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil in 5 drops of sweet almond vegetable oil and 5 drops of black cumin vegetable oil, rub the upper back, chest and neck in the evening at bedtime.

Blocked nose
For use from the age of 12, place 3 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil on a handkerchief or in a bowl of simmering water, breathe for 10 minutes with each nostril.

Otitis
Apply 2 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil diluted in 3 drops of sweet almond vegetable oil around the earlobe, 3 times a day for 5 days. Never pour essential oil into the ear canal. Recipe suitable for adults and children aged 7 and over.

CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTION
An almost exclusively Australian forest species including seven hundred species, and a treat for koalas, the eucalyptus spread over the other continents in Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal where it is used for paper pulp), Africa (Morocco and Madagascar), Asia (China, India, Sri Lanka) and North and South America. It is found in all the pharmacopoeias of the planet. Australia, Morocco and Spain are the main exporters of essential oil of eucalyptus. In Tunisia, a colossal project of the Global Wood Holding of Geneva plans to plant in the Tatouine desert a forest to provide two million tonnes of eucalyptus wood per year for export.

FRAGRANCE
Eucalyptus radiata leaves have a strong camphor odour, slightly pungent, even though less than that of Eucalyptus globulus. Essential oil of eucalyptus has a characteristic, fresh and pleasant scent.

EXTRACTION AND YIELD
The yield of eucalyptus leave steam distillation is approximately 2%, i.e. two kilograms per hundred kilograms of plant.

CHEMICAL FORMULA
The active ingredients of essential oil of Eucalyptus radiata are mainly oxides (1,8-cineol: 72%-75%-80%) and a monoterpenol (alpha-terpineol).

Precautions for use
Essential oil of Eucalyptus radiata is remarkably well-tolerated in skin application in young children: always use diluted to 50% in a vegetable oil.

Lemon-scented eucalyptus has specific properties: anti-inflammatory and analgesic (osteoarthritis, tendinitis, rheumatism, sprains, arthritis, headaches, painful menstruation). Its essential oil also treats skin disorders (Herpes zoster, athletes' foot, mycoses, itching). It is also a good mosquito repellent.

Do not use in: pregnant or breast-feeding women, children under the age of three years (under the age of seven years for oral administration and for Eucalyptus globulus), persons with a history of epilepsy (warning, especially in children who have had fever seizures), persons allergic to one of the components (geraniol, linalool, limonene), subjects with asthma without the advice of an allergologist before the first use, in case of treatment of more than a few days (contraceptive pill, anticoagulants, chemotherapy, etc.).

RELATED SPECIES
Lemon scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora citronnellalifera), Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), Menthol eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives piperitoniferum), Eucalyptus polybractea cineol (Eucalyptus polybractea cineolifera), Eucalyptus polybractea crypton (Eucalyptus polybractea cryptonifera).

"The fever tree", which has the rare virtue of cleansing its surroundings, was discovered in Australia in 1792 by the French naturalist Julien Houtou de La Billardière, who accompanied La Perouse and wrote an account of the expedition. Aboriginals used its leaves to treat their wounds and fevers. Its introduction in Europe dates back to 1856 when the commercial product started in the Australian state of Victoria. Eucalyptus was used to dry out and clean malaria-infested marsh regions as it absorbs large quantities of water and releases strongly anti-infectious emissions, thus one of its names Eucalyptus salubris.

AROMATHERAPIA
Extracts from the book 'Aromatherapia - All about essential oils', by Isabelle Pacchioni, watercolors by Patrick MORIN, Aroma Thera Editions . Extracts from the book '41 essential oils essential for treating yourself differently' and '48 essential oils which every home needs to be healthy' by Isabelle Delaleu and Isabelle Pacchioni, Publications of the Mandadori France group. Botanical illustrations by Agathe Haevermans.

The properties, benefits and method of use are given for information; they cannot in any case constitute or replace medical information that only health professionals can provide. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, please consult your GP or pharmacist.