Eucalyptus: An In-Depth Look at this Fresh & Relaxing Fragrance

The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia but grown around the world and valued for its medicinal properties. Eucalyptus oil, derived from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves, has long been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments but also possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The oil has a menthol-like fragrance that can be almost medicinal in nature.

Eucalyptus essential oil can promote feelings of calm and relaxation. It combines well with lemon and peppermint oils, particularly for use in homemade cleaning products. Read on to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about eucalyptus and to explore the LAFCO fragrances featuring this oil.

What is Eucalyptus?

The name eucalyptus applies to a genus of over seven hundred species of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. These trees are known for their smooth, fibrous leaves and fused petals that form a cap over the stamens. Eucalyptus trees produce woody capsules called gumnuts.

Roughly three-quarters of forest land in Australia is made up of eucalypts and, as such, many eucalyptus species are adapted to survive wildfires. Most eucalyptus species are native to Australia, though a few are native to the islands to the north and several species are only found outside the continent. Because they are fast-growing and evergreen, eucalyptus trees are often grown in plantations for their timber, pulpwood, honey, or essential oils.

Eucalyptus essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the tree and has been used medicinally since the late 1700s. Originally used to treat chest problems and colic, eucalyptus oil came to be used for a wide variety of medicinal applications, though it is still primarily used for respiratory ailments.

The Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil is particularly rich in 1,8-cineole, also known as cineole or eucalyptol. This compound produces a sharp, medicinal smell and has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. New research has shown eucalyptus oil to be a strong antioxidant as well.

Here are some of the conditions for which eucalyptus oil has been used:

• Cold, cough, and congestion
• Acute bronchitis
• Acute sinusitis
• Wound healing
• Pain relief
• Severe asthma
• Plaque and gingivitis

Eucalyptus has also been used as an insecticide and insect repellent. In the 1940s, the United States officially registered eucalyptus oil as an insecticide and miticide for killing mites and ticks. The oil has also been shown to help keep mosquitoes and houseflies away.

Though eucalyptus oil can be very beneficial when inhaled or applied topically, it is a poisonous oil that should not be ingested. For topical applications, eucalyptus oil should be diluted between 1 and 5 percent eucalyptus oil with 95 to 99 percent carrier oil – that’s roughly equivalent to 1 to 5 drops of eucalyptus oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Ways to Enjoy Eucalyptus at Home

 

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Because eucalyptus oil is not safe for ingestion, one of the safest ways to enjoy this oil is through aromatherapy applications. It’s still recommended that you dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil but LAFCO products like fragranced candles and reed diffusers are safe to use.

Here are some of the top LAFCO fragrances featuring eucalyptus:

• Rosemary Eucalyptus – Presented in a bright green art glass vessel, this Rosemary Eucalyptus reed diffuser offers up to 1 year of continuous fragrance. This herbal fragrance features top notes of juniper berry and garden sage which fade into a heart of rosemary and eucalyptus before settling into a lasting impression of elemi oil and patchouli.
• Mint Tisane – The scent of sweet basil, mint, and star anise combine to create a calming fragrance with sparkling notes of citrus and an undertone of ginger, iris, and clove. This 6.5-ounce Classic candle is presented in a bright green art glass vessel with a 100% cotton wick for a pure, clean burn and an estimated burn time of 50 hours.
• Chamomile Lavender – This fresh fragrance features notes of chamomile, lavender, and sage with hints of bright bergamot and calming eucalyptus. Made with a rich blend of shea butter and cotton seed, extra virgin olive, and jojoba oils, this reparative hand cream restores and repairs dry skin, leaving the hands luxuriously fragranced.
• Lavender Amber – Enjoy the relaxing aroma of fresh eucalyptus accented with notes of French lavender, fern, and vanilla in this 15.5-ounce Signature scented candle. Presented in a rich purple art glass vessel, this candle offers a 90-hour burn time.

Every LAFCO product comes with the Pure Promise which ensures biodegradable and sustainable ingredients, highly concentrated essential oil-based fragrances, and no toxic chemicals. Explore the LAFCO family of fragrances using the newly updated Fragrance Finder and sample three new fragrances with the LAFCO Discovery Trio for just $16.