Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The medicinal qualities of Eucalyptus oil are numerous and wide-ranging.  It has become a popular additive to medicines, creams, oils, and mouthwash because of its medicinal and aromatic properties.

The Eucalyptus tree is an evergreen, native to Australia, but found in other parts of the world.  It is also known as the stringy bark tree, blue gum tree and the fever tree, depending on its location.  The oil is steam-extracted from fresh or partially dried green leaves and young twigs.  The aroma calms, soothes and opens airways, which makes it a beneficial oil to use in aromatherapy.  Eucalyptus blends well with many oils, including Cedarwood, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Lavender, and Tea Tree.  Blend it with Geranium and a Citrus oil for a safe and effective insect repellent.

Properties of Eucalyptus Oil:

• Antiseptic
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Deoderant
• Stimulating
• Helps Heal Burns, Wounds, Blisters & Ulcers
• Relieves Insect Bites & Stings
• Helps Relieve Asthmatic Symptoms
• Treats Sore Throat, Cough & Relieves Congestion
• Increases Blood Flow / Relaxes Blood Vessels
• Helps Relieve Muscle & Joint Pain
• Germicidal
• Pesticide
• Fever Reduction

When used as an ingredient in mouthwash, the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of Eucalyptus has been shown to be effective against cavities, gingivitis, plaque and mouth infections.

Sore muscles will benefit greatly from a massage of Eucalyptus Essential Oil diluted with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut, Avocado, Olive, Grapeseed, Almond or Jojoba oils.  Muscle spasms also benefit from the same treatment.

Blend Eucalyptus Essential Oil with your favorite skin care oils to use as a natural deodorant.  Or add 10 drops to 8oz of water in an amber spray bottle, along with oils of your choice to deodorize rooms and surfaces (or even pets – see Doggy Deodorant).

In a diffuser, the scent of Eucalyptus oil opens the airways, refreshes your lungs and stimulates blood flow.  If you have a cold or flu, or are just plain exhausted, use this oil for comfort, healing and relief of sore throats, stuffy noses, headaches, congestion and cough.  Released into the air, Eucalyptus kills germs, helping to reduce the chance of passing them on.  Dilute and combine with peppermint for a body spray that reduces fevers.

Eucalyptus oil is a toxin in large amounts and should not be ingested.  When Eucalyptus is diluted for topical or aromatherapy use, it is regarded as safe for humans and cats and dogs.  Ask your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing.  Do not use if you are sensitive to eucalyptol.  Do not use topically on children under 6 or those with sensitive skin without diluting the oil first.

As with all essential oils, be absolutely sure that what you are buying is 100% pure, therapeutic grade oil.  This information has not been evaluated by the FDA.  I am not a doctor and could never take the place of yours.  Seek advice from your doctor as you normally would.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be purchased here:  http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

 

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The Dreaded Cold and Flu Season

 

Winter is on its way. Kids are generously sharing viruses and bringing them home to you and all who visit you. Time to clean the air in every room.

Aromatherapy isn’t just about moods. There are quite a few powerful oils that when diffused, kill bacteria, fungi and viruses in the air.  It also helps to alleviate symptoms of colds as well as the flu.

There is not one single recipe that is the best because there are so many oils that can help, depending on what brings your home the most comfort.  Lavender is universally good for moods as well as health.  I like to mix 4 drops of lemon essential oil and two drops of lavender in my diffuser and let it run for cleaner, lighter air during any time of the year.

But when fall rolls around and into winter, I will use a mixture of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cinnamon bark regularly to boost immune systems and keep the air cleaner in the home.  This recipe is similar to Young Living’s Four Thieves, which is wonderful. If applying it topically, dilute it in a carrier oil.  Be sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils in this recipe.  When someone is sick in the house, I diffuse this mixture almost constantly.  I have experienced it, and it does work!

Clear the Air – Makes 2 milliliters

• 20 drops Clove Oil
• 18 drops Lemon Oil
• 10 drops Cinnamon Bark
• 8 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Rosemary

Combine all oils together in a dark amber glass container of your choice.  Shake well.  This is your diffuser blend.

You can also use it to spray linens, mattresses, pillows, curtains, closets, doorknobs and any other surfaces around the house.  In this case, mix 20 drops in a 12oz spray bottle with witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar.  Shake well each time you use it.

To make a blend that you can apply to ears, chest, lower back and feet, use 3 drops of carrier oil to one drop of blend.  I would not apply to pets, and add more carrier oil if I were to put this on small children or babies.  If you want a thicker consistency, like Vapor Rub, use 3 drops per tablespoon of raw Coconut oil.  Mix it well.  It is warm and soothing on the chest and feet.  If you get cold feet in the winter you will love applying this to the bottoms of your feet and putting on your socks.

This blend kills viruses, is anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, relieves congestion, relieves sinus headaches, boosts immune response, and smells really, really good.

I don’t recommend taking this mixture internally.

Disclaimer:  This has not been evaluated by the FDA.  Be sure to consult with your doctor as you normally would for severe colds and flu.  I am not a doctor and I’ve never played one on TV.

Individual oils can be purchased here: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

 

Doggy Deodorant

I have a 70lb Redbone Coonhound.  If you know hounds, you know they stink.  They stink even when they get out of the bath – no matter what.  Then they roll in something and stink some more.  I have tried dry shampoo, regular shampoo, deodorant, as well as baking soda, vinegar and just about any home remedy that one can think of.  I decided to give my oils a try after checking thoroughly that these oils were not harmful to dogs in this application  This recipe is safe for 50+lb dogs.  You will not believe it.  Try it.  You have to if you have a stinky dog like me.  Your dog will not only love you for the massage, he or she will love the extra cuddles and kisses you and your friends insist on giving after they go from dirty dog rank to light citrusy lavender. This blend will also repel mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

Be sure that you do not spray this solution directly on your dog’s head.  Your dog won’t like it, and you want to make this a good experience.  Use a towel or paper towel to refresh the head, ears and neck.  Please do not get this into the eyes.  Don’t pour the liquid directly onto the fur. Make sure you are using high quality essential oils and test a small area first to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to anything in this solution.

Otis, our Redbone, enjoying a hike to the local waterfall.

Doggy Deoderant:

1 cup of water in a spray bottle
8 drops eucalyptus oil
6 drops lemon oil
3 drops of lavender oil

Shake well and spray all over except for the head and neck.  You don’t have to get the pup wet, less is more, and you don’t want to encourage licking.  This should not be ingested. Work the oils into the fur with your hands or a towel.  Spray the solution onto a towel or paper towel and wipe down the head, neck and ears.

That stinky old dog smell will is gone before you are finished wiping him or her down.  Bury your nose in your pooch’s fur and enjoy cuddling again!

Try Bergamot Essential oil in place of the Eucalyptus oil in the recipe above for a safe refresher if your pooch is a licker, or if you plan to use the spray frequently.

These oils are highly concentrated.  Always use them responsibly.  For a smaller dog I would dilute the oils with another cup of water or cut the oils in half.  Ask your vet before using if you have a miniature breed.  Do not use if your dog shows sensitivity. Eucalyptus oil can be toxic if ingested in larger amounts, causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

These pure, therapeutic grade oils can be purchased at: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman