What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil is the generic name for the essential oil that is distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus plant. It aids a lightness to perfume with its green, lemony and camphor-like character. For use in perfumery, the oil is distilled via steam or water. The oil and all its components are then funneled into a condenser that cools the vapor into liquid.
Where Does Eucalyptus Come From?
All of the more than 700 species of eucalyptus trees in the world are indigenous to Australia, Tasmania and nearby islands. Three quarters of Australia’s national forest land is comprised of more that 227 million acres of eucalyptus forest. All species are members of the Myrtle family of plants, contain essential oils and are known for their flower parts, which always appear in multiples of four and five. Most of these trees are evergreen and are known by other names, which include: Fever Tree, Blue Gum Tree, and Stringy Bark Tree, depending on their location in the world.
What Is The History of Eucalyptus?
It is believed that eucalyptus trees have been in Australia for millions of years and that they originally evolved in the gigantic land mass known as Gondwana, which scientists estimate was formed some 250 million years ago and today includes all of Africa, South America, India, Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand. The leaves of the trees were sources for water and a tea, which was a remedy for fever
among the aborigines.
What Does Eucalyptus Smell Like?
Sometimes described as sharp, pungent and slightly medicinal with a hint of woody rosemary, eucalyptus is complex and multi-faceted with aspects of cool mint, sweet, floral honey and fresh, clean citrus. Deep within its aromatic folds, eucalyptus oil also contains elements of the green and leafy forest
with all its hidden wonders and mysteries. It is a well-loved scent that is found in everything from soothing fragrances to scented towels.
Eucalyptus In Perfumery
Eucalyptus is highly versatile
in perfume formulations because it can be used either as a top or-head note that is vibrant and fresh or as a heart note where its minty and woodsy character shines. The leaves are woody, resinous and slightly sweet because they contain aromatic terpenes, which are naturally-occurring compounds that define the ultimate character of the pigment, scent and taste of the fragrances. Three specific terpenes; namely, cineol; pinene and limonene, render eucalyptus its woody and citrusy aspects.
What Are The Most Common Uses Of Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus ignites the senses and is found in both masculine and feminine scents. It combines well with other fresh notes and is treasured as an ingredient that can be used to create one-of-a-kind, intense and intricate accords. However, it must always be handled with great care because its can easily overpower a scent with an unpleasant mothball-like character. In foods, dried eucalyptus leaf is used as a flavoring agent. In the home, it is a potent pest repellent often used against mosquitoes, cockroaches, bugs and rodents. In the home, lemon eucalyptus oil is an effective natural disinfectant.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Use Around Pets?
In large amounts, eucalyptus essential oil can be harmful to dogs when ingested or inhaled and can also potentially irritate a dog's sensitive respiratory system, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It can also be harmful to other pets as well, including cats and birds. The safest scenario would be to use the oil in an area of the home where pets cannot access. Check with your vet first to always be sure.
Our Eucalpytus-Infused Diffuser Oils
