What do we have in common with cute koala bears?

What do we have in common with cute koala bears?

Answer: We both enjoy eucalyptus essential oil.

What did the koala bear say to his aromatherapist? You’re koalafied to teach about eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus really is a koala-ity essential oil.

What? Should I stop with the puns? Is it un-bear-able? Okay, okay, I’ll stop. I’ll *leaf* you alone now.  ????????????

Seriously though, this really is a good time of year to talk about eucalyptus essential oil. With the changing of the seasons comes the need to take good care of our respiratory system.

And I couldn’t resist bringing koalas into the conversation because they are just so adorable. And no koalas are harmed in the harvesting of eucalyptus leaves.

In fact, two good things: There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees and the one that doTERRA uses, eucalyptus radiata, is not a favorite of koalas anyway. Plus, the harvesting of eucalyptus leaves is very sustainable with very little ecological footprint.

What is Eucalyptus essential oil?

This oil is distilled from the leaf and stem of the eucalyptus radiata tree and no surprise, doTERRA’s is sourced from Australia – one of the best places in the world for it to grow.

I think most everyone will recognize the aroma of eucalyptus. Think of a cleaner, healthier version of the old topical rubs. I got the croup a lot as a kid and I feel like I was raised on Vicks. The aroma is described as airy and camphoraceous. Isn’t that a big college word? Basically it refers to the medicinal camphor-like aroma – once you smell it, you’ll know what I mean.

What does eucalyptus essential oil do?

Clear Breathing
Probably its best known use. Eucalyptus helps to keep airways open. It’s also very cooling and soothing.
– Mix a drop with a carrier oil or lotion and massage onto chest before bed.
– Place a drop on a cotton ball and keep by your computer at work to inhale throughout the day.

Relaxation
Anything that helps breathing will also help your body to relax. Tension creates shallow breathing; Eucalyptus promotes deep, relaxed breathing. Instant tension tamer.
– Run a few drops in a diffuser during stressful times.

Nontoxic Cleaning
Did you know you can use eucalyptus for cleaning around the house? I didn’t. I always think of lemon essential oil. I’ve run into some who say they don’t want to switch away from their chemical cleaners because they love the smell of bleach or Pine Sol or Mr. Clean, for example – the smell makes them think “clean.” I’d say try eucalyptus then instead.
– Combine 10 drops Lemon, 5 drops Peppermint, and 5 drops Eucalyptus with distilled water in a spray bottle and use to wipe down surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the surface, test a small area first. Adjust the number of drops to your liking and to the size of the spray bottle.

Muscle Soother
This can be added to any lotion or carrier oil for a cooling, soothing massage. Think after a workout, yardwork, etc. No surprise, this is one of the ingredients in Deep Blue Rub.
– Add a few drops to a carrier oil or fragrance-free lotion and massage into the muscles.

Skin Cleansing
I learn something new every time I write a blog post. I never thought of eucalyptus as a skin cleanser. BUT when I was a teenager, I used Noxzema as a face cleanser. Guess what one of the ingredients is? Yep, eucalyptus. Now you can have all the benefits while skipping all the nasty chemical ingredients.
-Add a drop to your facial cleanser, toner, or moisturizer, especially if you tend towards oily skin.
-Add a drop to lotion and massage into cuticles.

Ease Periods
And another new one for me… eucalyptus can ease discomfort during your period by soothing and relaxing the muscles. I know some people don’t care for the aroma of clary sage or jasmine which are both really good at that time of the month, so eucalyptus could be a nice alternative.
-Add 1 or 2 drops to a carrier oil or fragrance-free lotion and massage into belly for the first few days of your cycle.

Eucalyptus blends well with…
Rosemary, Peppermint, Cardamom, Lemon, Lavender, Balance, Thyme, Marjoram

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity – dilute as needed. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Respiratory conditions: People with certain respiratory conditions do great with eucalyptus because of its ability to open the airways. But for others, eucalyptus could trigger discomfort because of the high concentration of the main constituent 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol). Usually people already know if they can use it or not because it’s been prevalent in so many products for decades. If you aren’t sure, then try these substitutes first:
Function of Eucalyptus: try Rosemary
Aroma of Eucalyptus: try Cardamom

Kids under 5: It’s best not to use eucalyptus around infants or young children because it can be potent and irritating to their delicate mucus membranes. Instead, try cedarwood, black spruce, or siberian fir. For more on use of eucalyptus with children, click here.

How to buy Eucalyptus essential oil?

Go to my.doterra.com/threewells. Click on the Shop link if you want to purchase retail. Click on the Become a Member link if you’d like to save 25% with a wholesale discount (no monthly subscription required).

Send me an email if you have any questions or need help customizing your order.

Research:
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/eucalyptus-oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-eucalyptus-oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-peppermint-eucalyptus-use-children
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-eucalyptol