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Uses for Eucalyptus Oil

By Amber Garrett

The substance that is derived from the eucalyptus leaf prevalently found in Australia is known as eucalyptus oil. The leaves of this tree are a favorite supper of Koalas all over Australia. It is known to be useful for many different things, such as fragrances, medicinal uses, as flavoring and pest repellents. Although it is native to Australia, there are trees that have become somewhat of a nuisance in other parts of the world, where they have become numerous and invasive, such as in California.

This oil can come in pure form and is also produced in a variety of grades, some less pure. These are generally produced with camphor oil, rather than true eucalyptus oil. The purest forms come from places like Australia, South Africa and Spain, where the tree is native to the soil. The less pure forms are manufactured mainly through China. The difference in grades is usually noted on the outside of the bottle, indicating the amount of cineole/eucalyptus oil that is in the product.

The anti inflammatory qualities in this kind of oil make it perfect for liniments applied to skin wounds. For many years, this was the liniment of choice among soldiers of the past. It cleans and protects the wound from invading bacteria and infections. It prompts healing and promotes healthy living. People use it as a pest repellent. This oil is highly flammable. There is a chance that a person could be poisoned with this but it would take a massive dose either through the skin by liniment or lotion or ingested through the mouth. The chances are very slim, as precautions when adding the oil to anything are always taken by manufacturers.

There are some dental practices that use this oil in their soaps to help the gums, mouth and teeth stay healthy. This oil is known to have microbial properties that make it good for cleansing.

Some properties in this oil are perfect for separating metallic sulphides. It is an excellent resource for fuel but the cost of using it as a fuel is too extravagant to consider. The industries that would prefer to make it into a fuel utilize it to keep the internal functioning of their machinery working properly.

Some consumers have purchased this oil to use in their perfumes and lotions. It has qualities that produce a mixed woody type scent, familiar and comfortable for anyone who loves those deep scents.

The leaves and the oil from this tree have provided Australian natives an excellent source to a natural treatment for colds, sinus infections, body pain and fever, typical reactions to the flu. It was used during the Civil War as a topical antiseptic for wounded soldiers.

This eucalyptus oil is used for flavoring and has sometimes been added to baked goods, beverages and meats in only the correct dosage. There is a chance that someone can be poisoned by ingesting great amounts of this oil or having it transferred in high doses through lotions or liniments.

The author is proponent of the varied and potent healing actions of aromatherapy essential oils. For more, see http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.

Article source: http://www.artipot.com/articles/730281/some-popular-uses-for-eucalyptus-oil.htm