Eucalyptus Radiata Profile
Essential Oil Data: Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
Also called Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus
Family: Myrtaceae
Sourced: Africa, Australia, China, South America,
Mediterranean, and Middle East
Distilled from leaves ~ Shelf life 3yrs
Aromatic properties: top note, camphoraceous, soft hint of vanilla with a spicy dry out.
Eucalyptus is legendary for its medicinal attributes and almost synonymous with sinus and respiratory relief. The instantaneous cooling and opening effect it offers has long proved the results of herbal support. There are many different species of the plant itself; in fact, roughly 700 species are known! Though Eucalyptus Globulus (also known as Blue Gum) is the most familiar, Eucalyptus Radiata is our focus here.
There are hundreds of studies on a myriad of biological effects including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, liver protective, neuroprotective, decongestant, expectorant, and much more (see below).
"Eucalyptus oil has been studied extensively for its antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial potential has been verified in vitro as well as in animal and human studies. It has shown anticancer and antioxidant properties in vitro.
Studies...showed its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as modulatory effects on the immune system and central nervous system. There have been studies on Eucalyptus oil's ability to heal wounds and its effects on bone health.
Research on humans has confirmed antibacterial. antiparasitic, and analgesic properties. A case study focused on treating tuberculosis with Eucalyptus oil formulation." Tisserand Institute.
1,8 Cineole (sometimes referred to as Eucalyptol) is generally the main constituent in most chemotypes of Eucalyptus and responsible for a large portion of its actions. In Eucalyptus Radiata, alpha-terpineol is the second most important constituent which broadens and fortifies the airborne/antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties – giving E. Radiata an upper hand in fighting airborne pathogens that can cause respiratory problems.
Other studies focus on the cognitive enhancing actions of E. Radiata. Perhaps this is a reason so many people love Eucalyptus? When we look at the sheer scope of its properties and support that Eucalyptus Radiata offers it is easy to come to the conclusion that it is a very supportive “friend.”
Energetic Properties: uplifting, calming, clarifying, cooling, reassuring, revitalizing
Therapeutic Properties:
activates white blood cells, airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistaminic, anti-itching, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antirheumatic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiulcerogenic, antiviral, astringent, bronchodilator, cephalic, cicatrisant, circulatory stimulant, CNS stimulant, cognition enhancer, cooling, decongestant, deodorant/ deodorizing, digestive aid, disinfectant, energizing, expectorant, gastroprotective, germicide, immunostimulant, increases cerebral blood flow, insect repellant, insecticide (dust mites, lice, spiders), invigorating, mood lifter, mucolytic, neuroprotective, parasitic, rubefacient, skin rejuvenator, tonic, treats scabies, uplifting, vasorelaxant, wound healing.
Chemical Families Profile –
Oxides (60-64% 1,8 cineole)
Monoterpenes ( limonene (d), alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene)
Monoterpenols (</> 15% a-terpineol, geraniol, terpin-4-ol, linalol)
SAFETY DATA –
- Oils high in 1,8 Cineole should not be used directly on or near the face of children 5 and under and used cautiously with children between 5 and 10. Passive room diffusion is a better as long as there is no sensitivity or allergy to Eucalyptus.
- Do not take internally.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Never use undiluted on skin as it can cause skin irritation especially if oxidized (old).
- If you have a medical condition or are on prescription meds for any reason be sure to check with your Physician regarding Aromatherapy as Complimentary support.
- There are no known contraindications at this time for inhalation in regards to drug interactions.
- Be careful where you purchase your EOs. Look for third party testing results, production dates/locations and shelf life, Latin names, and safety info offered up front.
More safety info is available at https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/
Common uses:
- Inhale straight from the bottle, an inhaler, or place one drop on a cotton ball or in a shot glass and inhale deeply and slowly several times to help with mental fatigue, fog, or headache or respiratory issue. Continue for several minutes for heavy respiratory issue. Repeat as needed. (This is my favorite method!)
- Add one - two drops in a pot of hot water for a steam (for colds/flu) to help relieve respiratory congestion and respiratory inflammation, pain and swelling, and boost immune response.
- Add 2 -3 drops to an ounce of carrier oil and rub on stiff or sore achy muscles. Applied in the morning can help you get going easier and in the evening can help with more comfortable sleep. Topical application in proper dilution can be have multiple benefits. Rub on chest for colds or flu to help ease chest congestion and cough.
- Add a few drops to a diffuser necklace or patch for immune support or revitalization throughout the day.
- Add a few drops to a diffuser and diffuse for 10 – 15 minutes several times a day for sick room. (Be sure to provide an easy exit for cats.)
- Eucalyptus EOs with a high content of 1,8 cineole are wonderful for circulation including cerebral blood flow. Keeping a personal inhaler handy can bring wonderful relief!
- Ward off insects, mites, and even rats!
- For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before administering essential oils.
Some studies to sample:
Barbosa LC, Filomeno CA, Teixeira RR. Chemical Variability and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus spp. Essential Oils. Molecules. 2016 Dec 7;21(12):1671. doi: 10.3390/molecules21121671. PMID: 27941612; PMCID: PMC6273930. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273930/
Najar B, Nardi V, Stincarelli MA, Patrissi S, Pistelli L, Giannecchini S. Screening of the essential oil effects on human H1N1 influenza virus infection: an in vitro study in MDCK cells. Nat Prod Res. 2022 Jun;36(12):3149-3152. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1944137. Epub 2021 Jun 26. PMID: 34176386. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176386/
Wang H, Liu Y, Cai K, Zhang B, Tang S, Zhang W, Liu W. Antibacterial polysaccharide-based hydrogel dressing containing plant essential oil for burn wound healing. Burns Trauma. 2021 Dec 22;9:tkab041. doi: 10.1093/burnst/tkab041. PMID: 34988231; PMCID: PMC8693078. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34988231/
Juergens UR. Anti-inflammatory properties of the monoterpene 1.8-cineole: current evidence for co-medication in inflammatory airway diseases. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2014 Dec;64(12):638-46. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1372609. Epub 2014 May 15. PMID: 24831245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24831245/
Silva J, Abebe W, Sousa SM, Duarte VG, Machado MI, Matos FJ. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Dec;89(2-3):277-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.007. PMID: 14611892. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14611892/
Esposito E, Nastruzzi C, Sguizzato M, Cortesi R. Nanomedicines to Treat Skin Pathologies with Natural Molecules. Curr Pharm Des. 2019;25(21):2323-2337. doi: 10.2174/1381612825666190709210703. PMID: 31584367. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31584367/
Nakamura T, Yoshida N, Yamanoi Y, Honryo A, Tomita H, Kuwabara H, Kojima Y. Eucalyptus oil reduces allergic reactions and suppresses mast cell degranulation by downregulating IgE-FcεRI signalling. Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 1;10(1):20940. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-77039-5. PMID: 33262354; PMCID: PMC7708995. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33262354/
RESOURCES:
Buckle, J. Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare. Unites States: Elsevier, 2015
Rhind J. Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. 2 nd Edition. United States: Singing Dragon, 2012.
Schiller, C. & D. The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A concise Guide to Over 385 Plant Oils. United States: Basic Health Productions 2008
Tisserand R. and Young R. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. 2 nd Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2013.