Eucalyptus essential oil information
Eucalyptus is a genus of over seven hundred species of flowering trees, shrubs or mallees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Along with other genera in the tribe Eucalypteae, they are commonly known as eucalypts.
Oil properties
Eucalyptus oil is the generic name for distilled oil from the leaf of Eucalyptus.
Origin of eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called ‘Sydney peppermint’. It was extracted from Eucalyptus peperita which is a more industrial type of oil.
Extraction
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol, give the essential oil a soothing, cooling vapor.