The Eucalyptus You Don’t Know (But Need to Meet)
You’ve heard of eucalyptus essential oil. But did you know there’s more than one type of eucalyptus? I can think of 4 off the top of my head: Eucalyptus globulus (the most popular and most prevalent), Eucalyptus radiata (slightly softer smell and great to use proactively), Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon eucalyptus, a great insect repellant), and Eucalyptus dives (peppermint eucalyptus).
The first 3 have gotten a fair amount of press, but I’ll bet you’ve never heard of the last one: Eucalyptus dives.
2 Types of Eucalyptus Dives
Technical note: Eucalyptus dives has 2 chemotypes (a chemotype occurs when plants of same genus and species grow in different locations)
- Piperitone – especially useful for thick mucus, it’s a great decongestant for stuck mucus
- Cineole – clears normal congestion like regular eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) does
Therapeutic Properties of Eucalyptus Dives
In case you’re interested, here are a few things that you can use this oil for:
- Reduces thick mucus* (great for the cold or flu you just can’t get rid of and also for the congestion that’s driving you crazy)
- Steam with it
- Use it as a chest rub (diluted, of course)
- Massage your feet with it (diluted)
- Diffuse it
- Helps strengthen body’s resistance to infective organisms
- Assists in fighting germs/infections
- Helps alleviate inflammation
- Destructive to bacteria
- Reduces nasal mucus production and swelling
- Calming
- Clears the mind
- Aids concentration
- Cooling
- Cleansing
- Soothes exhaustion
*Remember, it’s only the piperitone chemotype that helps with thick mucus.
But don’t take my word for it. Here’s what Nature’s Gift, one of my 2 favorite essential oil suppliers, says about the piperitone chemotype (abbreviated ct) of peppermint eucalyptus:
“Sparkling and bright, smelling like a blend of your favorite Eucalyptus species with just a touch of sweet Peppermint, this new addition to our collection is recommended for pain relief, whether from sinus headaches, any other type of headache, arthritis pain, and respiratory problems.
I have seen this delightful specimen described as “cooling, refreshing, and energizing.” Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil is said by some to have strong anti-asthmatic properties and to be a remedy against infections of the lower respiratory tract…bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma. Like Frankincense, Eucalyptus dives causes one to breathe deeply and forces the bronchioles to dilate. By diffusion, it is useful for general colds and chest infections. My Australian mentor states, “Eucalyptus dives ct piperitone is excellent as a bronchial dilator and for dealing with lower respiratory tract conditions like bronchitis.” It is also a powerful mucolytic, helpful for loosening up a dry, unproductive cough.”
You don’t need to have allergies or a cold, or any other respiratory issue, to use this oil. It smells sublime straight out of the bottle; a softer smell than you get just mixing peppermint (Mentha piperita) and ecualyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) together. Seriously, go out and buy a bottle… you won’t be sorry.
