Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The genus name for eucalyptus is the Greek ‘Eu kalyptos’ which means ‘well-covered’. It refers to the flower buds which are cone shaped and have a lid-like structure that opens as the flowers mature. Eucalyptus trees exude a sticky, tannin-rich substance known – as kino. Because of its astringent properties, kino has a history of medicinal use. In fact, 19th century British colonists noting the fragrant, medicinal aroma of eucalyptus groves, planted the ‘fever trees’ in tropical fever-ridden districts throughout the Empire to help drive – away insects and contagious disease. The extensive root system of these trees also helped dry out water-logged soils, deterring disease-carrying insects, especially mosquitoes, which need standing water to breed. Today, most eucalyptus oils come from California as well as Australia, Tasmania, Brazil, China, India, Portugal, Russia and Spain. The oils are steam-distilled from the fresh leaves and branch tips. The initial distillation yields a darker ye