EUCALYPTUS – the tree and the essential oil

By Jeanne Rose ~ 2024

Eucalyptus leaves have been used for at least a thousand years; many species support your body’s health; the blog contains species information, general descriptions, and sensory characteristics. This also includes properties, uses, how to use the oil, chemistry, tomato tales, history,  references, precautions, blending, and formulas for health and well-being.

§

EUCALYPTUS LATIN BINOMIAL/COMMON NAME ~ There are over 700 Eucalyptus species, also subspecies, many varieties, and even different forma (same species but different forms or chemistry) —  and the ones we will include in this blog follows; the ones highlighted in bold are the easiest of the Eucalyptus oils to obtain.
E. citriodora – Lemon Eucalyptus from Malawi, Madagascar, and Australia.

E. dives – Broad-leafed Peppermint Eucalyptus. This contains piperitone, but there are E. dives with identical morphology but different forma which do not contain this peppermint-scented chemical.

E. globulus – Blue Gum Eucalyptus is at home in southeastern Australia, and several subspecies have different distributions. It is also found in Portugal and the USA in different terroir and thus slightly different odors. It is also named the Fever tree, which was planted to drain malarial swamps in the Eastern Mediterranean area.

E. polybractea – Mallee or Blue-leaved Mallee Eucalyptus from Australia.

E. radiata – Narrow-leaf or Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus from Australia and So. Africa.

E. smithii – Gully Gum or Blackbutt Peppermint Eucalyptus

•

FAMILY ~ Eucalyptus is a genus or member of the botanical family Myrtaceae. In the Myrtaceae family are some well-known plants such as Bay, Myrtle, Clove, Niaouli, Cajuput, and Tea tree.  This family produces no poisonous plants.

∞

EUCALYPTUS ~ OTHER COMMON NAMES/NAMING INFORMATION ~ In naming plants, we use botanical nomenclature or Latin binomial. It is a two-part name. Botanical names are Latinized. They contain a genus name plus a specific epithet (the 2nd name of the Latin binomial). The first part of the Latin binomial (Eucalyptus in this case) is the Genus name of the plant.  Its first letter is always capitalized, and it is written in italics. The first name, the genus name (which could be likened to our last name), is Latin for race or kind and is a group of closely related species that can interbreed. 

            The 2nd name (which could be likened to our first name) is the species from the Latin word species or form; it too is written in italics but is not capitalized and is written in lowercase.  Usually, it is the smallest unit in the classification of organisms is a group of individuals of the same ancestry, of nearly identical structure and behavior, and of relative stability in nature.  The individuals of a species ordinarily interbreed freely and maintain themselves and their characteristics in nature.  Examples are Eucalyptus globulus, E. radiata, and more.

            The word Eucalyptus refers to the calyx, meaning well-covered as it forms a lid over the flowers in the bud (the sepals and petals of the flower are fused to form a “cap” or operculum). Each species’ name means something different, such as ‘dives’ means rich and plentiful and refers to that species that have plenty of oil or flowers, ‘radiata’ means spoke-like or radiating, ‘globulus’ means globe-like and refers to the globe-shaped flower pod. [See chapter two of 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols; Plant Names Mean Something for more plant names and meanings.]

                          •              

TAXONOMY AND CLASSIFICATION HISTORY OF EUCALYPTUS ~ There is no “botanical collection of Eucalyptus” known to have been made until 1770 when Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander arrived at Botany Bay  (New South Wales) with James Cook. There they collected specimens of Eucalypts and by 1777 specimens were on their way to the British Museum and eventually named by the French botanist Charles-Louis L’Héritier.”²

            The Eucalypts are native to Australia and Tasmania and grow well in many different places. They can now be found worldwide in many different types of environments. The blue gum tree (E. globulus) has been considered a cure-all by the Aborigines and, to this day, is a favorite home remedy.            “Everyone knows the special property of Eucalyptus leaves! The leaves of some species were crushed and soaked in water for medicinal purposes. Manna is the sap that exudes from many Eucalypt trees, often from where insects have made holes. It dries into sugary white drops, which fall to the ground. Delicious! Bowls and dishes were made from the heavy bark. Those gnarled round growths on the trunk were used as well. The Kulin people in southern Victoria made bowls called ‘tarnuks’ to carry water. Some had rope handles. People along the Murray River made canoes from the bark of eucalypts (e.g., River Red Gum, E. camaldulensis). They cut the bark to shape about 3 meters long, then held it over a fire so that the sides would curl. Both ends were tied with inner-bark fiber rope, and wooden stretchers were used to prevent the sides from collapsing.”³

•

§

EUCALYPTUS, WELL-KNOWN AND MOST-USED SPECIES

E. australiana (see E. radiata) “is used for throat problems, and Jeanne Rose says it is a great lung cleanser”¹.

E. citriodora, now Corymbia citriodora, is called Lemon Eucalyptus, contains the aldehyde citronellal, and has specific therapeutic properties. Because of the content of citronellal and up to 20% citronellol, this essential oil is a powerful bug repellent and can replace Citronella oil wherever a repellent is needed.  Firstly, it smells better than Citronella oil, contains more citronellal, and works just as well or better to repel insects.

The organoleptic characteristics are an oil with a golden-yellow with sometimes a touch of pink color, clear like water, non-viscous, medium intense odor (6-7 on a scale of 1-10), the scent is strongly citrus with a sweet fruity subsidiary note and floral back note.  Strong citrus taste.

            Lemon-scented gum was first formally described in 1848 by William Jackson Hooker, who gave it the name Eucalyptus citriodora in Thomas Mitchell’s Journal of an Expedition into the Interior of Tropical Australia, In 1995, the name was changed from Eucalyptus citriodora to Corymbia citriodora. The specific epithet (citriodora) is from Latin, meaning “lemon-scented.”– Wikipedia.

            The chemistry is 28-32% limonene, 21% citral (geranial + neral), 7-9% terpinolene, 4-6% para-cymene, 1,8-cineole, methyl geranate, 2-3% pinene, alpha-phellandrene, linaloöl, geranyl acetate, 1-2% terpinene-4-ol,  nerol, terpineol, neryl-acetate. The essential oil is utilized as a source of citronellal (> 70 %).

The Essential Oil Properties are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and decongesting. [According to Oriental principles — specific conditions indicate the choice of E. citriodora over all other species of Eucalyptus. Particularly discussed are when the deficiency pattern is hot phlegm with symptoms of heat. These symptoms include red face, dry mouth, restlessness, and yellow sticky mucus in the lungs and sinus.  The tongue is thick with a yellow coat.]  E. citriodora also has a more powerful, sweeter odor than Citronella oil and is thus more pleasant in its acceptance and economically in the same category. Also, analgesic (relieving pain) by external application, calming and sedative by inhalation, and possibly anti-hypotensive (reducing high blood pressure) by inhalation or when used in massage.  An excess of this oil can be upsetting and disturbing both physically and psychologically. Some Aromatherapists consider that this particular Eucalypt is best reserved for summer use as it is more refreshing. It can be very sedating and is particularly well-suited for the bath.

•

E.  dives Schauer CT piperitone, [Broad-Leafed Peppermint] Tree. The word Eucalyptus means well-covered (that the flower bud has a cap), and dives is the word for rich and plentiful and refers to the flowers or the leaf oils.  This is a medium tree to 25 m, widespread over SE NSW and parts of Victoria, it lives in poor soil, with open to dense canopy, trunk solitary and erect, bark fibrous, juvenile leaves opposite and mature leaves alternate, with white to cream colored profuse flowers.

The organoleptic characteristic of the essential oil is a pale gold to colorless oil, clear through, non-viscous and watery, medium intensity odor (6 on a scale of 1-10), and the scent is woodland green and vegetal, very herbaceous, spicy, and fruity back notes. The taste is usually minty.

            The chemical profile is 34.8 to 50 % piperitone, 20-23% alpha-phellandrene, 3-7% para-cymene and various other chemicals including thujene, myrcene, terpinene, terpinolene and terpinene-4-ol. An examination of a stand of E. dives showed that three of the five trees growing within a few feet of each other contained an essential oil high in cineole, while the other two were high in piperitone. These two different compounds smell differently and act differently. The physical characteristics were identical.  

The Essential Oil Properties are disinfectant, anti-asthmatic, and deodorant. This essential oil has a powerful use as an inhalant for sinus and bronchial conditions; it is diluted and sometimes used vaginally for leucorrhea or applied on vaginal warts and is useful as a room mister with other Eucalypts for short bursts of time.

•

Eucalyptus globulus, [Blue-gum Tree]. The word globulus means that the fruit is a little ball. This is a medium to tall tree, up to 55 m, open to moderately dense canopy, the trunk is upright and branching, the leaves opposite becoming alternate, leaves are narrow to lanceolate and aromatic. It is widely planted throughout the world. “Tasmanian blue gum is a fast-growing, large tree making a good shadow. The peeling bark makes the white stem appear. The blue-green leaves are dimorphic. On young shoots, they are oval, whereas on mature branches, they are characteristically sickle-shaped. The yellow-white flowers consist of filaments only. The leaves contain the well-known eucalyptus oil….”⁶
            The organoleptic characteristics of the essential oil for the virgin unrectified oil is a rich gold-colored oil, clear through, non-viscous, and watery, with medium intense odor (7 on a scale of 1-10), and the scent is strongly herbaceous, spice and green with subsidiary notes of citrus and fruity back notes; having a fresh and slightly camphoraceous odor. It has a cooling taste.

            The chemical profile of the oil is 63% 1,8-cineole, 22% alpha-pinene, 4.6% limonene, and 2-3% aromadendrene.

The Essential Oil Properties are mucolytic, expectorant, stimulant, and a mild local analgesic. It is inhaled for deep respiratory infections or infections of the sinus and bronchial system and applied to aching muscles and joints.

•

Eucalyptus nicholii – this is called [Narrow-leaf black peppermint Eucalyptus] and is endemic to New South Wales. This species was described in 1929 by Joseph Maiden and William Blakely, and the specific epithet (nicholii) honors Maiden’s private secretary and “Chief Clerk, Botanic Gardens,” Richard Nicol. It is a lovely ornamental tree that grows quite well here in San Francisco and can be found in the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. “It has been shown to have herbicidal activity against certain weeds.”¹⁰

E. nicholii – San Francisco Botanical Garden, 2014, photo by Jeanne Rose

•

Eucalyptus polybractea – [Blue Mallee] Polybractea means many bracts referring to the reproductive structures. “The Blue Mallee has the potential to become a new industrial crop for much of the cereal growing areas of Australia, providing alternative income and environmental salvation for farmers with land at risk to salinization.”4        An evergreen multi-stemmed shrub, up to 8 m high common to semi-arid interior of New South Wales and Bendigo in Victoria. It flowers from March to June and then sometimes again in September; the blossoms occur in clusters in leaf forks.

            The organoleptic characteristics is that the essential oil is a colorless, non-viscous, intensely smelling odor (7 on a scale of 1-10) with a bitter vegetable taste. The scent is herbaceous with Cumin-like overtones, a fruity subsidiary note, and vegetative spicy back notes.

            The chemistry is 54.5% cineole, 19.7% beta-phellandrene, 6.8% alpha-phellandrene, 2.7% limonene, 1.6-1.9% each of alpha-pinene, alpha-thujene, sabinene, myrcene, terpinene-4-ol, and cryptone.

The Essential Oil Properties are mucolytic, expectorant (inhale with other essential oils),  antiviral, anti-malarial, and USES include externally on warts (doesn’t work that well), including genital warts. In the past, this Eucalyptus oil has been taken internally for intestinal parasites and for male sexual problems.

•

Eucalyptus radiata — [Narrow-leaf Eucalyptus]. The buds radiate out on the stems. This is a small to tall tree, to 30 m, common to NSW and Vic., occurs in a wide range of soil types, with a dense canopy, solitary trunk, bark rough, juvenile leaves initially opposite and then alternate and very aromatic.

The organoleptic characteristic of the essential oil is a colorless oil, clear through, non-viscous/watery, intense odor (8 on a scale of 1-10); the scent is camphoraceous, herbal, spicy, and back note of fruit and a vegetal dry down with a spicy astringent taste.

            The chemistry is 50-70%1, 8-cineole,  8-32% alpha-terpineol, 6-8% limonene,  2-4% alpha-pinene,  1-2% myrcene, beta-phellandrene, terpinene-4-ol, and terpinyl acetate.

The Essential Oil Properties are that it is antiviral, mucolytic, and expectorant and is indicated for the respiratory system from top to bottom. It works as a really great lung cleanser and honey gargle for the throat.  It is useful for cases of vaginitis, acne, and sinus infections.  Most practitioners consider this EO gentle and can be smelled directly from the diffuser to treat those stubborn sinus infections. The uses are that it is inhaled and specific for sinus infection and pain, wet coughs, smells great, is cooling for hot flashes, is used for skin ailments such as acne, and can be used (diluted) on tampons for vaginitis. ‡ Can be irritating for some

            For those stubborn sinus infections — limit inhalation to 1-3 minutes every 15 minutes. [for a truly stubborn sinus infection, alternate this with Inula helenium.] A good formula is 5% E. radiata + 5% R. verbenone + 90% carrier and used externally as a rub or massage over the sinus area and chest.

•

Eucalyptus smithii, or gully gum, [Blackbutt Peppermint] or Smith’s Eucalyptus — This is a native tree of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, Australia. [well-covered (the flower bud has a cap) and after H. G. Smith, a chemist who investigated the oils of the Eucalypts]. It naturally occurs on the lower slopes, gullies, and swamps, where soil does not dry out.

The organoleptic characteristic of this oil is a pale-yellow oil with a pink cast, clear through, non-viscous/watery, not intense odor (3-4 on a scale of 1-10), the scent is very fruity, citrus with back notes of herbs and spice. Fruity taste.

            The oil chemistry is 78% cineole, 8 % alpha-pinene, 6% limonene, and 2% alpha-terpineol.  

The Essential Oil Properties are that it is a mucolytic, anti-infective, disinfectant, local analgesic, calming, and has many uses. E. smithii is a mild and gentle oil, particularly useful for children or a sensitive person’s respiratory complaints. It can often be used neat on the body as a preventative, in the diffuser as a room deodorizer, in massage oil for painful joints and muscles or inhaled for nighttime calm. About 78% cineole with some limonene. Mild and gentle and particularly useful for children’s or sensitive person’s respiratory complaints and can be inhaled during the night for calmness.

§

COUNTRIES OF ORIGINS ~ Eucalypts originated in Australia, but many species are now grown elsewhere, such as California, Portugal, Madagascar, and various African countries. Eucalyptus is grown in many countries, such as Uruguay, that use species in forestry. They were introduced to Brazil in 1910 for timber and charcoal industries. “Much of Madagascar’s original native forest has been replaced with Eucalyptus, threatening biodiversity by isolating remaining natural areas” (see Wikipedia).

••

ENDANGERED OR NOT ~ Several unique species are endangered, but in general, Eucalypts are not endangered at this time and are, in fact, being allowed to take over areas formerly growing other species that endanger biodiversity, overly draining areas of groundwater, and they have been banned in certain areas for this reason.

•

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLANT HABITAT AND GROWTH ~   “The Eucalyptus tree is a large, fast-growing evergreen that is native to Australia and Tasmania. The tree can grow to 375-480 feet (125-160 meters). Eucalyptus belongs to the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family”⁵.  This is an evergreen tree widely distributed in Australia and is about 75% of the flora of this land. These trees often exhibit a different juvenile phase with differences in shape, position, and color of the leaves. There are often different chemical forms and forma of species of the tree.

            “Eucalypts are heavy feeders with deep roots that suck up groundwater from deep within the soil.  These trees store water in their roots and, therefore, can be an emergency source of drinking water. Because of this characteristic, Eucalypts have been planted in mosquito-infested marshes to drain the marshes.  This kills off the mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading malaria.  Malaria causes cycling fevers, and because the Eucalypts disrupt the mosquito habitat and are a good herbal leaf tea to reduce fever, they have a common name, Australian Fever Tree.”¹

•

PORTION OF PLANT USED IN DISTILLATION, HOW DISTILLED, EXTRACTION METHODS ~ Eucalyptus leaves are harvested and then steam or hydro-distilled. This is briefly discussed in Bush Sense, a book by Mark Webb.

            Eucalyptus globulus, commonly called Blue Gum. This is now the most commonly used and well-known of the Eucalypts.  Composed of up to 75% cineole, it is excellent for all respiratory and sinus complaints. “When this oil is first distilled it contains cuminaldehyde, which has an unpleasant odor and causes coughing.  Since Eucalyptus oil is used to treat coughing, this oil is therefore rectified, that is, re-distilled to get rid of this chemical and thus the potential for provoking the cough reflex.”⁷ [I am unable to find the origin of this statement.] “To extract essential oils from many Eucalyptus species, vacuum distillation is done at lower temperatures, avoiding the change in essential oil chemical composition during the distillation.¹⁰”

                   The leaves and twigs are steam-distilled. The tree can be harvested in 7 years by cutting off the tops, and then they continue to grow back from the stumps as much as three times before they need to be replaced. “To extract essential oils from many eucalyptus species, vacuum-distillation is done at lower temperatures,  avoiding the change in essential oil chemical composition during distillation.

            YIELD: Yields vary according to the species. One type of Eucalyptus produced upon distillation of approximately 2.5 lbs. (1 kg) of Eucalyptus oil from 125 lbs. (50 kg)  of Eucalyptus leaves.

•

SOLUBILITY ~ Eucalyptus oil is soluble in 1.5 to 3.0 volumes of 70% alcohol. Some species are soluble in 1.0 to 1.2 volumes of 70% alcohol.

•

            This examination of the latest information about the essential oil Eucalyptus was sponsored and supported by Prima Fleur Botanicals.

EUCALYPTUS Organoleptic Characteristics

ODOR DESCRIPTION/ AROMA ASSESSMENT ~ We all know the eponymous scent of Eucalyptus, and yet within the genus, there is still a difference among the species, and within each species, depending upon terroir, there is a difference as well. 

            For example, Eucalyptus radiata is available from several different terroirs (areas), including Australia, Tunisia, and South Africa. The odor from South Africa and Australia, two locations, two terroirs, two different scents for the same species. E. radiata from Australia has a rich, evocative, strong, and pungent herbaceous scent and, because of the a-pinene, a scent that is also coniferous and green. The odor from the E. radiata of South Africa is also pungent and herbaceous but with a vegetative back note.

            Regarding E. globulus, the scent of the oil harvested from Australia and the one from Portugal is very different. The GCMS of the oil from Portugal “showed 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, limonene, aromadendrene, δ‐cadinene, and globulol were the most abundant compounds, representing 93% of the total oil.”8     E. globulus from Australia was usually 60-70% cineole, which reflected this strong cineole (camphoraceous) scent. The results of the study of Moroccan E. globulus “revealed that essential oil yield and the total oil of Eucalyptus globulus were 1.21% and 63.96%, respectively. 54 compounds were identified in the essential oil, and the main constituents of the essential oil were: 1.8-cineole (22.35%), Limonene (7.01%), Solanol (6.05%), P-pinene (5.20%), Transverbenol (4.02%), Terpinene-4-ol (3.10%), Aristolene (2.35%), terpinyl acetate (2.10%), Isosativene (1.85%), sabinene (1.49%), [alpha]-myrcene (1.15%) and a-terpineol (1.10%).”⁹       Because of the lower amount of cineol here versus the oil from Australia, I would surmise a great difference in the intensity and description of the scent.

            E. citriodora scent from my previous samples is strongly citrus with a sweet fruity subsidiary note and floral back note. The sample from Madagascar is also citrus with a softer fruity note and a light floral and balsamic back note.

§

Beautiful Eucalyptus trees

••

EUCALYPTUS GENERAL PROPERTIES

            The most common species available will be the oils of E. citriodora, now known as Corymbia citriodora, the Lemon Eucalyptus from Malawi, Madagascar, and Australia; E. dives – Broad-leafed Peppermint Eucalyptus. This contains piperitone, but there are E. dives with identical morphology but different forma which do not contain this peppermint-scented chemical; E. globulus – Blue Gum Eucalyptus at home in southeastern Australia and there are several subspecies with different distribution; E. polybractea – Mallee or Blue-leaved Mallee Eucalyptus from Australia and E. radiata – Narrow-leaf or Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus from Australia and So. Africa.

•

Properties of Eucalyptus – The properties of Eucalyptus oil can be by IG=ingestion or IN=inhalation or AP=application.
Inhalation: Antiseptic, expectorant, mucolytic, anti-infectious, antibiotic, antiviral, bactericide, and tonic.         
Application: Antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pectoral, vulnerary, stimulant, mild local analgesic.               
Ingestion:  Antiviral, expectorant, anti-infectious, antibiotic, tonic, and febrifuge. 

USES – any Eucalyptus essential oil will work best on the respiratory system.
∞ It is the Oil of Respiration ∞

•

Here are some of the conditions Eucalyptus oil and leaf might treat. Bronchitis, colds, ear infections (otitis), flu, sinusitis, sore throat

Good for Acne, burns, chicken pox, depression, emotional overload, exhaustion, fever, herpes, insect repellent, shingles, tissue regeneration, urinary tract, vaginitis, wound healing

∞

•

EXTERNAL USE of Eucalyptus Oil ~ This oil is used externally as a simple or in a blend, externally as a massage for arthritis, for muscle pain, asthma, bronchitis, congestion, coughs, or on simple burns, and as a disinfectant-antiseptic, for fibromyalgia, and as an insect repellent.
Eucalyptus is cooling and has a powerful action in all types of fevers. An easy way to apply the EO and to induce good sleep is to massage E. smithii or E. radiata onto the feet, particularly on the soles. For aching muscles and joints, apply or massage directly onto the area. I prefer a blend mixing the Eucalyptus globulus with Sage or Rosemary oil.

∞

DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ Any of the Eucalyptus oils can be used in the diffusor and mixed easily in various blends that include spices, woods, seeds, roots, leaves, citrus, and any of the herbs. The Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globulus, seems quite stable in soap and uplifting and fragrant. Quite an easy oil to use and to diffuse.  I especially appreciate using an inhalator, as shown below. A very good piece of equipment to use for inhaling essential oils with either steam or hot water .

inhalator

•

EUCALYPTUS EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC USE ~ “In energy work, the family Myrtaceae and especially the genus Eucalyptus is considered to be notable for its balance of all the elements of air, fire, water, and earth.  It brings this balance to healing. It achieves this by focusing its effects on the energy centers, which are the lungs and the metabolism. The Eucalypt roots drain water from the swamps, and so does the essential oil of the leaf drain mucus and bring it up from deep in the lungs. It is strong and vigorous in its nature and is resistant to insects and disease — this indicates the power of the essential oil in healing and as a restorer of energy, vitality and balance to a system that has been physically or emotionally weakened by illness. It restores life in general and aids in the prevention of disease by shoring up the reserves of the immune system.”¹

                  An Energizing Formula is a combination of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in equal parts, inhaled on a hanky or via a diffuser or 6 drops of the formula with a carrier oil for massage.

•

EUCALYPTUS INTERNAL – Internal Uses ~ We do not recommend the internal use of Essential oils. If you choose to do so, it is recommended that competent complimentary medical advice be received.  Take it at your own risk!

            Some use Eucalyptus oil for urinary tract infections (UTI). It has diuretic and antiseptic properties.  Here, you may wish to make a mixture of Australian Sandalwood and Eucalyptus smithii in a formula of 1•1. Take 2-3 drops in a gelatin capsule, Cranberry or Marshmallow root capsule, or in honey 3X/day for no more than 2 days.

Eucalyptus  tree photographed  by Tracy Feldstein.
•

EUCALYPTUS BLENDING AND PERFUMERY

BLENDS BEST  ~ Eucalyptus blends well with many essential oils, especially those with therapeutic value, such as Black and Green Pepper, various species of ‘cedar-wood’, herbs such as Lavender, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, the grass oils such as Lemongrass or Palmarosa, all type of seed oils and root oils, Mediterranean oils of Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, and other  Australian oils from the Leptospermum species and conifer oils and the citrus oils.  All sorts of therapeutic formulas can be made with one or another of the Eucalypts.

•

BLENDING WITH FORMULA ~ FORMULAS & RECIPES USING EUCALYPTUS

•All Purpose Formula:  For all respiratory tract infections, herpes, sore muscles, strains, athlete’s food, parasites, and fleas… Mix 3 drops each of E. globulus, Rosemary, and Lavender to 1 oz of Calendula infused or simple Olive oil.  Apply externally to the chest and around the nose.
•Bedbug repellent: Mix the following essential oils together; Eucalyptus citriodora (Corymbia citriodora)oil – 10%, Orange Oil – 5%, Peppermint Oil – 5%; with alcohol 80% of formula. Spray everywhere.
•Herpes: You will want an EO that contains citral, such as Lemon tea tree (Leptospermum citratum or L. petersonii)  from Australia with 80% citral and some citronellal. Mix 3-4 drops each E. globulus, Leptospermum citratum, Citrus bergamia, and Pelargonium graveolens to 1 oz of Lemon Verbena or Melissa hydrosol.  Apply 1 drop externally to the mouth or nose herpes.  Shake vigorously before each use. It will ‘bite’ you.
•Insect Repellent: Add 1 teaspoon of E. citriodora (Corymbia citriodora) + ½  t. dish soap to make an emulsion.  Add this to 1 cup of warm water or Tea Tree hydrosol.  Rub into the skin before going out to make a powerful insect repellent.
• Respiratory: 1 drop each of any Eucalyptus, Lavender CT cineol*, Pine or Fir, and Thyme. Add to a pot of boiling water, bend over the pot, and cover the head and pot with a towel.  Inhale through the nose to treat the sinus and exhale through the mouth, then inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose to treat the throat and lungs. Or use the oils and technique explained in ‘Sequential Inhalation”.
•Tonsillitis/Sore Throat: Mix equal parts of Eucalyptus, Tea tree and Thyme and put into a diffuser.  Open your mouth near the diffuser spout and breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose for 1-2 minutes every half hour or so. For children, use half the amount of Thyme. I have known some students use a Q-tip to paint the tonsil area with a bit of this mixture or Tea Tree or Clove oil for sore throat. But it is not something that I would do. — The Aromatherapy Studies Course. Institute of Aromatic Study. San Francisco, CA.

§

JeanneRose in the Perfumery

EUCALYPTUS PERFUMERY ~ I have never used any of the Eucalypts in a perfume, although I have seen it listed in Chrissie Wildwood’s book, in a list as a perfume top note and that it blends well with Lavender and Rosemary. I do agree that it blends well with many oils and is used in blends for massage and therapy, but I would not use most of the popular species in a true perfume.
It is possible that 1 drop of Eucalyptus dives ct. piperitone or other Eucalypts with 100 drops of sweet scents would uplift and enhance the perfume.
Eucalyptus macarthurii is mainly used in perfumery because its major component is geranyl aetate up to 44-56% and some of its varieties as high as 70%. It also contains geraniol, linalool, and α and β-eudesmol. I have not had the opportunity to smell this oil, but I imagine it might be similar to some types of Pelargonium spp. with their pleasant fruity/floral aroma.

§

EUCALYPTUS HYDROSOL ~ I have not had the opportunity to distill or use Eucalyptus hydrosol. The only person I knew who did distill a species of Eucalyptus became sick because of the odor of a component called cuminaldehyde. Now, of course, we know we should distill some of the species twice to have the best possible scent and therapeutic result. If you have distilled Eucalyptus and send me a bottle of the hydrosol, I will add it to this post.

PLEASE NOTE: A true hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water has many components. Most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.

••

6 botanical species of Eucalyptus oil of Australia showing organoleptic qualities.And some very color-full oils. From left to right is E. globulus, #5  E. stageriana, #4 E. polybractea,#3 E. dives, #2 E. radiata, #1 E. citronella (Corymbia citriodora)

••

PHARMACEUTICAL USES ~ “Eucalyptus oil is used in throat lozenges, chest rubs, and liquids for the purpose of clearing mucus from the nose and lungs and to relieve upper respiratory distress.  It is mucolytic.  It is also used in air fresheners, deodorants, and insecticides. These are  exactly the same reasons we use Eucalyptus in aromatherapy but without the synthetics, alcohol, dyes, and artificial flavorings mixed in.” —unnamed source.

••

HERBAL USES OF EUCALYPTUS ~  I have mentioned the herbal uses of Eucalyptus leaves in several of my books. The leaves can be used in the bath as an infusion for cleansing, and the “antiseptic action and the scent coming off the bath water is especially nice when you have a cold or a respiratory problem.”12 The leaves are also used in sleep pillows for breathing problems, and they are useful in mixtures of herbs for dandruff or scalp conditions.  The leaves of most species can also be used when they have been macerated or decocted in oil (then strained), the infused oil being used in lotions, ointments for chapped hands, or as a rub for aching muscles. This is a very useful leaf to use herbally. Here is a link to a great chart listing herbal and essential uses of 81 plants. http://www.jeannerose.net/articles/EO_Herbs.htm

            The leaves of various species of Eucalyptus are used as a flavorant in Gothic Gin.

•

AGRICULTURAL USES OF EUCALYPTUS ~ One of the most interesting uses I have found for Eucalyptus is in the gold business. Apparently, if Eucalyptus grows where there is gold in the earth, these trees that suck water out of the soil (when there is gold in the soil) will absorb the gold into their leaves via the water. However, gold is toxic to Eucalyptus leaves and is then excreted. The leaves drop, the gold searchers need only test the leaves rather than digging huge holes, and if the leaves come up positive, then the searchers start the digging.  In Canada, this is done with Pine leaves (needles), and in Australia, it is Eucalyptus when hunting for gold and other precious metals.

            Eucalyptus is a heavy user of water and is planted in marshy areas to drain the soil, with less water, there is less mosquitoes and, in some areas, less mosquitoes means less malaria.

∞

HISTORICAL AND INTERESTING ~ Eucalyptus is a favorite home remedy in Australia, whose European settlers learned of its use from the Aborigines. Of the hundreds of species of eucalyptus trees in the world, Eucalyptus globulus is now the best known and the one that is most used in aromatherapy.

 The essential oil … “extracted from eucalyptus leaves contains compounds that are powerful natural disinfectants and can be toxic in large quantities. Several marsupial herbivores, especially koalas and possums, are relatively tolerant of it. The close correlation of these oils with other more potent toxins called formylated phloroglucinol compounds (euglobals, macrocarpals, and sideroxylonais allows koalas and other marsupial species to make food choices based on the smell of the leaves. For koalas, these compounds are the most important factor in leaf choice. Eucalyptus flowers produce abundant nectar, providing food for pollinators that include bats, birds, insects and possoms.”⁵

            In 1870, F.S. Cloez identified and ascribed the name “eucalyptol” to what is now correctly known as 1,8-cineol. So, eucalyptol is an old out-of-date name, and you should use cineol or cineole.

            “In 1896, R.T. Baker and H. G. Smith collaborated on a series of investigations of the Eucalyptus species and “were the first to use chemistry to differentiate species which showed very slight botanical differences.¹¹”

            “Malaria was extinguished from the swampy Paludi Pontine region near Rome through planting with Tasmanian blue gum. The word malaria is Italian (mala aria) for ‘bad air.’ Originally, it was believed that the disease was caused by the foul smell of the swamps. The fragrant eucalyptus trees would freshen the air. Today, the beneficial effect is explained by reducing the mosquitos transferring the disease. The water demanding eucalyptus trees partly dried out the swamps, and the fallen leaves’ essential oil possibly hampered the mosquito’s larvae development.”⁶

•

Jeanne Rose EUCALYPTUS TOMATO TALES

Insect Repellant Formula ~ I use essential oils of Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora), and Lemongrass for bug repellent control.  I have experimented with many blends and found that adding the Catnip oil significantly increases the effectiveness. 

Formula: ½ oz Neem oil and add ½ oz of Coconut oil and shake together with ½ cup 95% neutral grain spirits.

Add: 1-dram (120 drops) catnip oil – attracts cats but repels bugs. (Don’t use this in the jungle or woods where tigers, lions, and panthers live).
1-dram (120 drops) Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) E.O (bug repellent)
1-dram (120 drops) Lemongrass/Citronella mixture E.O (bug repellent)
2 ml (60 drops) Lavender/Peppermint E.O mixture for scent (Total 420 drops)

         Succuss the essential oils together well to integrate (mix). And then add the Neem and vegetable oil and alcohol and shake well (succuss) before using each time. When you wish to use this, dilute 1-2 times with hydrosol or distilled water. Put into spray containers and use liberally. Shake before each use. This recipe must also be reapplied frequently. It does require frequent reapplication; you could increase the Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) or add more fractionated coconut or grape seed oil.

         Personal Preferences in this formula.    I prefer alcohol to vegetable oil because the oil makes you feel sweaty, and that attracts bugs. A light spray of the scented alcohol works better for me. The spray mixed with 50•50 with distilled water or Catnip hydrosol lasts from 1-3 hours, depending on how much a person sweats.  In an unscented lotion base, it will last longer.  The total essential oil content is about 1.5% in the spray and less than that in the lotion since it stays on longer, and people tend to apply more if using the lotion. Use this at dusk and spray the screens and mosquito netting (both at dusk and before bed).  This recipe is a combination of a student’s and my personal research.

∞∞

ABSTRACT/SCIENTIFIC DATA ~ In Food Chemistry, vol. 129, Issue 4, 15 Dec. 2011, pages 1427-1434, there was an interesting article called “Antibacterial activity and chemical composition of 20 Eucalyptus species’ essential oils. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.05.100]. The highlights include the information that ten chemotypes were identified, including cineole, cryptone, and others.

∞

KEY USE ~ The Oil of Respiration

•

RESOURCES ~ I have made great use of the website called www.google.scholar.com for a variety of interesting scientific studies.

•

REFERENCES

¹Adapted and Used with permission. The Aromatic Thymes. Vol. 2. #1. Winter 1994.
² https://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/cd-keys/Euclid/sample/html/history.htm
³ https://anbg.gov.au/aborig.s.e.aust/eucalyptus-species.html
⁴ Optimum planting densities for the production of eucalyptus oil from blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea) and oil mallee (E. kochii). Author links. P. L. Milthorpea, M.I. H. Brooker, A. Sleeb H. Nicolc. 1998.
⁵ Wikipedi
⁶http://www.bojensen.net/EssentialOilsEng/EssentialOils11/EssentialOils11.htm#Eucalyptus
⁷Private communications.
⁸ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ffj.2730090203
⁹ GC/MS analysis of volatile constituents and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus in atlas median from Morocco
¹⁰ Chemistry and bioactivity of Eucalyptus essential oils. Allelopathy Journal 25(2):313-330 • April 2010
11 A Research on the eucalypts and Their Essential Oils by R. T. Baker and H. G.  Smith.
¹² The Herbal Body Book by Jeanne Rose. 2000. Available at www.jeannerose.net/books.html
¹³ http://www.aromaticplantproject.com/articles_archive/Australian_Essential_Oils.html
¹⁴ Guenther. The Essential Oils, vol 4, p. 465
•
Brooker, Ian, and David Kleinig. Eucalyptus, An Illustrated Guide to Identification. Reed Books, Australia. 1996
Elliott, W. Rodger, and David L. Jones. Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants
FLORA. Publication of the California Native Plant Society. Summer 2019
Franchomme & Pénoël .Aromatherapie
Guenther. The Essential Oils.

Herbal Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose & Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1992, 2018
https://catalogimages.wiley.com/images/db/pdf/0471273961.excerpt.pdf (Nomenclature &taxonomy)
Mabberley, D. J. Mabberley’s Plant-Book, 3^rd edition, 2014 printing, Cambridge University Press.
Rose, Jeanne .The Aromatherapy Studies Course, CH. 14. 1999.
Rose, Jeanne.  375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.  Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999
Webb, Mark A. Bush Sense, Australian Essential Oils. Griffin Press, Australia. 2000
Rose, Jeanne.  The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations.  San Francisco, California.
•

“Of all the essential oils Eucalyptus is one of the most powerful and useful.”

SAFETY PRECAUTION ~ Use with care or not at all on children and the elderly

•

CEDAR-WOOD
 (VIRGINIA-CEDAR) RED CEDAR

Confused with a true Cedar, these two plants are physically and chemically unalike.
Know them correctly. Juniperus virginiana or Eastern Red-Cedar or Cedar-wood (note the dash that keeps it separate from true Cedars) is an indigenous species native to eastern North America. Lakota calls it Changsha, “redwood,” or Hante’.
It belongs to the Cupressaceae family and not the Pinaceae family.
•

•

LATIN BINOMIAL/BOTANICAL FAMILY of Virginia-Cedar. This EO is often confused with the true Cedar of the genus Cedrus. They are physically and chemically unlike and should be known by their correct names. Red or Virginia Cedar contains mainly cedrene while true Cedar contains cedrol and atlantone.

            Family of Juniperus virginiana, is Family Cupressaceae

•

COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ~ Northeastern North America. Southwest Maine, west to Northern New York, Southern Quebec, Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, to Southwest North Dakota, south to West Kansas, Oklahoma to Central Texas, and east to Georgia, the most widespread and common juniper in the eastern US. [USDA data].  Juniperus virginiana or Eastern Red-Cedar or Cedar-wood (note the dash that keeps it separate from true Cedars) is an indigenous species native to the eastern North America. Lakota call it Chansha, “redwood” or Hante’. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family and not the Pinaceae family.

ENDANGERED ~ This tree is of least concern as the population of trees is increasing.

•

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLANT, HABITAT, & GROWTH of Virginia-Cedar ~  This tree has some needle-like leaves and some with scale-like ones at maturity; the females with cones have 3-8 fleshy coalescing scales becoming berry-like. This can be a massive tree, over 35 feet, that is, a timber tree or a cultivated ornamental with flavoring and medicinal uses.

•

            Find a good Field Guide Book and learn how to identify plants by their external and internal look. Or use Mabberley’s Plant Book for the correct names, classifications, and uses.
•∞•

PORTION OF PLANT USED IN DISTILLATION, HOW DISTILLED, EXTRACTION METHODS & YIELD ~  The wood chips and sawdust are steam distilled. 
     Yield –  1.06 to 3.44% based on fresh material weight. [American Journal of Environmental Science 1 (2): 133-138, 2005]         

•

SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL

SCENT ASSESSMENT of Virginia-Cedar ~ When compared to the floral fruity scent of the true Cedar, Cedrus spp. , the Virginia-Cedar is more spicy and vegetative. There are distinct differences between these two distinct species, both in their scent and in their uses, and they cannot be substituted one for the other.

•

Cedar vs. Cedar

•

See the Odor Profile at the end of the article to compare the scent of the essential oil of these two very different plants.
•

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS ~ Oil from the Virginia-cedar leaves contains borneol, cadinene, d-limonene, and a-pinene (Guenther, 1948-1952). Hager’s Handbuch adds sabinene, g-terpinene, elemoacetate, 3-carene, myrcene, 4-terpineol, citronellol, elemol, eudesmol, estragole, safrole, methyl eugenol, elemicine, traces of thujene, cymene, and linalool (List and Horhammer, 1969–1979). The Cedarwood oil contains about 80% cedrene, some cedrol and pseudocedrol, and cedrenol. Juniperus virginiana contains the poisonous antitumor compound called podophyllotoxin (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, 1977). — see https://www.hort.purdue.edu/

••

This work is sponsored and supported by Prima Fleur Botanicals.

§

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF VIRGINIA-CEDAR

(by IG=ingestion or IN=inhalation or AP=application): AP-Application:  Arterial regenerative, lymphatic tonic, antiseptic, fungicide, tonic, reduces oiliness, and is regenerative. IN-Inhalation: Tonic to the respiratory system.                                                                                

PHYSICAL USES & HOW USED (IG OR AP) EO ~ Application: It is used by application for arteriosclerosis, the retention of fluid in the tissue (edema), cellulite reduction, and skin care for reducing oily secretions.  It is also used for general skin cleansing, as a general tonic, for acne, applied for rheumatism and cystitis, and on the scalp in a shampoo or application for scalp issues. Cedarwood is used by application and/or inhalation for chest infections and asthma. The EO is used as an astringent compress or application in skin care or for varicosities of one sort and another.

 Ingestion: This oil can be used by a skilled aroma/herbalist for urinary infections.

EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC USES (AP OR IN) ~ Inhalation:  Considered to be calming. However, in my experience the odor is so evocative of the traditional cedar chest in which are contained old memories that for me, it seems more conducive to reflection. Energetically this EO is often used to ‘clear’ negative energy.

     DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION: Diffuse to clear the air of a musty room or house. Can be blended with citrus and other oils.

BLENDING & PERFUMERY ~  This oil can be used in any woodsy scent where a spicy note is desired. Try it with Benzoin, Cypress, Frankincense, Galbanum, Juniper berry, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Rose, Vetiver, and the like. It has a spicy fixative effect in blends when used in perfumery.

 PERFUMERY FORMULA ~ Russian Leather
8 parts Labdanum absolute or 8 drops
8 parts Choya Loban (Atlas cedarwood based) or 8 drops
1 part Birch Tar Essential oil or 1 drop
4 parts Virginia cedar-wood or 4 drops
2 parts Tonka Bean Absolute or 2 drops

Mix these oils together. Succuss vigorously. And let them age for a few weeks. Then dilute or not as you wish. To scent leather goods, place a few drops of the scent on a cotton ball and envelop the ball in a piece of fabric. Then, put this in an airtight container with the leather or gloves you wish to scent. Leave for another few weeks, and finally, you will have leather or gloves that will have the odor of “Russian Leather”. Umm! Very nice.

§

HYDROSOL: The hydrosol of Virginia-cedar will help rid your home of ants, even fire ants. Just spray on the walls and around the baseboards or wherever you see ant trails. This has worked for me for over thirty years.

PLEASE NOTE: A true hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water has many components. Most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.

HERBAL USE OF VIRGINIA CEDAR TREE, LEAVES, AND BARK ~ *Anthelmintic or antihelminthics are a group of drugs that expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Virginia-cedar has been used in this way historically.
       Historical Uses ~ Important local medicine, wood is used for insect-proof chests and cedar-balls placed among clothes, and oil is used for scenting soap and in aromatherapy.

•

Interesting Facts ~ “Repellant to insects. Native Americans use American cedar as medicine and burn it for purification”. Also called the pencil cedar as it is very popular in the pencil-making industry. The wood is used in furniture as it is rot-resistant, and the essential oil is distilled from the wood chips, twigs, and leaves and used to deter bugs. The pollen is an allergen.

•

FOLKLORE ~ In Native American folklore, Virginia-cedar decoctions or steam were used to promote delivery. Chickasaw people heated the small tree limbs with Elder branches in hot water and applied the water topically for headaches. Chippewa people decocted the twigs for rheumatism, Dakota people used the plant for cholera, cold, and cough; Pawnee used juniper smoke as an inhalant for bad dreams and nervousness, Ojibwa took the bruised leaves and berries for headache. Delaware people steamed juniper branches for rheumatism; the Fox decocted the leaves to apply and take to strengthen convalescents. … Scully relates that in 1849–1850, there was an Asiatic cholera among the Teton Dakotas, killing many of them. After failing with many other medicines, Chief Red Cloud succeeded with a decoction of red-cedar leaves (which contain germicides).

•

KEY USE ~ The EO is used as an astringent compress or application in skin care or for varicosities of one sort and another.       

Jeanne Rose, 2023. May not be reproduced without permission. aromaticplant@yahoo.com

§

HERBAL HOME CLEANSERS FROM JEANNE ROSE©  ~
Citrus/Hydrosol Vinegar – An Herbal-Home Remedy for Cleaning.
A Tomato Tale

… Purchase a gallon of the cheapest white vinegar. As you eat lemons, oranges, and grapefruit — peel and roll the peels up and put them into the vinegar bottle. Your vinegar will get the added benefits of the antibacterial Citrus peels as well as the clean citrus fragrance.
         It is good to start with the peel of one Grapefruit, one Orange, and one Lemon – but anything will do. Take out about a quart of this citrus vinegar and place it into another gallon bottle. Add 1-quart hydrosol. This is a good time to add all the hydrosols that you know are old or have lost their labels or that you don’t care to use in skin care. Hydrosols are acidic and will complement the properties of the Citrus vinegar. Hydrosols will double the cleaning ability of the vinegar. I particularly like to use Rosemary Hydrosol and Lavender Hydrosol to complement the Citrus scent, but anything will do.

If you have Cedar-wood hydrosol (Juniperus virginiana), add it to the Citrus vinegar, as it will stop the ants trying to get into your home. Cedar-wood hydrosol is a powerful cleanser and works very well with the Citrus vinegar.

I recently had to clean the walls of a home where someone had lived for 30 years without repainting the walls. They had a septic system, and rather than using toxic chemicals, I used only Citrus Vinegar with Rosemary Hydrosol. The walls came clean, the septic system was undamaged, and the place took on a fresh and clean odor

When the vinegar is all gone, the bottle will be full of peels, and you can just discard the peels in your compost pile. You can also add 16 oz of water or hydrosol to the now-empty citrus/vinegar bottle and make a spray to clean small surfaces. This Citrus Vinegar/Hydrosol is used to clean all surfaces, stoves, porcelain, wood floors, wood chopping tables, dusty woodwork, doorknobs, etc.

You can also make a good cleanser and deodorizer by wiping the porcelain surfaces with baking soda and then adding it from your Citrus Vinegar/Hydrosol bottle. You can keep drains clear by using this solution. Every two weeks, pour 1 cup baking soda down all the drains and follow with 1 cup of the vinegar. It will fizz and bubble. Now let that sit for an hour, and then pour 1 quart of boiling water down the drain. This will keep the drains funk-free and smelling good.

•

SCIENTIFIC DATA: J Med Food. 2013 Jan;16(1):48-55. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2472.

Topical wound-healing effects and phytochemical composition of heartwood essential oils of Juniperus virginiana L., Juniperus occidentalis Hook., and Juniperus ashei .. J. Buchholz. Tumen I¹, Süntar I, Eller FJ, Keleş H, Akkol EK.

Abstract - Ethnobotanical surveys indicated that in traditional medicines worldwide, several Juniperus species are utilized as anthelmintic*, diuretic, stimulant, antiseptic, carminative, stomachic, antirheumatic, antifungal, and for wound healing. In the present study, essential oils were obtained from heartwood samples of Juniperus virginiana L., Juniperus occidentalis Hook. and Juniperus ashei J. Buchholz were evaluated for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities by using in vivo experimental methods. The essential oils were obtained by the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method. Linear incision and circular excision wound models were performed for the wound-healing activity assessment. The tissues were also evaluated for the hydroxyproline content as well as histopathologically. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils, the test used was an acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability. The essential oil of J. occidentalis showed the highest activity on the in vivo biological activity models. Additionally, the oil of J. virginiana was found to be highly effective in the anti-inflammatory activity method. The experimental data demonstrated that the essential oil of J. occidentalis displayed significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

REFERENCES
Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils.
Mabberley, D. J. Mabberley’s Plant-Book, 3^rd edition, 2014 printing, Cambridge University Press.
Rose, Jeanne.  375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.  Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999
Rose, Jeanne.  The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations.  San Francisco, California:
Herbal Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose & Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1992.

•

CEDAR & Cedar-Virginia Scent Snapshot

•••

Safety Precautions: Be certain of what you are using. Both oils, called Cedar oil, are used to repel vermin in the storage of valuables, but the oil should not touch the garments directly.  Cedrus atlantica is a true cedar, whereas Juniperus virginiana contains mostly Cederene.  Even though they have the same common name, and although they both repel vermin, they are not used identically otherwise.  So, be absolutely certain of which oil you are using.
Do not use on pregnant women. It may be sensitizing.
DISCLAIMER:  This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given, as that is a matter between you and your healthcare provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor.  The content herein is the product of research and personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies – Jeanne Rose©

Originally, Petitgrain, which means “small seed,” was distilled from the immature and small, round green fruits of the Citrus trees.  Of course, if you distill the fruits, there will be no mature fruit to eat or preserve.  Eventually, the distillation was limited to the leaves and small branchlets, but the oil is still called Petitgrain.

•

PETITGRAIN, THE ESSENTIAL OIL &/OR HYDROSOL PROFILE

By Jeanne Rose ~ 12/23

Petitgrain oil and leaves

•

COMMON NAME/LATIN BINOMIAL ~ Petitgrain is the name of a particular essential oil and is not a specific plant species, it is the results of distilling the leaves and twigs of citrus and can be made from any citrus. Typically, it is from Citrus x aurantium (L.).

•

OTHER COMMON NAME/NAMING INFORMATION ~ Originally, Petitgrain, which means “small seed,” was actually distilled from the immature and small round green fruits of Bitter Orange Citrus trees.  Of course, if you distill the fruits, there will be no mature fruit to eat or preserve.  Eventually, the distillation was limited to the leaves and small branchlets, but the oil is still called Petitgrain.

             Blossoms of the true bitter (sour) orange tree, Citrus x aurantium Linnaeus, subsp. amara L., upon being distilled, yields Neroli bigarade oil. If, on the other hand, the leaves and petioles (leaf stalk) are distilled, oil and hydrosol of the finest Petitgrain bigarade are obtained.

            Petitgrain oil and hydrosol are thus produced from the Bitter Orange tree after the harvest of the flowers (for Neroli); leaves and stalks are freshly picked in July-October and freshly and immediately distilled for the best product.

            It should be emphasized that American producers wishing to produce Petitgrain oil and hydrosol should be very careful about the citrus variety they use, the time of harvesting, and the type of distillation.

•

Family ~ Rutaceae, the Rue family of flowering plants, comprises 160 genera and about 2,070 species. This includes Rue, Kumquat, Zanthoxylum, Citrus, and many more.

•

COUNTRIES OF ORIGINS ~ The Oil of Petitgrain was initially distilled in Paraguay and is now distilled in Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, and the USA. It is still also distilled in Paraguay.  However, in Paraguay, the plant that is distilled is a hybrid of the sweet and the bitter Orange that has gone wild, and thus, the oil and hydrosol are considered of lower quality.  Main producing areas are the Mediterranean countries of Italy, Corsica, Sicily, etc. and California, Florida and South America, each of these countries produce citrus oils that are organoleptically identifiable.

•

ENDANGERED OR NOT ~ Not at this time.

•

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLANT HABITAT AND GROWTH of Citrus leaves ~  Citrus is grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including various southern areas such as in the southern USA. They are found in sunny, warm areas throughout the world.  The tree is a small evergreen tree, somewhat cold-hardy and tolerant of drought, but Mandarin, the fruit itself, is very delicate and sensitive to the cold.  Citrus blooms in winter months and produce small green fruits in spring, and fruits ripen in fall. It grows at a pH of 6 to 8.  They do not, however, grow well in soils with a high salt content. Leaves are harvested in late June to October for distillation.

•

Leaves & twigs & immature fruit

•

PORTION OF PLANT USED IN DISTILLATION, HOW DISTILLED, EXTRACTION METHODS AND YIELDS ~ Petitgrain is produced by steam distilling the leaves and small branches of various citrus trees.  The most important of the Petitgrain oils comes from the Bitter Orange tree. Higher quality Petitgrain comes from France, Italy, Egypt, and Morocco.

True Petitgrain oil and hydrosol should originate exclusively from the true bitter Orange tree. These distillations show that the oil will have a relatively high laevorotation, and the presence of leaves from sweet Orange trees will result in oils of lower laevorotation or even dextrorotation.

            THE YIELDS are from 0.25-0.5%.       

•••

The quality of your Petitgrain oil depends on various factors:

1. The leaf material should originate exclusively from the bitter or sour Orange tree.

2. The leaf material should not contain any wooden branches or any small unripe fruit (despite the name).

3. The leaf material should be distilled rapidly and with direct steam that is generated in a separate boiler. The leaves must not be immersed in water, as this will cause hydrolysis of the linalyl acetate, which is the most important constituent. Properly distilled, the oil and hydrosol will have a high ester content.

4. The plants of Southern France bloom in May and June, and these flowers are used for Neroli production.  The leaves and petioles for Petitgrain are harvested from the pruning after the Neroli harvest, which is from late June to October.

•

ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS of PETITGRAIN EO

Sensory characters of EO	Petitgrain absolute	Petitgrain Bigarade-organic	Petitgrain Mandarin-organic	Petitgrain Sur Fleurs-organic
Color	Dark yellow	Very pale yellow	Pale yellow	colorless
Clarity	clear	clear	clear	clear
Viscosity	Non-viscous	Non-viscous	Non-viscous	Non-viscous
Intensity of Odor 1-10 and  1= lowest	3-4	3-4	5-6	4-5
Tenacity of Odor	4	4	4	4-5

ODOR DESCRIPTION/ AROMA ASSESSMENT ~ Petitgrain has a strong, bitter-sweet, floral, and somewhat woody odor, sometimes vegetative (bad), dry, and a bit leathery. The woody smell is from the sesquiterpene alcohol, spathulenol.  Aldehydes contribute to the odorous principle, even though they are in small amounts.  Another important constituent is the pyrazines with their Galbanum-like green notes. It is important to mention that the trace components in Petitgrain lead to a good quality scent, especially in perfumery, where they are important when the scent needs to be reconstituted.

•

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS – 80% of the yield comprises linalyl acetate and linaloöl in a proportion of 2:1 with dipentene, citral, and others. The high amount of ester in the form of linalyl acetate lends a fruity odor to the oil, while various amounts of the other components lend the personality to each of the different types of Petitgrain.

Petitgrain bigarade is used in perfumes for its refreshing, sweet-floral notes and often as a substitute for Neroli.

•§•

•

~ GENERAL PROPERTIES the Petitgrain EO ~

Petitgrain essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, and its scent when inhaled, is antispasmodic, tonic, and astringent.

PROPERTIES AND USES ~ Inhaled to ease the nervous system and soothe nerves that stimulate the muscles; used in skin care properties for excessive acne, to reduce excessive perspiration, and in shampoo and soap for greasy hair and skin. It is an excellent toner for all body care products. It is a wonderful addition in woody or fougére perfumes.

APPLICATION/ SKINCARE – A useful antiseptic, it kills bacteria on the skin and works well in cleansers. It can leave the skin feeling clean and can reduce acne.

Using this essential oil in a massage helps stimulate untoned muscles, reducing excessive perspiration, toning the body, and easing fatigue, stress, and exhaustion _{– 375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols.}

•

• ∞ FORMULAS FOR SKINCARE ∞ •
AFTERSHAVE THERAPY FOR MEN
a Jeanne Rose Recipe for the skin.
4 drops of Lavender oil,
4 drops of Bergamot,
4 drops of Petitgrain,
3 drops of Atlas Cedar oil
Make your synergy and succuss.
Dilute to your specifications or as follows,
Add 45 drops of carrier oil, lotion, or alcohol to dilute to = 25% EO

What does Jeanne Rose use this EO for?  I like to take a tablespoon of unscented cleanser or oil and add 1 drop of Petitgrain EO, especially the low intensity oil, such as Bigerade and mix these and apply to my skin. Then I take a warm wash cloth and touch it to my face to warm the skin, and then rinse, rinse, rinse with warm water. My skin feels clean and ready for the day.

•

This work is sponsored and supported by Prima Fleur Botanicals.

•

Jeanne Rose’s experience with this EO: Orange Flower and Petitgrain Distillation. At the end of March 2003, I had the opportunity to distill 5 pounds of pure Orange Flowers for Sweet Neroli Hydrosol obtained from the flowers of a sweet naval Orange variety Atwood. The balance of the leaves and flowers was then sent to another distiller for the sweet Orange Flower and Petitgrain hydrosol.

            The trees were grown in the foothills, edging the great central valley of California near the town of Lindsay. The trees are grown organically, at 500 feet with a west exposure in full sun, and the area is certified organic. The area is irrigated via the San Joaquin River. The soil is USDA Porterville cobbly clay. There is about 12 inches of rainfall per year. The harvest was on Wednesday, 3/25/03, from about 15 trees. Harvest weather was overcast to full sun, about 75º F and 30% humidity.  It took 6 hours for two persons to fill 13 five-gallon buckets with twigs and flowers. This was transported to San Francisco and arrived on Thursday. Each tree produced about 1 bucket (3.3 lbs./bucket) of easily available twigs with flowers.  This effectively gently pruned the tree of excess flowers and will leave it able to produce more and tastier Oranges. [This beautiful organic farm was dug up, the trees burned, and replaced with houses in 2020]

            We started with 43 pounds of twiglets that had blossoms and buds attached. It took 3 man hours (1 hour for 3 persons) to pick off the flowers and to accumulate the 5 pounds of just-opened flowers.  The fragrance was sweet, intense, floral, and fruity with some green back notes. The balance of the leaves and flowers (38 pounds) was sent to the larger stainless steel unit 1-hour north. A 4-inch copper tube was added to the gooseneck. Two hours of distillation produced 12 gallons of hydrosol. pH began at 5, the scent being green and citrus, and as the distillation continued, pH became more acidic to 4.4, the scent becoming more rich, citrus, and spicy. 3 ml of essential oil was produced from the 38 pounds of twigs and flowers.

EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC USE of Petitgrain  ~ Inhaled for nervous exhaustion, fatigue, or stress.

•

DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ Petitgrain can be diffused by itself or in any blend. It lends a tart citrus or green quality, and the air feels clean. It soothes the nervous system, is antispasmodic, and is inhaled for “nervous exhaustion or stress.” — 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols, p. 127

•

KEY USE ~ Inhale to soothe panic and outside for clean skin, that is, inhaled for the nervous system and used externally for body-care products.

•

~ BLENDING AND PERFUMERY with Petitgrain ~

  Petitgrain works well with Bergamot and all types of Citrus, Clary Sage, Lemon Eucalyptus, spices like Clove, woods such as Atlas Cedar, Oakmoss, and Juniper CO₂ , resins like Frankincense and Labdanum, and floral such as scented Geranium, jasmine, Rose, Lavender and Ylang.  It is also very lovely with grasses such as Palmarosa, rooted scents such as Patchouli,  and all types of herbal odors such as Rosemary and Sage.

BLENDING & PERFUMERY USING A JEANNE ROSE FORMULA

Citrus Nectar Perfume (citrus/citrus/wood)
Nectar for the Gods, reminiscent of delirious concoction prepared by men of the cloth for generations

•∞•

•

Mouthwash to help repair gums

.5 ml Helichrysum
.5 ml Bay Laurel
.5 ml Orange Petitgrain
.5 ml Rosemary verbenone
28 ml or 1-2 oz Helichrysum hydrosol.
Mix together and shake thoroughly before applying. Rub on as often as needed or use as a mouthwash 3-4 times per day. Just a small amount swished in your mouth or rubbed on the gums should be effective.

•

•

HYDROSOL: In 2003, we distilled 38 lbs. of leaves and twigs for hydrosol. This was a wonderful hydrosol, very fragrant and sweet.  It was used in skin care products and simply as a mister.  Several misting products were produced using the hydrosol. Mixed 50/50 with Spearmint hydrosol produced a very refreshing and fragrant fruity, citrus mint hydrosol. Fabulous to use. If the citrus farmers of central California would collect and distill leaves and twigs of their sweet Orange crop they would have a value-added product in the way of Petitgrain hydrosol.

PLEASE NOTE: A true hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water has many components most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for essential oil, or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.

•••

•

References:
Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Arctander. 1960
Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils. Krieger Publishing. Florida. 1976
Harman, Ann. Harvest to Hydrosol.  IAG Botanics. 2015 (supporter of testing hydrosols)
Herbal Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose. San Francisco California, 1992
Mabberley, D. J. Mabberley’s Plant-Book, 3^rd edition, 2014 printing, Cambridge University Press.
Mojay, Gabriel.  Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit.  Rochester, Vermont:  Healing Arts Press, 1999.
Rose, Jeanne.  375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.  Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999
Rose, Jeanne.  The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations.  San Francisco, California:
Worwood, Susan & Valerie Ann.  Essential Aromatherapy, Novato, California: New World Library, 2003.

•

HISTORICAL USES of Petitgrain ~  Petitgrain is used since the 1700’s in the Perfumery industry. It lends a citrus woody note to perfumes. Some interesting information regarding Petitgrain. “Petitgrain from Citrus aurantium: Essential Oil of Paraguay” by Daniel Gade — EcoBot 33(1), 1979, pp.63-71

Pictures from 1919 Scientific American of the Gathering of the leaves of the bitter-orange. For Petitgrain Scent

§

•

PRECAUTIONS

•

Petitgrain from Citrus