Ingredient Spotlight: Eucalyptus
01-05-2021Eucalyptus evolved from Eucalypt trees around 50,000 years ago in Australia, right around the same time Humans were becoming the dominant life on our planet. Their hardy nature was essential to their survival through the periodic fires of Australia and became dependent on the fires for spreading across the continent. The distinctive, gummy sap many eucalyptus trees produce was well known for its healing properties and became as physically important to the natives as the tree was spiritually. If you’ve ever sung the Kookaburra song (Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree…), The tree the Kookaburra is sitting on IS the Eucalyptus!
Eucalyptus’ healing properties became well known throughout the world in the 18th century and its cultivation spread throughout our planet. With its Divine smell and strong ability to cleanse, it became a popular plant to always have near.
An Ancient Anti-Microbial
Australian First Peoples have long used eucalyptus as an antiseptic, but one of the first recorded uses of eucalyptus in medicine was on the First Fleet (the penal colony England sent to its Australian settlement) in 1778. According to a paper from the University of Westminster. Surgeons aboard these ships used E. piperita for wound healing, based on properties similar to Peppermint.
Toward the end of the 19th century, eucalyptus oil was used in most hospitals in England to clean urinary catheters. Modern research is now starting to back this practice up. In February 2016, researchers from Serbia found evidence supporting the antimicrobial action of eucalyptus. They concluded that a positive interaction between E. camaldulensis essential oil (a tree in the Eucalyptus family) and existing antibiotics could lead to the development of new treatment strategies for certain infections.
The Spirit of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Oil works really well for our spiritual health and well being by naturally calming the mind, easing our worries and reducing tension. Eucalyptus works wonderfully as a protection oil and when used properly it can help clear out negative energy from our home. Eucalyptus also helps to elevate our meditations, by infusing the oil into your home it's calming nature helps to ease stress and heavy vibrations, calming them long enough for us to clear out the energies that are affecting us.
Loving Eucalyptus
It’s an easy plant to fall in love with, whether you hang a cut of it from your showerhead to help your steamy showers heal vibrantly or using it in an oil to clean your home, Eucalyptus has a big heart. Try incorporating more Eucalyptus in your life, I guarantee you will find its presence soothing and heart opening while reducing the stress of the daily grind.
Live merry and Thank you for reading!