allodendrene (more than 2%), δ-guaiazulene, α-humalene; Ketones: (-)- pinocarvone, carvone, camphor; Esters: terpinyl acetate; Aldehydes: butyraldehyde, valeraldehyde, caproaldehyde, myrtenol; Oxides: 1.8 cineole (up to 78%).

The presence of Oxides (52-78%) as the majority constituent in Eucalyptus globulus in conjunction with the equally strong percentage of the Monoterpene Hydrocarbons (20-75%) makes it an important respiratory decongestant. The Esters also help Stop Pain, a function supported by the antispasmodic properties of the Ketones. The strong presence of Aldehydes in Eucalyptus citriadora makes it a good combination for this use with Eucalyptus globulus. The Ketones also direct the function of Ridding Damp into the Kidneys where it Dries Damp.


Properties Pungent and bitter. Cool, Dry and Moist.

Functions Increases the Guardian Qi; Promotes Sweat and Rids Wind; Unties the Exterior and Reduces Fever: common colds, sinusitis, laryngitis, cough with copious yellow-green sputum,

sore throat, acute and chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, wheezing, Lung tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis; high fever with sore and swollen throat and painful sinuses; periodic fevers (both Lesser Yang fevers where the fevers and chills alternate during the day and Lesser Yin fevers where the fevers recur a daily or every several days); respiratory infections, throat infections.
Promotes Eruptions: measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever.
Dries Damp; Transforms Damp in the Lung and Relieves Cough: urogenital infections, skin infections; cystitis, leucorrhea.
Stops Pain: muscle and joint aches, headache, migraine; cold, cramping rheumatic pain.
Promotes Tissue Repair: burns, injuries, ulcers.
Regulates Blood Sugar:diabetes, hypoglycemia.
Opens the Chest: melancholy, emotional constriction and suffocation. Expels Worms: roundworm, pinworm, lice.
Rids Insects: insect repellent.

Five Phase Association Metal Soil Water

Discussion Eucalyptus globulus is the main Eucalyptus species used in aromatherapy. Others include: Eucalyptus radiata, and Eucalyptus polybractea (both with a base of 1.8 cineole); Eucalyptus dives (with a base of piperitone and phellandrene); and Eucalyptus citriadora (with a base of citronellal). Nevertheless, most commercially available Eucalyptus globulus is almost systematically rectified to remove its natural aroma, being most often a mixture of several Eucalyptus species. Rectification redistills the crude essential oil in order to remove molecules such as isovalerianic aldehyde and then adds other molecules such as eucalyptol or cineole to the finished product. Different grades of Eucalyptus globulus are, then, produced according to their percentage of eucalyptol: 90-95%; 80-85%; 70-75% or 60-65%. This refining process results in the loss of many of the original and therapeutically viable constituents. The aromatic essence is contained mostly in the leaves, which are collected, as the old leaves are about to fall. Since the leaves of trees generally correspond to the respiratory function in humans, Eucalyptus globulus is therapeutically useful for the respiratory function, especially the bottom of the respiratory function, the bronchii and the lungs, while the top is more effectively treated with Eucalyptus radiata.

Eucalyptus is one of the great essential oils in that it helps to reveal the best of human nature. Eucalyptus trees are huge and can grow over three hundred feet high. Their primary feature is to drain the marshes and purify the air. Their enormous root system absorbs vast amounts of water, which is then evaporated by the leaves. In being the tree that drains the swamps, Eucalyptus globulus results in the essential oil that clears accumulations within the Body/Mind and frees one from the attachments that cloud one from being able to connect directly and instinctively with all that is essential in the outer environment. These include limiting and even detrimental karmic bonds that one has grown to love. In releasing these attachments and the guilt associated with them, one is more able to attune with a higher level of justice than previously experienced. Instead of blaming ones self or others, one can more easily understand the larger universal forces at work and to allow them to unfold without continued interference. Even in low doses, Eucalyptus can be very useful in grounding a scattered person that is suffering from respiratory symptoms to reestablish balance with the world. People who are withdrawn or overconfident, however, may find that Eucalyptus, with its heady and fragrant smell, is too Metallic and over-compressive. Choose over Eucalyptus citriadora when there is a Cold Phlegm pattern with cold, white, watery mucus in the lungs and sinuses with sticky a white coat on the tongue accompanied by joint afflictions.

Precautions

Ingestion may cause toxicity. May be fatal in small amounts (the death of a child was reported after ingestion of 5 mls). Avoid application near the infants’ nostrils because of risk of spasm of the glottis due to its cooling effect on the respiratory system or the feeling of suffocation during an asthma attack. Instead, rub over the BACK of the ribcage, use rectal suppositories, or diffuse with Lemon, which will attenuate the scent, and possibly a little Peppermint. Do not use orally.

[1] Five mls. is a small, but whole, bottle of essential oil, way more than should ever be used in a therapeutic context. This story emphasizes the need to keep essential oils away from children and has nothing to do with the safe usage or dosage of Eucalyptus or any other essential oil.

Dennis Willmont has been practicing acupuncture, and Taijiquan, and Daoist meditation since 1971. He has published numerous articles in academic journals on acupuncture and natural healing and has published four books on these topics, which can be found on his website, www.willmountain.com