Eucalyptus oil is the substance derived from the eucalyptus leaf that is found so prevalently in Australia. The leaves are the favorite dinner of Koala bears all over that country. It has been used in many different ways, such as medicine, fragrance, flavoring and repellents. Though native to Australia, and much beloved by the country, Eucalyptus trees have become a nuisance in other parts of the world, where they have overrun the landscape.
This oil can come in pure form and is also produced in a variety of grades, some less pure. These are generally produced with camphor oil, rather than true eucalyptus oil. The purest forms come from places like Australia, South Africa and Spain, where the tree is native to the soil. The less pure forms are manufactured mainly through China. The difference in grades is usually noted on the outside of the bottle, indicating the amount of cineole/eucalyptus oil that is in the product.
This is a wonderful antiseptic and has anti inflammatory qualities when applied as a liniment to flesh wounds. It works to clean out the wound, protect it from bacteria or infection and help it heal. It is flammable, however, and can also be used to repel pests and act as a disinfectant. There is also a chance of poisoning in high doses, so precautions should always be taken before ingesting it.
It is used in dental hygiene, in soap, because of its microbial properties. This is an area that is always looking for ways to improve. Dental hygiene should be important to everyone because dental problems can cause other issues down the road that might seem completely unrelated.
The mining industries use this kind of oil to separate metallic sulphides. It has some properties that make it perfect as a source of fuel but the value of its use does not justify the cost. It is highly expensive to use it as a fuel but industries do use it along with other kinds of fuel to create a stable atmosphere in the internal functioning of the machinery.
Consumers have been purchasing eucalyptus oil in their lotions and perfumes for many years. Its fragrance qualities provide a woodsy scent to the product, a familiar and comfortable smell for almost anyone.
There are natural healing substances associated with the leaves and oil from the eucalyptus tree. In both forms, it has been used to fight fevers, treat body aches and sinus infections and to fight off colds. The soldiers that fought during the Civil War were treated with liniment oil from the eucalyptus tree.
Eucalyptus oil has been used as flavoring for foods and can be added to meats, beverages and baked goods, as long as the dosage is correct. There is somewhat of a chance of poisoning associated with this oil, although the dosage would have to be incredibly high, ingested or transferred through lotion or liniment through the skin.
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