Not everyone has a favorite scent. In fact, most people don't care much about it.
However, Eucalyptus is one scent that the majority seem to love, no matter how much they previously didn't care about smells.
Eucalyptus oil has been used as an ingredient in hundreds of best-selling perfumes, colognes, and lotions. Consumers love the way it makes them feel, and they purchase these products over and over again.
Scroll down to the bottom to discover all there is to know about Eucalyptus!
Eucalyptus Tree's Unique Features & Benefits
The therapeutic qualities of the eucalyptus tree, an evergreen, are well known. Its leaves can be processed to make essential oil for topical or inhalation applications. Here are the following eucalyptus leaf advantages:
Rich in antioxidants
Eucalyptus leaves can be dried and processed into tea, but they cannot be consumed fresh or whole. Therefore, avoid mistaking this tea for eucalyptus oil, which should never be ingested.
Antioxidants, especially flavonoids found in eucalyptus leaves, save your system from oxidative stress and damaging free radicals. As a result, a significant study reported that an 18% decreased risk of fatal heart disease was linked to a diet high in flavonoids.
Ease cold symptoms
A substance found in Eucalyptus called eucalyptol can lessen nasal congestion, coughing frequency, and headaches brought on by colds. Additionally, it might diminish asthmatic symptoms; however, additional research is required.
Improve dry skin
Eucalyptus oil may help improve dry skin by boosting its ceramide content. Researchers discovered that applying eucalyptus leaf extract topically increases skin ceramide formation, water-holding capability, and skin barrier defense. This is because Eucalyptus contains macrocarpal A, a substance that increases ceramide synthesis.
Encourage relaxation
Eucalyptus oil could potentially lower blood pressure and anxiety. This is because the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages relaxation, is thought to be activated by it.
What Does Eucalyptus Smell Like
All those interesting benefits and still you've got this question of "what does eucalyptus smell like"? Some describe the distinctive camphoraceous scent of Eucalyptus as being spicy and slightly medicinal, somewhat like rosemary. It has a complex woodland aroma with mint, honey, and citrus undertones.
Terpenes, the significant components of eucalyptus oil, give it its minty flavor. It also has fruity and sweet undertones. Eucalyptus is well known for its crisp, cooling, minty aroma that makes it an instant refreshment, though it is not as potent as peppermint.
Eucalyptus and Your Health
The advantages of eucalyptus leaves are astounding. They might lessen discomfort, encourage relaxation, and treat cold symptoms.
Eucalyptus extract is also used in numerous over-the-counter medicines to freshen breath, calm irritated skin, and deter insects. Drinking eucalyptus tea is considered safe, but taking eucalyptus oil can be hazardous.
Different Kinds of Eucalpytuses You Can Plant In Your Garden
In its native Australian setting, the Eucalyptus tree can grow up to 60 feet. However, it only grows 6-10 feet tall when planted in household gardens. There are different kinds of this evergreen tree that you can pick and plant in your garden:
Mallee Eucalyptus
The term "Mallee" is an Aboriginal term for a group of eucalyptus trees that reach heights of 2 to 9 meters. They have several stems that emerge from a lignotuber, or swollen woody base. The trees provide 30–70% of the ground's shade under a leaf canopy resembling an umbrella.
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
The Silver Dollar Eucalyptus is called Eucalyptus cinerea, also known as mealy stringybark and the Argyle apple. This tree proliferates and can withstand heat and drought.
Although this tree can reach 40 feet, it will settle smaller in confined areas. The blue-green leaves keep the aromatic oil that lends the tree its wonderful scent. The silver dollar eucalyptus features striking leaves, lovely white blooms, and attractive bark.
Eucalyptus globulus
This species is sometimes known as blue gum. It has smooth bark and is highly adaptable to various growth environments. So if you have an expansive backyard, you should take care of blue gum.
Eucalyptus gunnii
Eucalyptus gunnii, also known as Cider gum, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Tasmania in Australia. It features lance- to egg-shaped adult leaves, blossoms in groups of three, white flowers, cylindrical to barrel-shaped fruit, and mainly smooth bark.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe for Cats?
You might not be aware, but some fragrances and natural essential oils like Eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oil might harm your cat. This is because many of these pure essential oils components comprise chemicals that, if inhaled or consumed by your cat, can be dangerous.
If you can't do your routine without essential oils, try safer ones like frankincense, cedarwood, helichrysum, and rosemary essential oil. In very diluted doses, cats can also tolerate chamomile, lavender, thyme, and valerian essential oils.
Does Eucalyptus Repel Mosquitoes?
Eucalyptus oil naturally deters insects because of its high eucalyptol concentration. After topical application, studies have shown that it can keep mosquitoes and other insects away for up to eight hours. The higher its eucalyptol content, the more efficient eucalyptus oil repels insects.
In fact, lemon eucalyptus oil is recognized as a reliable insect repellent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, Eucalyptus oil can also be used to treat head lice.
Conclusion
Eucalyptus oil is one scent that everyone seems to love. Eucalyptus has many features and benefits, from being rich in antioxidants to encouraging relaxation.
This instant refresher can freshen your breath, calm irritated skin, and deter insects. However, keep Eucalyptus essential oil away from your cats as its ingredients may harm them.
If you want to add a plant with a distinctive camphoraceous scent to your garden, you can pick from the different species we've provided. So don't sleep on the benefits that Eucalyptus can put on your pot and table, and start using it in your products or as an ingredient.
