The eucalyptus, commonly referred to as the gum tree, is a well-established feature of the Australian landscape. Did you know there are close to 800 species of eucalyptus which are native to Australia? While there are so many species, fewer than 20 have ever been commercially exploited for their essential oil.
In Australia, many of us have grown up with, and are familiar with, the revitalising scent of eucalyptus oil and products containing eucalyptus oil – whether it be eucalyptus-flavoured throat lozenges or chest rubs for colds and flu.
As a supplier of essential oils and an aromatherapist, I have always been meticulous in sourcing Australian-produced essential oils and ensuring they are botanically pure (that means knowing the species of the plant from which the oil is extracted). There are many standards for the ‘ideal’ commercial or pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil. The ISO standard for example, requires a minimum of 80-85 %, 1,8-cineole. This is the major constituent which gives many eucalyptus oils that distinctive medicinal aroma. The 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils are the most commonly available oil.
Although some species of eucalyptus yield an oil with a high 1,8-cineole content, many do not. As a result, much of the commercially available eucalyptus oil is either blended or rectified (that means redistilled). In the rectification process, many of the trace constituents that give eucalyptus oil its broad range of unique therapeutic properties are lost.
|
In curating the beautiful 2025 limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection, I not only wanted to support Australian farmers and essential oil producers; I wanted to showcase the beautiful diversity of the amazing eucalypt species and present a range of eucalyptus oils with diverse properties. |
In this monograph, we will explore the eucalyptus oils that are in the 2025 limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection:
- Three 1,8-cineole rich eucalypts:
-
- Blue mallee eucalyptus – Eucalyptus polybractera
- Narrow-leaf peppermint eucalyptus – Eucalytpus radiata
- York gum eucalyptus – Eucalyptus loxophleba
-
- Broad-leaf peppermint eucalyptus – Eucalyptus dives
- Lemon-scented ironbark – Eucalyptus staigeriana
Botanical purity
What makes these oils so special is that they are produced from Australian-grown trees and have not undergone any subsequent rectification or redistillation.
In aromatherapy, purity is defined by being able to identify the botanical source of the plant from which the essential oil is extracted and to identify its chemotype. Chemotypes are used to classify any chemical variability that occurs within the same species. This often occurs with some eucalyptus species.
Many aromatherapists suggest it is best to use the whole essential oil, and that any rectification removes trace constituents that may be responsible for some of the oil’s therapeutic properties.
While the 1,8-cineole is well known for its decongestant and antitussive activity, some of the trace compounds that are removed in the rectification of the oil may contribute to eucalyptus oil’s immunomodulant activity.
Origin
The genus Eucalyptus was named by French botanist C. L. L'Héritier de Brutelle, from the Greek word eu (well) and kalipto (covered), referring to the cup-like structure which is thrown off as the flower expands.2
All eucalyptus plants are indigenous to Australia, where they make up about 75% of all Australian tree flora. However, large eucalyptus plantations have been established in other countries from Australian seeds. As a result of this, the major eucalyptus oil producing countries are now China, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Chile. China is currently the world’s largest producer of eucalyptus oil.2
Unfortunately, nowadays, most eucalyptus oil sold in Australia is produced from trees grown overseas.
History
While the Australian aborigines had long used eucalyptus and made use of its medicinal properties, it was Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, the first government botanist of Victoria in 1853, who convinced his friend Joseph Bosisto, a Melbourne pharmacist, of the virtues of eucalyptus oils and the potential for developing an indigenous industry.1
In 1854, Bosisto built his first distillation plant on the banks of Dandenong Creek near Dandenong on the outskirts of Melbourne. He distilled eucalyptus oil from what was then known as Eucalyptus amygdalina, now known as E. radiata.1
By the 1880s, the eucalyptus oil industry had firmly established itself. Bosisto received financial backing from Melbourne businessmen Alfred Felton and Frederick Grimwade, and together they formed the Eucalyptus Mallee Company. Today this company still produces eucalyptus oil which is marketed under the name Bosisto’s Brand Eucalyptus Oil.1
Eucalyptus oil was in huge demand during World War I, as it was used to help control a meningitis outbreak and for the influenza of 1919. However, by 1930 overseas eucalyptus plantations dramatically impacted Australian produced oil.1
The eucalyptus oil industry in Australia reached its peak in 1947, when total production reached almost 1,000 tonnes, of which 70% was exported. Since then, the industry has declined. In 1989, the world eucalyptus oil market produced about 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes per annum, of which only 5-10% was produced in Australia.
The 1,8-cineole rich eucalypts
Three of the oils in the 2025 limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection are rich in 1,8-cineole, the main constituent found in many eucalyptus oils:
-
- Blue mallee eucalyptus - Eucalyptus polybractea
- Narrow-leaf peppermint eucalyptus - Eucalyptus radiata
- York gum eucalyptus - Eucalyptus loxophleba
While these oils share similar properties, the unique chemical composition gives them a unique aroma profile and subtly diverse therapeutic activities.
Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil has the most typical eucalyptus aroma with over 86% 1,8-cineole. This makes it ideal in a vaporiser as a respiratory decongestant or in a balm as a chest rub, such as Breathe Easy Balm.
Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil only has 68% 1,8-cineole. While it is also beneficial as a respiratory decongestant, the d-limonene and α-terpineol found in this oil give the oil a gentle, pleasant, almost soothing and calming scent. This makes it an ideal choice in topical treatments. I also would recommend diffusing this oil for young children.
York Gum Eucalyptus Oil only has around 71 % 1,8-cineole; however, it also has a high percentage of the ester, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acetate and a-pinene. This gives the oil a soothing medicinal aroma. While it would be ideal for colds and flu, I would suggest this oil to be ideal for its antispasmodic activity.
Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus
BOTANICAL NAME
Eucalyptus radiata. Formerly it has also been referred to as E. Australiana.
ORIGIN
This species is typically a small to medium-sized tree of relatively dry forests and woodlands.3
The Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil found in the limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection comes from plantation grown trees on the South Coast of NSW.
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam distillation
DESCRIPTION
Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil has a sweet, fresh and camphoraceous aroma. I love the unique scent of this eucalyptus oil. It has a lower percentage of 1,8-cineole, giving the oil a delicately balanced, pleasant, almost floral-like aroma.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
This is often considered the most important source of eucalyptus oils. There are up to six chemotypes of E. radiata. the most common is the 1,8-cineole type and the second most common chemotype is the piperitone chemotype.1
The Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil in the limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection is a 1,8-cineole chemotype. However, unlike other 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils, it has a higher percentage of d-limonene and α-terpineol and less 1,8-cineole, giving this oil a sweet, gentle medicinal aroma.
The major constituents found in the 2025 batch of this Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil are α-pinene (3.16%), sabinene (0.61%), β-pinene (0.74%), α-phellandrene (1.16%), d-limonene (7.44%), 1,8-cineole (68.79%), Ƴ- terpinene (1.00%), terpin-4-ol (1.815%), α-terpineol (19.05%).
The chemistry of this batch suggests that it would be a delightful oil to use as a topical antiseptic spray. Its aroma is gentler than that of blue mallee eucalyptus.
York Gum Eucalyptus
BOTANICAL NAME
Eucalyptus loxophleba
ORIGIN
A small tree with a deep and rather open crown. It prefers soils that are loamy to sandy loams, but it will tolerate other soil conditions and is suitable for planting in areas of low rainfall and hot summers. It is also salt tolerant.2
The York Gum Eucalyptus Oil found in the 2025 limited edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oil Collection comes from Western Australia. It is plantation grown and the trees are used as wind breaks by the farmers.
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam distillation
DESCRIPTION
York Gum Eucalyptus Oil has a pleasant, fresh aroma with crispy fruity undertones.
KEY CONCSTITUENTS
The major constituents found in this York Gum Eucalyptus Oil are 4-methyl-2-pentyl acetate (6.8%), α-pinene (9.9%), p-cymene (1.2%), d-limonene (1.3%), 1,8-cineole (71.6%), a-terpineol (0.3%).
Blue Mallee Eucalyptus
BOTANICAL NAME
Eucalyptus polybractea. It is also known as E. fruticetorium.
BOTANY
Eucalyptus polybractea is an evergreen multi-stemmed shrub, up to 8 m high.1,2
HISTORY
E. polybractea is the primary source of the cineole-rich eucalyptus oils in Australia. It is the major species under cultivation for commercial production of eucalyptus oil in Australia. It is reported to have double the oil yield and much higher cineole content than E. globulus. The species is ideally suited to mechanical harvesting as it coppices freely after repeated cuttings.1,2
Australia is in fact the only country which utilises E. polybractea for oil production.2
Weiss states the profitable life of a E. polybractea plantation could be over 100 years. Natural stands in Australia have been harvested continuously for over 70 years with no deterioration.2
ORIGIN
E. polybractea is a mallee, naturally adapted to relatively low rainfall, infertile soils on plains and low hills inland from the Great Dividing Range in Victoria and New South Wales.3
Blue mallee is typically found in western New South Wales and Victoria. It is a mallee found in gently undulating country along with a number of other mallees. It prefers soil that is red-brown or sandy loam.1
The origin of the Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil in the 2025 limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection comes from plantation grown trees in NSW.
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam distillation
DESCRIPTION
Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil has a typical, rich, camphoraceous and sweet eucalyptus aroma. The aroma of blue mallee is reminiscent of a typical eucalyptus oil due to its very high 1,8-cineole content.
KEY CONSTITUENTS
The essential oil obtained from E. polybractea is dominated by 1,8-cineole. Other constituents include limonene, α-pinene, α -terpineol and terpinene-4-ol. Sesquiterpenes are not commonly found in this oil.1
The major constituents found this Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil are α-pinene (1.01%), α-phellandrene (0.19%), d-limonene (1.25%), 1,8-cineole (86.22%), α-terpineol (0.43%), terpinene-4-ol (0.94%).
Aromatherapy Uses for 1,8-cineole Rich Eucalypts
ACTIONS
Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, deodorant, expectorant, febrifuge, immunomodulant, rubefacient4,5,6
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
All 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils are a very effective and important essential oil for the symptomatic treatment of obstructive respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, the common cold and other conditions associated with catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
Eucalyptus is best known as a decongestant inhalation for colds and catarrh.7
Schnaubelt recommends using E. radiata oil as an inhalation and for topical use for rhinitis, flu, otitis, sinusitis and bronchitis.8
Blue mallee eucalyptus oil with a naturally high 1,8-cineole content is ideal as an inhalation for respiratory tract congestion and infections.
Balacs suggests that during a respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold, the nasal and lower respiratory passage become constricted which in turn makes breathing difficult. Research indicates aromatic inhalations containing 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils can significantly improve respiratory function. It has been suggested that the mechanisms of action of such respiratory congestion may be reflex and related to nerve stimulation by the essential oils.9
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
The 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils can be used to relieve insect bites and muscular aches and pains. It is indicated for rheumatic pain of a cold nature and may be used to relieve muscular aches and pains and neuralgia.4,6,7,10
I believe that the York Gum Eucalyptus Oil would be perfect in blends for the musculoskeletal system. Eucalyptus oil is also recommended for the treatment of headaches, neuralgia and debility.4,10
PSYCHOLOGICAL
The fresh aroma of the 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils helps to dispel melancholy, revives the spirit and restores vitality and a positive outlook. Eucalyptus oil helps to disperse the negative feelings associated with such situations, and gives us, inwardly, ‘room to breathe’.6
I find the scent of Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus very soothing and comforting and suggest that this oil would be ideal for reviving the spirit, restoring vitality and supporting the psyche.
Holmes states that eucalyptus oil can help us whenever we are faced with situations marked by confusion, ambiguity or negativity. The scent of eucalyptus revitalises our psyche to make us more confident to tackle any obstacle or challenge we are faced with.10
SKIN CARE
Eucalyptus oil is effective as an insect repellent.4,7
SUBTLE
Eucalyptus oil may be used at a subtle level to cleanse any space where there has been conflict or where negative energies are felt.11 Eucalyptus oil has been described as a fragrance of renewal and is recommended for those seeking new horizons.12
Keim Loughran and Bull explain that eucalyptus oil helps us become aware of the emotions associated with burnout and stress. They state that eucalyptus oil helps to remove emotional energy blockages and allows us to take a deep breath and get a new perspective on the situation.13
Zeck recommends using eucalyptus whenever we feel overwhelmed with our life. As it allows us to discover ways to respond to situations rather than overreacting when our ability to respond is diminished.14
BLENDING
For the relief of muscular aches and pains and rheumatic conditions, consider blending York Gum Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as black pepper, cajeput, clove bud, fragonia, kunzea, ginger, spike lavender, rosemary or thyme.
For the relief of colds and influenza, consider blending Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as bay laurel, cajeput, broad-leaf peppermint eucalyptus, lemon-scented gum, fragonia, ginger, lemon, manuka, peppermint, pine, rosemary, Spanish sage, tea tree or thyme.
For the relief of bronchial congestion, consider blending northern Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as aniseed, broad-leaf peppermint eucalyptus, Atlas cedarwood, pine, rosemary or thyme.
As an insect repellent against mosquitoes, consider blending any of the 1,8-cineole rich eucalyptus oils or Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as cajeput, lemon-scented gum, citronella, Virginian cedarwood, lemongrass, niaouli or peppermint.
To promote mental clarity and alertness, consider blending Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as basil, fragonia, lemon-scented eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lemon myrtle, cold-pressed lime, peppermint or rosemary.
SAFETY
Eucalyptus oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.4,6,10
Eucalyptus oil preparations should not be applied to the face, especially the nose of infants or young children.15
Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus
BOTANICAL NAME
Eucalyptus dives
SYNONYMS
Broad-leaf peppermint, blue peppermint, peppermint gum, peppermint eucalyptus
FAMILY
Myrtaceae
HISTORY
The leaves of the piperitone chemotype have been used as a flavouring in Australia since colonial times, especially in combination with brewed black billy tea.17
ORIGIN
E. dives is found in a wide range of habitats from the foothills of the main ranges in southern NSW.2
The species is a small to medium-sized tree, often occurring on sunny, northern slopes of hills with shallow, often stony, soils. It can be found on the tablelands and lower mountains of southeastern Australia.3
It is usually a small tree with a large crown to ground level in open conditions that grows up to 12 - 15 m.2 The foliage is harvested annually from wild trees in Australia which are felled and allowed to coppice.1
There are three types of broad-leaf peppermint eucalyptus:
- 1,8-cineole chemotype (E. dives var. C)
- piperitone chemotype (E. dives var. Type)
- phellandrene chemotype (E. dives var. “A”) which yields an oil with approximately 60% a-phellandrene and 2 to 8% piperitone.2
EXTRACTION METHOD
Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil is steam-distilled from the freshly cut leaves and twiglets.
CHARACTERISTICS
The E. dives type “A” essential oil is a colourless to pale yellow mobile oil with a fresh spicy-minty and slightly camphoraceous odour.16
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
The chemical composition of this oil found in the limited-edition Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection is the piperitone chemotype Eucalyptus dives essential oil and it was reported as follows:
a-pinene (2.65%), a-phellandrene (17.52%), p-cymene (7.33%), terpinolene (1.71%), terpinen-4-ol (4.970%), piperitone (53.144%).
Aromatherapy Uses
ACTIONS
Analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant, insecticide, mucolytic, rubefacient4,8,19
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Ketones are reported to be effective at reducing mucosal secretions caused by respiratory tract infections.20
Piperitone is a relatively harmless ketone, which makes it highly effective as a mucolytic agent for bronchitis.8
E. dives ct. piperitone oil has excellent mucolytic properties. When it is blended with a 1,8-cineole-rich eucalyptus oil, it becomes a very effective expectorant. This is a great blend for providing relief to congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections.4
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil is recommended for the treatment of arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sports injuries and sprains.4
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil is recommended for the treatment of headaches, neuralgia and debility.4
SKIN CARE
Schnaubelt recommends using E. dives ct. piperitone oil in skin care to calm hyperactive sebaceous glands.8
BLENDING
For relief of cold and flu symptoms associated with bronchial congestion, consider blending Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as cajeput, 1,8-cineole-rich eucalypts, lemon-scented eucalyptus, fragonia, ginger, lemon, lemon myrtle, niaouli, pine, rosalina or tea tree.
For the relief of muscular aches and pain, consider blending Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil with essential oils such as cajeput, clove bud, northern mallee eucalyptus oil, ginger, kunzea, lavender, peppermint, rosemary or thyme.
Schnaubelt recommends blending Broad-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil with 1,8-cineole-rich eucalypt oils to create a very effective expectorant that provides relief from congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections.8
SAFETY
It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.4,8,21
Lemon-scented Ironbark
BOTANICAL NAME
Eucalyptus staigeriana
ORIGIN
This is a small to medium-sized tree which in its natural habitat grows in the granite or sandstone hills of Cape York Peninsula in far northern Queensland.3
The Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil, found in the 2025 limited-edition Australian Eucalyptus Essential Oils Collection, comes from Far North Queensland.
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam distillation
DESCRIPTION
E. Staigeriana is one of two eucalypt species that are known for their lemon-scented aromas. Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil has a sweet and fresh, fruity-lemony aroma. This oil has a divine and heavenly, sweet, refreshing scent that has a perfume-like quality to it.
KEY CONSTITUENTS
The major constituents found this Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil are α-thujene (1.678%), α-pinene (0.807%), myrcene (1.783%), β-phellandrene (36.766%), p-cymene (0.601%), 1,8-cineole (0.623%), Ƴ-terpinene (1.32%), citronellal (3.081%), citronellol (2.211%), nerol (0.949%), geraniol (3.036%), neral (9.955%), geranial (12.704%), methyl geranate (3.672%), neryl acetate (1.17%), geranyl acetate (2.791%), caryophyllene (0.36%).
Aromatherapy Uses
I am surprised that Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil is not as popular in aromatherapy as it has such a well-balanced lemon aroma. It has a very diverse range of chemical constituents. The aldehyde content is naturally quenched by limonene.
In aromatherapy, the Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil would be ideally suited for any uplifting and energising blend. It could also be used in a blend to make a natural insect repellent and would have excellent antimicrobial activity.
It has a range of monoterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols and esters that would give the oil excellent antiseptic properties with the lower risk of dermal irritancy compared with other aldehyde-rich essential oils.
ACTION
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, uplifting.19
BLENDING
Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil has a pleasant, light, sweet, refreshing citrus note that allows it to blend very easily with other citrus oils such as sweet orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime or mandarin.
To alleviate anxiety, stress and nervous tension, consider blending Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil with essential oils such as Atlas cedarwood, Virginian cedarwood, fragonia, geranium, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, petitgrain or sandalwood.
For the prevention of colds and flu, consider blending Lemon-scented Ironbark Oil with essential oils such cajeput, bay laurel, 1,8-cineole-rich eucalypts, lemon myrtle, fragonia, kunzea, lemon, manuka, kanuka or tea tree.
SAFETY
There is no clinical data on skin sensitisation, however, due to the citral content, Tisserand & Young recommend a dermal maximum of 3.4% to avoid skin sensitisation.21
References
1. Boland DJ, Brophy JJ, House APN. Eucalyptus leaf oils: use, chemistry, distillation and marketing. Inkata Press, Melbourne, 1991.
2. Weiss EA. Essential oil crops. CAB International, Wallingford, 1997.
3. Brooker I. Botany of the eucalypts. in Eucalyptus – the genus Eucalyptus. Ed, Coppen JW. Taylor & Francis, London, 2002:1-32.
4. Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of essential oils. Element Books, Shaftesbury, 1992.
5. Lavabre M. Aromatherapy workbook. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, 1997.
6. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for healing the spirit. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, 1997.
7. Davis P. Aromatherapy A-Z. 2nd edn, The C.W. Daniel Company, Saffron Walden, 1999.
8. Schnaubelt K. Medical aromatherapy. Frog Ltd, Berkeley, 1999.
9. Balacs T. Cineole-rich eucalyptus. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1997; 8(2): 15-21.
10. Holmes P. Aromatica – a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics. Vol. 1: Principles and profiles. Singing Dragon, London, 2016.
11. Worwood VA. The fragrant spirit. Transworld Publishers, London, 1999.
12. Davis P. Subtle aromatherapy. The C.W. Daniel Company, Saffron Walden, 1991.
13. Keim Loughran J, Bull R. Aromatherapy anointing oils. Frog, Berkeley, 2001.
14. Zeck R. The blossoming heart – aromatherapy for healing and transformation. Aroma Tours, East Ivanhoe, 2004.
15. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Vol 2. Aetheroleum Eucalypti. World Health Organization. Geneva, 2002.
16. Arctander S. Perfume and flavor materials of natural origin. Allured Publishing, Carol Stream, 1994.
17. Cribb AB, Cribb JW. Useful wild plants in Australia. Collins, Sydney, 1981.
18. Lassak EV, McCarthy T. Australian medicinal plants. Methuen Australia, North Ryde, 1983.
19. Webb M. Bush sense. Self-published, Australia, 2000.
20. Bowles J. The chemistry of aromatherapeutic oils. 3rd edn. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, 2003.
21. Tisserand R, Young R. Essential oil safety. 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 2014.
