Eucalyptus, Lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora)
on August 31, 2009
At first glance you would assume that this oil would be a good addition to any asthma-type blend. However further research indicates that at higher concentrations the inhaled essential oil can be an irritant and should be used with caution and knowledge if using for asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.)
Avoid with estrogen dependent cancers, avoid if pregnant and some sources recommend to avoid with hypertension (high blood pressure.) Otherwise, non-toxic, non-irritant or non-sensitizing to the skin. Always use essential oils diluted with carrier oil or other pertinent ingredients.
This blend is most effective when diffused using our ultrasonic diffuser which offers different settings for different rooms of the house and situations. Check out our Why Aromatherapy Page and an article on how to use essential oils. You can make a chest and foot rub using approximately 4 drops of the blend in 1 oz of vegetable oil and cover the chest and feet with clothing to enhance absorption. We’ve been known to carry a kleenex on which we’ve placed a few drops of the blend and simply carry it with us and inhale it frequently throughout the day. You can also add it to your bath water, but be sure to put it in either some honey, bath salts, epsom salts or oil before adding to the bath water – otherwise the oil will sit in a pool on top of the water. This blend is sensitive to the skin and if you touch your nose with the kleenex it will be numb for a minute or two, but works very well as you can immediately feel the relief it brings to your sinuses and lungs. We also make a blend called Cold & Flu Blend #2 – that is for people who are on blood thinners of any kind, such as aspirin. This blend contains clove essential oil and cinnamon essential oil, both of which have blood thinning properties. If you are on blood thinners – use #2.
Is for those who are on blood thinners or prior to or after surgery. We have formulated this blend for those who may be on blood thinners or are getting ready for or have recently had surgery. Although this blend contains cinnamon leaf, which contains a large percentage of the chemical constituent Eugenol and is a potent blood thinner, we have reduced the percentage of cinnamon leaf and have completely left off clove bud and clove leaf, both of which also contain a high percentage of Eugenol. We believe this makes this blend a much better choice for anyone on blood thinners such as aspirin, Nattokinase, Coumadin, or Plavix. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Asthma sufferers - please take note. Although the research shows that Eucalyptus globulus is an effective essential oil for you, please note that when using this blend, the single oil or any blend containing Eucalytpus, be mindful that you do not directly inhale the oil as it may elicit a cough reflex which could trigger an asthma attack. We have also formulated our Breathe Easy blend which is also very effective for inflammation and lung discomfort experienced by asthma sufferers, but not as effective in fighting cold and flu bacteria and viruses.
As with any essential oil or new product, we ask that you do a patch test on the inner aspect of your elbow by putting a drop of oil that has been diluted in your choice of vegetable oil onto your skin, cover it with a bandaid and wait 24 hrs to see if you have any redness, itching or inflammatory reaction. The oils in this blend are inherently skin irritants, so they must be properly diluted prior to use. Our recommendation is 1 to 2 drops from the dropper cap bottle to 1 oz or 3 tsp of vegetable oil. This oil may be added directly to your ultrasonic diffuser and we recommend 5 to 10 drops per 24 hours.
This blend and our regular Cold and Flu blends are very beneficial for cold and flu symptoms. We like to use them as chest rubs, back rubs and foot rubs. Did you know that your feet are one of the best places to put your essential oil mixture for the best absorption? It's true. Cover your chest, back and/or feet after applying for enhanced absorption and reduced evaporation of the oils. You can use any vegetable oil you choose. Please do not use occluding oils such as animal-based oils, lanolin, vasoline, or mineral oil. These will not allow for good absorption of the essential oils. We also highly recommend that topical application be augmented with the use of the ultrasonic diffuser.
As as always, please see our disclaimer here.
For safety, cautions and usage information see Clove Bud - here.
Clove Bud (Zyzgium aromaticum) Essential Oil
As the long list of properties indicated, it is quite obvious that clove bud essential oil would be a good one to keep around the house. It works very well when added to other essential oils. See our recipes below (under construction - sorry).
STRONG CAUTIONS:
This particular oil due to its high level of Eugenol is a skin sensitizer, it will be a skin irritant if not diluted properly, and it is an anti-coagulant and should not be used by anyone currently taking any other blood thinners, and before or after surgery. The anti-coagulant/anti-thrombotic properties can be very helpful for vascular issues however. Always consult your health professional and/or certified aromatherapy professional. Keep out of reach of children!! We provide our oils with a safety dropper cap - please leave that on. An oral dose of 5 to 10 ml for a child as young as 2 can result in acute liver damage or death.