Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus globus, or Blue Gum, oil was a traditional Australian aboriginal remedy for infections and fevers. It is now used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections.

Eucalyptus oil production now totals 5,000 tons. The majority is produced in China from camphor oil fractions, with a steadily decreasing proportion of true eucalyptus oil coming from Portugal, South Africa and Spain.

An additional 400 tons of a “eucalyptus” oil from camphor oil fractions are produced annually in China.

Eucalyptus leaves yield 1.5% on steam distillation. The demand for cineole eucalyptus oils is increasing steadily.

The major markets are Western Europe (60%) and the United States (20%).

The major components of eucalyptus oil are typically:

75% 1.8 cineole (fresh, eucalyptus)
10% alpha-pinene (light, pine)
2% para –cymene (light, citrus)
2% limonene (light, weak, citrus)

Eucalyptus oils are often sold by their cineole (eucalyptol) content. The major use for particular oil is in blends to give a fresh bright, slightly medicinal note particularly in conjunction with peppermint and aniseed oils.

It may also be used in small quantities in other natural flavors such as blackcurrant. There are no legal restrictions on the use of eucalyptus oil in flavorings.
Eucalyptus Oil