Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains 70-85% 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), which is also present in other plant oils. Eucalyptol is used as an ingredient in some mouthwash and dental preparations, as an endodontic solvent, and may possess antimicrobial properties. Listerine® mouthrinse is a combination of essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate) that has been shown to be efficacious for the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis.
Topical use or inhalation of eucalyptus oil at low concentrations may be safe, although significant and potentially lethal toxicity has been consistently reported with oral use and may occur with inhalation use as well. All routes of administration should be avoided in children.
In 1852 Joseph Bosisto produced the first eucalyptus oil in Australia. This eucalyptus was made using the leaves of the Eucalyptus Radiata that grew profusely in that area. Australian produced eucalyptus oil was the first secondary export industry in Australia. From a humble and primitive background in Victoria other distillers commenced operations in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania using the eucalyptus that grew locally. By the early 1900's the eucalyptus oil industry was well established and various types of high grade oils were available for export. At about this time the mining industry was in decline and many of the mine workers sought employment in the eucalyptus oil industry. This created a period when most of the areas available to eucalyptus oil production was developed and kept in constant use. When World War II commenced in 1939 many of the young labourers left the rural areas to either join the Armed Forces or to go and work in the cities with better working conditions and better pay. By 1950 the cost of producing eucalyptus oil had increased to the point that Australia could no longer compete with other countries and Australia lost its position as the leading producer of eucalyptus oil. At this time there was a strong demand for Australian wheat and many areas of eucalyptus bushland were cleared for wheat production, drastically reducing the areas available for eucalyptus oil. Time would prove the folly of these decisions on environmental issues, but at that point farmers and landowners were able to manage their wheat and wool production rather than employ labourers to work on their eucalyptus areas.
Product Description
Natural cleaning solutions are great for the environment. It avoids using harsh chemicals in the home and is 100% natural.
Eucalyptus is renowned for it many uses. Some of these uses are outlined below:
Pets
Eucalyptus oil can be used to deodorise kennels and rid fleas from
pet beds.
Air Freshener
Eucalyptus oil is a natural air freshener, providing a clean and fresh
smell.
Cleaning
The following types of cleaning can be done using eucalyptus oil, which
will also provide and clean and fresh smell:
· Washing clothes, particularly work clothes
and nappies. Just by adding a couple of teaspoons to your wash, it can
remove the toughest of stains
· Spots and stains remover. Best method
is to place absorbent cloth under the stain and brush towards the centre
of the mark to prevent a ring forming
· Floors (add eucalyptus oil to water)
· Bathroom tiles and shower
· Leather (use dampened cloth)
· Plastic and vinyl
· Toilet
· Telephone
· Paint Brushes
· Tar marks and tyres
· Hand and Skin Cleaner
Penetrating Oil
For seized or rusted parts apply a few drops.
Wool wash
Woollen garmets can be kept soft and fluffy by combining Eucalyptus
oil with liquid soap and methylated spirits.
Source and purchase information