Eucalyptus essential oil is on my mind this week, sparked by a recent experience with one of my horses. As I began a ride last week, I noticed a slight cough emerging. Being an avid enthusiast of essential oils, I instinctively reached for one of my favorites for when I have a cough – eucalyptus! With a dollop of coconut oil in my palm, I added a drop of eucalyptus oil, rubbed my hands together, and gently massaged it into his chest before the next ride. Within just a few days, the cough vanished entirely. This inspired me to share the wellness benefits of eucalyptus oil, one of my favorites to support the respiratory system, prompting the topic of this week's blog.
Essential oils have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their wellness properties and aromatic benefits. But if you're wondering what essential oils are and where they come from, allow me to provide some insight before diving deeper into the wonders of eucalyptus essential oil.
Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. These concentrated plant extracts capture the essence of the plant, including its fragrance and beneficial properties. Each essential oil contains a unique combination of volatile compounds that contribute to its distinct aroma and wellness effects.
Plants produce essential oils for various purposes, including attracting pollinators, defending against pests, and promoting overall health. The aromatic compounds found in essential oils serve as the plant's defense mechanism and play a crucial role in its survival and reproduction. Essential oils can serve us in many of the same ways they serve their plant.
Now, let's tie this knowledge into our exploration of eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, predominantly native to Australia. With its invigorating aroma and wellness properties, eucalyptus oil has become a staple in natural wellness practices around the world. Renowned for its refreshing scent, eucalyptus oil contains compounds like 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), which impart its characteristic aroma and can offer numerous health benefits.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits for Horses:
- Respiratory Support: Eucalyptus oil is perhaps best known for its ability to support respiratory health. Its invigorating aroma can help support clear nasal passages and promote easier breathing, making it particularly valuable for horses exposed to dusty environments or prone to respiratory issues. This study, found on PubMed.gov, states that “1,8-cineole is a natural monoterpene, also known as eucalyptol. It is a major compound of many plant essential oils, mainly extracted from Eucalyptus globulus oil. As an isolated compound, 1,8-cineole is known for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract, with proven clinical efficacy. 1,8-cineole has also shown therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).“
- Soothing Muscle Discomfort: Muscle discomfort is common in horses wether your horse is a backyard pet or an athlete in training. Eucalyptus oil has been studied for natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fantastic choice for soothing muscle discomfort and joints after activity. This study, found on PubMed.gov, which investigated the effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on patients who underwent a total knee replacement, showed that eucalyptus oil inhalation was effective in reducing patient's subjective pain and blood pressure after surgery.
- Pest Deterrent: Pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, seem to avoid eucalyptus. By incorporating eucalyptus oil into your grooming routine or stable environment, you can help discourage pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.
- Skin Help: Eucalyptus oil's antimicrobial properties have been extensively researched, as evidenced by studies available on PubMed.gov. One study underscores its antibacterial efficacy, suggesting its potential as an alternative or adjunct to traditional antiseptics, thereby mitigating the risk of antiseptic resistance(read about that study HERE). Another study highlights the antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineole, against a wide range of bacteria (read about that study HERE).
- Tension relief: This study, found on PubMed.gov, found that "1,8-Cineole, a major constituent of eucalyptus, was effective in decreasing anxiety and that inhalation of 1,8-cineole may be used to relieve anxiety before, during, and after various operations." If your horse appears tense or anxious, try offering them the opportunity to inhale eucalyptus oil from the bottle. I've personally witnessed remarkable results with horses exhibiting fear-based behaviors. Simply allowing them to inhale from the bottle until you notice subtle signs of relaxation, such as slower breathing, a lowered head, or changes in posture, can significantly contribute to their sense of calm and trust. It's a simple yet effective technique.
You might be wondering, "Is eucalyptus essential oil even safe for horses?" The answer is a resounding yes, but with some important considerations.
First and foremost, quality matters. Opt for high-quality, premium eucalyptus oil from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and potency.
By the way, if you're in need of a reliable source for essential oils, why not check out my company? They're renowned for their commitment to quality through the Seed to Seal® process, and they're proud pioneers in the industry. Plus, I've personally visited many of the farms worldwide and even had a hand in planting and harvesting. Click HERE to explore a wide range of essential oils and oil infused products!
Additionally, proper dilution is key. While eucalyptus oil can offer wellness benefits, it's potent in its undiluted form and can cause skin irritation or sensitivity in horses. Best practice is to dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, before topical application. By the way if ya wanna know more about carrier oils and diluting essential oils for use with horses, click HERE.
By prioritizing quality and dilution, you can harness the full potential of eucalyptus essential oil while safeguarding your horse's well-being.
How To Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil With Horses:
Now that we've explored the myriad benefits of eucalyptus oil for horses, let's discuss practical ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Simply let your horse smell it: Introduce the bottle with the lid slightly open to your horse, leveraging their superior sense of smell. Allow them to inhale the aroma at their own pace. Alternatively, apply a drop of eucalyptus oil to your hand along with a dab of carrier oil. Allow your horse to explore the scent, then massage any residual oil onto their chest to promote clear and comfortable breathing.
- Grooming: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your horse's shampoo or grooming spray for an added burst of freshness and pest deterrent power. You can also let your horse sniff from the bottle during a grooming session for some extra calming vibes. If you're making your own fly spray, eucalyptus can be a worthy addition.
- Massage: Create a soothing massage oil by combining eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and gently massaging it into your horse's muscles after exercise or during grooming sessions.
- Environmental Diffusion: If you have electricity and a closed barn, investing in a quality essential oil diffuser and adding eucalyptus oil will help with odors and freshen the space while promoting good breathing. No electricity, no problem, simply make a spray by adding around 10-20 drops to 2 ounces of water. Shake well and mist where desired. You can also drop a couple of drops on a wooden clothespin and clip around the barn. With horses greater sense of smell, this method works well even in open areas.
Have you ever wondered about the different types of Eucalyptus essential oils available? With my go-to essential oil company offering three distinct varieties, the choice between Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Globulus, and Eucalyptus Blue can be intriguing. Let's dive into the nuances of each type to discover which one best suits your equine companion's needs.
- Eucalyptus Radiata: Eucalyptus Radiata, also known as Narrow-Leaved Peppermint, is prized for its milder aroma and versatile properties. It boasts a crisp, clean scent with less of camphorous odor than eucalyptus globulous, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and respiratory support. When it comes to horses, I prefer Eucalyptus Radiata for its mildness in aroma, especially for sensitive animals or those prone to respiratory sensitivities. It also seems to have a more relaxing aroma to me, making it suitable for promoting clear breathing with more relaxation during grooming or massage sessions, where as eucalyptus globulous is more invigorating,
- Eucalyptus Globulus: Eucalyptus Globulus, commonly known as Blue Gum Eucalyptus, is renowned for its invigorating aroma and potent benefits. It features a strong, camphorous scent with hints of earthiness, making it ideal for respiratory support and muscle relaxation. If you really need to wake the respiratory system up or support better breathing, this is a good one to try. I often use this one in a muscle rub for muscle discomfort, or in a liniment for legs, and also as a worthy addition to my homemade sprays for pests.
- Eucalyptus Blue: Eucalyptus Blue, a unique variety of eucalyptus, stands out for its striking blue-green foliage and distinctive aroma. It's often referred to as blue gum. It exudes a fresh, slightly sweet scent with undertones of mint, offering a unique twist on traditional eucalyptus oils. As with eucalyptus radiata, I find the aroma to be milder than eucalyptus globulous and perhaps a better choice for sensitive individuals. With my horses, if I offer them a bottle of each eucalyptus to pick from, they often will pick this one and I theorize its the sweet mint undertone-haha!
While I do use eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus globulous interchangeably, if I had to pick, it would be Eucalyptus Radiata simply for its milder aroma. Eucalyptus blue is a tad more expensive, but I really do love the sweet mint undertone. All three have high levels of eucalyptol, which give it its distinct invigorating scent and properties for discomfort, tension relief, and respiratory support.
Eucalyptus essential oil holds tremendous potential for enhancing the health and well-being of our equine companions. From respiratory support to muscle relaxation and help with pests, its versatile benefits make it a valuable addition to any horse owner's natural care toolkit.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of how eucalyptus essential oil can benefit our equine companions. If you've had any experiences with eucalyptus oil, I'd love to hear about them! Feel free to share your stories and insights in the comments section below.
Looking to harness the power of eucalyptus essential oil for your horse? Click HERE to grab a bundle of all three eucalyptus oils and a carrier oil from my go-to company. With their commitment to quality through the Seed to Seal® process and my personal experience with their products, you can trust that you're providing the best for your horse. Plus, by purchasing through this link, you'll be supporting my efforts to continue bringing you valuable information and resources on natural wellness for horses.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your horse's well-being with the wellness benefits of eucalyptus essential oil. Click HERE to get started today!
Are you already loving essential oils and looking for an invigorating and refreshing essential oil to add to your collection? Or perhaps you're new to essential oils and are looking for an oil blend that can help refresh your breathing or help with some odor control in your home? Then you'll want to take a look at eucalyptus essential oil! Its fresh, earthy, and crisp scent can make it a perfect choice to add to a diffuser blend for diffusing throughout the day in your home or workspace! Trouble with muscle tension? Rubbing an oil blend with eucalyptus essential oil into areas of need can do wonders!
Did you know that eucalyptus essential oil originally comes from Australia? Native to the country, the tree is commonly known as the "gum tree" or "blue gum tree." In fact, it's estimated that over 700 species of eucalyptus exist in Australia. Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to bind wounds and prevent infection and speed healing, as well as for purification and to dispel negative energy. Thanks to its abundance and popularity, Australia is the largest producer and exporter of eucalyptus essential oil in the world. So next time you enjoy its refreshing scent, give a little nod to our friends Down Under!
Not all of those species of eucalyptus trees are distilled and used for essential oils, though. The 3 types of eucalyptus essential oil available from the company I love and use ( Young Living™,
the world leader in essential oils. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know you're getting pure and premium products for your health! Click HERE to check them out!) are:
- Eucalyptus radiata essential oil, also known as narrow-leaved peppermint eucalyptus, has a more subtle and sweet scent compared to other eucalyptus varieties like blue or globulus. It's often preferred for use in aromatherapy because it is noted as a milder form of eucalyptus.
- Eucalyptus blue essential oil, also known as blue gum eucalyptus, has a strong and sharper scent. If I'm looking for a clear mind, I love to diffuse this one!
- Eucalyptus globulus, or "common eucalyptus," has a bolder, more intense scent and is often used in cleaning products and industrial settings. I love to add about 5 drops of this one to my mop water!
I use all three varieties interchangeably, however eucalyptus globulous and eucalyptus radiata are less expensive than eucalyptus blue. Pick the one that you like the aroma of best and see what happens!
Eucalyptus essential oil is popular in aromatherapy for good reason! It has been studied for its effect on breathing and congestion. According to this review on PubMed.org “Eucalyptus oil (EO) and its major component, 1,8-cineole, have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria,” and this review reports “1,8-cineole is a natural monoterpene, also known as eucalyptol. It is a major compound of many plant essential oils, mainly extracted from Eucalyptus globulus oil. As an isolated compound, 1,8-cineole is known for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract, with proven clinical efficacy. 1,8-cineole has also shown therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “
Other eucalyptus essential oil benefits include:
- muscle and bone support
- air freshener
- helps with pests
An easy way to see benefits to your breathing, head and muscle tension, or focus, is by adding eucalyptus to your diffuser. Try these easy diffuser recipes with eucalyptus:
For a refreshing breathing experience, add this blend to your aromatherapy diffuser!
Breathe Easy
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS LEMON
2 DROPS PEPPERMINT
This eucalyptus blend can help give you an energy boost throughout the day. Diffuse anytime you need a pick me up!
Energize Me
2 DROPS ORANGE
2 DROPS LEMONGRASS
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
Try this eucalyptus and lemon oil blend that works well for clearing the mind and promoting focus!
Targeted Focus
3 DROPS LEMON
3 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
Add some Vetiver to balance and calm. This is one of my favorite Eucalyptus recipes to make in a roller ball and wear as a perfume when I'm working with my horses! It helps them remain calm and focused on me making for a great training session! Simply triple the recipe, add to a 10 ml roller bottle, and then fill up the remainder of the bottle with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. For a step by step guide to making a roller bottle, click HERE
Calm Focus
2 DROPS LEMON
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS VETIVER
This Lavender and eucalyptus oil blend recipe will help keep you calm and refreshed at the same time! Lavender and eucalyptus oil blend benefits can also help you to navigate through distraction. I've also used this roll on as well as a focus blend for my pony who oftentimes has 'squirrel syndrome'. I rub some on my hand and let him inhale deeply for as long as he wants, then apply the leftovers to his poll before a training session. It really helps him dive in and pay attention!
Calm And Fresh
2 DROPS LAVENDER
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS VETIVER
Eliminate unwanted odors and bring the garden in with this diffuser blend.
Flower Power
3 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS GERANIUM
1 DROP VANILLA
This eucalyptus and lemon oil blend is one of my favorites for odor control! Anytime your house needs a refresh on aroma, diffuse this!
Clean And Fresh
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS CINNAMON
2 DROPS LEMON
No time to hit the spa? Try this blend to bring the spa to you!
Spa Time
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS PATCHOULI
2 DROPS BERGAMOT
This oil blend is perfect for the porch, especially on warm summer nights!
Annoyance Away
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS
2 DROPS CITRONELLA
2 DROPS KUNZEA
Download a PDF of these oil recipes so they're handy in your home. Click HERE
I have a couple of oil blends straight from Young Living™, that I love!
This blend is perfect to start off your morning routine!
Sun Salutation
4 DROPS EUCALYPTUS GLOBULOUS
2 DROPS SPEARMINT
2 DROPS VALOR™
Or try this blend for a refreshing energy burst!
Footloose And Fancy Free
3 DROPS CITRONELLA
2 DROPS EUCALYPTUS RADIATA
2 DROPS SPEARMINT
2 DROPS BLUE CYPRESS
If you want to have fun creating your own blends, eucalyptus also pairs well with pine, blue tansy, rosemary, and spearmint essential oils. Happy diffusing!
And don't worry - eucalyptus is also safe to use topically when diluted properly with a carrier oil
(for more info on carrier oils, click HERE). I love to make a roller bottle and rub on my chest for a natural breathing rub. Give this roller bottle a try and replace that popular, but not as healthy, vapor rub on the market!
Breathe Easy
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Add to a 10 ml roller bottle, fill up with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) and rub on chest as needed. This blend works well for one of my older horses who has an occasional cough. I simply roll on his chest and rub in, in the mornin' and evening, for some respiratory support.
This recipe works well for muscle or head tension.
Muscle Rub
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 Drops Copaiba essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
fractionated coconut oil ( or add some extra strength to this by using Ortho Ease™ Massage Oil from Young Living™)
Add essential oils to a 10 ml roller bottle, and then fill up the remainder of the bottle with the carrier oil or Ortho Ease™. Rub on desired area and massage in. For head tension, rub behind the ears and on the back of your neck.
I hope you enjoyed reading about eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus is an amazing oil with many applications - from diffusing to respiratory health to muscle tension to focus. I've shared over 8 of my favorite eucalyptus essential oil recipes with you today, but there are endless possibilities for what you can create. Be sure to grab the pdf download of the recipes HERE , so that you can have them on hand. If you have any favorite uses or benefits of eucalyptus oil, please share in the comments!
If ya don't have Eucalyptus essential and would like to purchase, simply click HERE. (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. I put all three in this bundle so you can check them out and pick the one that calls to you most..or try all three! Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special!)
