Citrus Eucalyptus essential oil, from annihilation to passion

Lemon eucalyptus is a plant native to the Australian continent as well as Madagascar. The Aborigines had in fact always known its powerful antibacterial properties . Lemon eucalyptus was also used to dry out swampy areas in the subtropics.

The aborigines of Australia used the sap of the eucalyptus or “gum tree” in direct application on their wounds in order to accelerate the healing of their wounds . Due to its composition rich in anti-inflammatory active ingredients , lemon eucalyptus is thus traditionally known to calm rheumatic pain .

A little history

Trees with great ecological plasticity, eucalyptus in particular, were able to establish themselves outside Australia, in different areas of the world with similar climates.

In the middle of the 19th century, some eucalyptus species were therefore introduced into southern Europe . The craze is such that the cultivation of eucalyptus on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea borders on true passion.

On the Australian side, the craze took, however in a completely different way, because the colonists, after having cut down the aboriginal people, unfortunately did the same with the trees. This greatly threatened and then destroyed much of the traditional knowledge related to therapeutic eucalyptus trees.

What are the pharmacological properties of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil ?

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties:

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic , citronellal reduces inflammation mediators, inhibits prostaglandins PGE2 and therefore has an antioxidant action . The local analgesic effect probably involves the muscarinic receptors, the opioid system as well as the L-arginine / NO / cGMP pathway.

Insecticidal property:

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is also insecticide , it is effective against mosquito larvae vector of dengue fever and mites. Repellent in veterinary medicine, it is in fact tick repellent , with the essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia and Pelargonium graveolens .

Antimicrobial property:

Lemon eucalyptus is also antiviral by inhibiting the expression and activation of the ACE-2 receptor in epithelial cells, antifungal comparable to miconazole as well as anti-infective against Gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram negative ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) often responsible for nosocomial diseases. It is also antibacterial even on multiresistant germs.

Antispasmodic property:

Muscle antispasmodic , this essential oil also relieves cramps and contractures.

Sedative and relaxing properties:

Muscle relaxant , the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus is therefore regulator of the central nervous system , namely; sedative, calming, relaxing as well as anti hypertensive.

Other properties:

• Pancreatic regulator
• Antirheumatic
• Hypotensive

Does the essential oil of lemon Eucalyptus require precautions for use?

• Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Reserved for adults
• Do not inhale, diffuse, or put in the bath
• Irritating to skin and mucous membranes in its purest form, dilution required
• Inhibition of CYP 2E1 ( citronellal ), therefore ask your pharmacist for advice on possible risks of drug interactions
• Do not swallow !
• No internal use
• Cutaneous use only recommended

Medical bibliographic sources and clinical trials :

• Jeane Silva et al.,  Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2003
• Mulyaningsih S et al., Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Eucalyptus and of selected components against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Pharm Biol. 2011
• H. Ramezani et al., Fungicidal effect of volatile oils from Eucalyptus citriodora and its major constituent citronellal. New Zealand Plant Protection
• Aguiar RW de S et al., Fumigant Antifungal Activity of Corymbia citriodora and Cymbopogon nardus Essential Oils and Citronellal against Three Fungal Species. The Scientific World Journal
• Jaenson TG et al., Repellency of oils of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, and lavender and the mosquito repellent MyggA natural to Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory and field. J Med Entomol. 2006