Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil, “Nam Man You Ka” in Thai (ยูคาลิปตัส), is a powerful asset in traditional Thai medicine.

It is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of the Eucalyptus tree. It helps to decongest the respiratory tract, relieve muscle and joint pain, soothe headaches and refresh the mind.

We particularly appreciate the top-quality oils produced in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Saraburi, and Kanchanaburi. They have unique expertise in the traditional production of essential oils.

Benefits and Uses

Eucalyptus is a plant that is well known throughout the world for its health benefits.

Decongestant and expectorant

Helps relieve nasal congestion and clear upper respiratory tracts, such as sinuses, throat, and bronchi. Facilitates the evacuation of mucus and thus the breathing during allergies, coughs, colds, sinusitis.

Antiseptic

Helps prevent as well as fight against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Can be used in cases of respiratory tract infections, acne, insect bites and skin infections. Regularly used in oral health care.

Anti-inflammatory

Helps to reduce body inflammation, swelling and stiffness. Relieves muscle, joint and ligament pain. Helps to reduce the symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, but also asthma and bronchitis.

Analgesic

Helps to relieve muscle, tendon and joint pain, in particular by improving blood circulation in the affected area. Helps relieve headaches and migraines

sedative

Intervenes in the regulation of levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It thus has a calming effect on the mind and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Antibacterial and antifungal

natural insect repellent and treats bacterial and fungal infections.

Historical Origins

Eucalyptus is native to Australia, and has been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Australian Aboriginals used eucalyptus leaves to make poultices and infusions to treat respiratory conditions, muscle and joint pain, wounds, and infections.

Early European settlers in Australia quickly adopted the medicinal properties of eucalyptus, and began using it to treat the same conditions as indigenous peoples.

The use of eucalyptus gradually spread across the world as the plant was introduced into new areas. It became a common ingredient in Europe and North America in the 19th century, in folk remedies for colds and respiratory conditions.

In Thailand, the use of eucalyptus in traditional medicine is relatively recent. Eucalyptus was introduced to Thailand during the 20th century, mainly for the purposes of reforestation and the wood industry.

However, eucalyptus has gradually gained popularity in Thailand due to the potency and breadth of its medicinal properties. Since then, it has been referenced throughout recent literature. In particular, Asokananda (Harald Brust) praises it in his book “Nuad Phaen Boran: Thai Traditional Massage for Health”, a reference book on the Thai massage tradition.

Today, eucalyptus is used in many natural health care products and in aromatherapy for its refreshing and invigorating properties.

SOURCES

There are many species of Eucalyptus in Thailand, such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Eucalyptus urophylla, but the most commonly grown variety is Eucalyptus Globulus. Also known as blue eucalyptus, this eucalyptus variety is renowned for its high content of active compounds, especially eucalyptol, which is the main responsible for its therapeutic properties.

Eucalyptus is a relatively easy tree to grow in Thailand, it prefers well-drained soils and hot, relatively dry climates. It is grown there in many parts of the country, but some areas are known to produce high-quality eucalyptus such as:

  • Chiang Mai Province: Located in the north of Thailand, the favorable climatic conditions and the adapted soils make this region a privileged place to grow eucalyptus.
  • Kanchanaburi Province: Located in western Thailand, vast eucalyptus plantations have been exploited there for a long time.
  • Saraburi Province: Located near Bangkok, rich soils and favorable weather conditions contribute to the production of quality eucalyptus trees.

We particularly appreciate Eucalyptus Globulus oil from these provinces, which produce remarkable oil in accordance with traditional methods.

PRODUCTION

In Thailand, eucalyptus essential oil is generally extracted by steam distillation:

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  • Leaf harvest: The leaves are often harvested early in the morning when their oil content is at its peak. Harvesting is mainly done by hand.
  • Preparation: The stems are removed and then the leaves cleaned to remove impurities. They are then dried in the open air or in an oven at low temperature to reduce their water content.
  • Distillation: The leaves are placed in a stainless steel or copper still with water. The steam passes through the leaves, taking the essential oil with it.
  • Separation: Once cooled, the essential oil is dissociated from the distillate using gravity separation. It is then filtered and bottled.

COMPOSITION

Eucalyptus essential oil is composed of the following elements:

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  • Eucalyptol (1.8-cineole): It is the main constituent of eucalyptus essential oil, generally accounting for more than 70% of its composition. It is responsible for the characteristic odor of eucalyptus and has expectorant and antiseptic properties.
  • Alpha-pinene: A monoterpene that contributes to the fresh, woody aroma of eucalyptus essential oil. It is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Limonene: Another monoterpene commonly found in eucalyptus essential oil. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Alpha-terpineol: A monoterpene alcohol that gives eucalyptus essential oil its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
  • Alpha-terpinene: A monoterpene found in varying amounts in eucalyptus essential oil, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.