There are around 500 species of the evergreen Eucalyptus tree, the Australian Blue Gum being the most widely used to produce essential oil by steam distillation of the leaves & twigs. It has a distinctive strong, fresh camphorous aroma.
The Aborigines were well aware of the medicinal benefits of Eucalyptus Oil and today it is a familiar ingredient in chest rubs, decongestants, cough remedies and muscle & joint ointments.
Eucalyptus has powerful bactericidal and anti-viral actions with soothing, cooling, pain relieving properties.