Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil

Description

Natural Occurrence in Australia

Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is an extremely tall forest tree, found in the south east corner of Tasmania near Hobart, and also found growing naturally along the south eastern fringe of Melbourne.  In optimal growing conditions this Eucalypt can reach up to 70 metres in height.

Oil Characteristics

Clear or colourless; watery in consistency; typical Eucalyptus menthol aroma.

Extraction and Farming Method

The essential oil is sourced entirely from plantations. The leaves are harvested and steam distilled to obtain the pure essential oil.

History –Blue Gum Eucalyptus

Traditional Usage

This species of Eucalypt was used by the indigenous Tasmanian people in same way as most of the recognised Eucalypts were used, essentially for inhaling into the lungs. It is thought the leaves were burnt to repel insects at camp fires.

Early European Usage

Early settlers took advantage of indigenous knowledge also and inhaled the odour from the leaves . Blue Gum timber was used for poles and railway sleepers. In the 1860’s a Melbourne Archbishop took Blue Gum seed to Rome. The fast growing trees were grown to help drain swampy regions and thus reduced the serious malaria problems being experienced.

Present Day Usage

Blue Gum became the floral emblem of Tasmania in 1962.

The Blue Gum tree is a fast growing Eucalyptus. In the 1990’s financial markets in Australia became attracted to management investment schemes for Blue Gum. Tens of millions of trees were planted as a renewable paper and pulp supply.

The schemes failed as timber from old growth forests proved cheaper compared to the plantations. These plantations can still be seen in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and on Kangaroo Island.

There are large plantations overseas, including Brazil, China, Ecuador, France, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, southern Africa and USA (where it is now considered a weed in California).

Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus is the primary source of Eucalyptus oil around the world.

Typical Main Chemical Constituents of Eucalyptus Blue Gum Essential Oil

1,8 cineole                                          65-80%
alpha-pinene                                      10-30%
limonene                                               3-5%
para-cymene                                     0.1-1.5%
alpha-terpineol                                  0.5-1.5%
globulol                                                1.0-6%
aromadendrene                                  0.5-4%

Relative Density: @ 20 DG 0.900-0.935
Refractive Index @ 20 C 1.459-1.465
Optical Rotation @ 20 C+2 – +9 DG