**Walkabout in Billabong** (Holland and Barrett Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Holland and Barrett Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
Date:	08/11/09 (115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A key ingredient in many high street medicines which you can customise

Disadvantages: Has alot of potential side effects if not used correctly

Right, I have tried lavender for the past week, and although I am feeling the benefits I am still getting a blocked nose. As i also purchased Eucalyptus essential oil, I thought for some serious sinus relief I'd use this in combination with the lavender.

The actual word Eucalyptus has Greek origins, meaning 'well covered', in reference to the cup-like membrane that shields the flower bud. Australia being the native home of Eucalyptus stands as the home of well over 500 species of this tree. The leaves were initially used by Australian Aborigines to cover and protect serious wounds. Europe was introduced to this healing oil in 1788 by Dennis Considen and John White whilst treating marines and convicts on the First Fleet.

I had purchased this along with lavender and peppermint oil, so, technically, I got one of these for absolutely nowt! From Boots it cost £4.29 (with their 3 for 2 offer) for a 10ml bottle. (I know this review states it's for Holland & Barrett, where it's currently priced at £3.99, but as I'd already purchased it, I am reviewing it here). The packaging is a tidy little box that's a camouflage shade of green on the bottom half and primarily white at the top. There is the image of a plant on the box, which emphasises The Power Of Plants ethos.

It has a strong, medicinal scent which can be overpowering - for my purpose it appears to have done the trick. It is commonly used for its decongestant effects and is found in many over the counter lozenges and inhalation vapours. Due to the presence of various colds doing the rounds, I have resorted to pouring a couple of drops on a handkerchief when I go out Occasionally i will take a deep refreshing breath from this and it just helps to clear my head.

It is a key ingredient in alot of mouthwashes and gives you that minty freshness as well as assisting in reducing dental plaque (Listerine). As it contains eucalyptus, it is not recommended that you swallow the liquid as this can cause multi-organ failure. If a minute amount is swallowed whilst gurgling it is not as dangerous, but nonetheless, should be avoided. If you have bleeding gums there is a mixture you can make to get some relief at http://www.ehow.com/how_5559827_make-natural-mouth wash-bleeding-gums.html.

For dandruff, forget Head & Shoulders, use 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil with your usual shampoo and massage into your scalp for a couple of minutes. Rinse with warm water and you'll be left with a head that feels refreshed and is evidently dandruff free. I have in the past used this a few drops of this oil mixed into a carrier oil (typically Almond/Jojoba) and applied to my hair for the refreshing sensation it gives me. I tend to leave it on for an hour or so, then thoroughly wash out.

It can also be used as an all purpose cleaner around the home. A few drops added to a vaporise can annihilate insects. ¼ tsp of the oil in a pump spray bottle (your average sized bottle 500ml filled to about half with water). Turn the nozzle to a fine mist setting and spray your carpet, furniture, pet's beds etc with this concoction. Fleas are renown for despising this aroma and will escape from your house. The mist that emanates from the bottle dries pretty quickly, meaning that you can simply perform this 'magic trick' and get on with your day. My house has been left with a fresh scent that you can get from your average air freshener, but with the added disposal of any remaining unwanted guests. It is essential that you hoover a couple of hours after using this potion as some of the evil cretins may leave some undesirable remnants behind.

In the car, if you have an air freshener that has lost its mojo, it can be reawakened by a couple of drops of eucalyptus, giving you a fresh scent in your vehicle.

I have a mate who's got cat problems and I suggested this, once i'd been researching this oil. Her cat has a tendency to pee everywhere but where it is expected to i.e. it has managed to ruin her bedding and various parts of her carpets. It was getting to the point where it was the house or the wee, defenceless, cute cat ;-). So, having read that someone accidentally came across the powers of Vics Vapour rub in combating this problem, I suggested a couple of drops of eucalyptus (it being the main ingredient in vapour rub) and she has been pleasantly surprised by the results. The smell of the oil repels the cat and so he does not urinate in those areas. RESULT!

Possible side effects
If taken by orally there are various reported side effects, which range from nausea to muscle weakness. These effects can potentially be deadly, so it is not advised that the oil is taken by mouth. There may also be interactions if you are already taking other medications, such as Lorazepam, codeine or even amphetamines. If you are taking any other meds it is strongly advised that you seek medical help before self medicating with essential oils.

This oil is not suitable for babies or young children and is not recommended to be used by pregnant women or people with sensitive skin. It should not be used neat with the skin as this can cause irritation. It should be mixed with a carrier oil.

Something I discovered is that Vets make use of eucalyptus as well - horses with flu like symptoms, dogs with distemper and for other animals suffering from parasitic skin conditions. Again, a multi-purpose essential oil that I would recommend you have in your medicine cupboard!

Thank you for reading!

Summary: Brilliant versatile essential oil