Eucalyptus radiata leaves, steam distilled, from Australia.

Aroma: Slightly camphorous, sweet, fruity.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-66.] Milder decongestants such as lemon, basil, peppermint or niaouli are recommended for use with young children - TTF

Constituents: 1,8-coneole. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 216.]

Colour: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 216.]

Eucalyptus oil differences

The Blue Mallee species has the highest antiseptic cineol content and therefore is one of the strongest antiseptics among the Eucalyptus. It can also be used to combat the effects of colds and flu. Has a fresh, camphorous aroma with a hint of peppermint.

Eucalyptus Radiata is commonly known as “narrow-leaved Peppermint” and contains a high percentage of cineol, also known as eucalyptol, popularly used to relieve colds and congestion. Eucalyptus Radiata is preferred over Eucalyptus Globulus because it is less harsh, more pleasant to inhale and less likely to irritate the skin. It can also be used on sore muscles and joints and also as an antiseptic. It has a crisp, clean, camphorous aroma with back notes of citrus/floral.

Photo thanks to John Tann from Sydney, Australia [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons