Eucalyptus citriodora
[span class=alert]In regards to the Traditional Use and Therapeutic Action sections of Essential Oils, the oils are rated as is standard practice in the French school of aromatherapy and others. The ratings ranked from one (+) to four (++++) with four indicating the highest value, indicate the oil’s therapeutic value from a practicing clinician’s point of view. The French rating system mentioned are obtained from this book reference entitle ‘Les Cahiers Pratiques D’Aromatherapie Selon L’Ecole Francaise’ (Authors: Francine Baudry, Pascal Debauche & Dominique Baudoux). However, further clarification might be required and will be updated once additional information of the rating system is obtained.[/span]
Family Name
Myrtaceae
Genus Name
Eucalyptus
Vernacular Name
Lemon scented eucalyptus, lemon gum, lemon eucalyptus.
Original Habitat
E. citriodora is a rapidly growing evergreen tree native to Viet Nam that reaches heights of 45 metres. The tree is in leaf all year and has pale yellow-cream coloured flowers blooming in July and August that produce a fragrant scent. The E. citriodora tree can grow in a variety of conditions including in soils that are considered to be nutritionally deficient. It does not tolerate cold except in cases where cold tolerance has been built up over a period of time.
Plant Part Used
Leaves
Formulation
E. citriodora is used regularly in the food and beverage industry. It is also found in topical ointments and vapor rubs. It is not regularly used in the fragrance industry.[1] In therapeutic aromatherapy it is used as a single oil and in more complex formulations for topical application or inhalation.
Description
The essential oil of E. citriodora is steam distilled from fresh leaves and is moderately thin in consistency clear to pale yellow in colour with a citrus, citronella scent.[1]
Chemical Constituents
Monoterpenes (35%) : Citronellol (20%)
Terpenic aldehydes : Citronellal (40-80%) [2]
Medicinal Uses
Anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic ++++
Antalgic, calmant +++
Hypotensive ++
Anticandidal: Laboratory analysis comparing E. citriodora and other essential oils with synthetic antiobiotics against candida, demonstrated stronger anti-candidal activity in the oil vs. the antibiotics with E.citriodora exhibiting the strongest anti-candidal properties of the oils examined.[3]
Anti-inflammatory: An animal model demonstrated some moderate neutrophil dependant and independent anti-inflammatory activity for E. citriodora essential oil and oils from two related species.[4]
Antibacterial: In a laboratory setting, E. citriodora demonstrated antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains.[5]
Traditional Use
Arthritis, rheumatism +++
Hypertension, pericarditis ++
Shingles ++
Tennis-Elbow +++
Insect repellent: The essential oil of E. citriodora has been found to be an effective insect repellent against a variety of mosquitoes and ticks both as a single oil and in combination with other oils.[6][7][8] The oil also compared favorably against commercial repellents in regard to efficacy and duration.[9]
Note: There are many of species of Eucalyptus and several from which essential oil is obtained. Many of the studies examining these oils do not identify the specific species used and therefore results may only be inferred and not verified. In general, these non-specific studies support the antimicrobial, anti-septic and analgesic properties of Eucalyptus oil, thereby giving some evidence for the traditional use in general.
Contraindications and Precautions
Not to be used in combination with drugs those are metabolized by the liver as it may affect the rate of drug metabolism due to the oil’s effects on liver detoxification.[10]
Not to be used by pregnant or nursing women.
[span class=alert]Keep out of reach of children as oils are highly concentrated.Essential oils are irritating to the eyes. Avoid contact with eye area.Always dilute essential oils with carrier oil, lotion, cream or gel even when using in diffuser or bath.Essential oils are sometimes prescribed to be used internally, but should only be used internally under professional supervision.[/span]
References
1. Lis-Balchan M. Aromatherapy science: a guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2006.
2. Batish DR. Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of volatile essential oil from intact and fallen leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora. Z Naturforsch [C]. 2006 Jul-Aug;61(7-8):465-471.
3. Dutta BK. Anticandidial activity of some essential oils of a mega biodiversity hotspot in India. Mycoses. 2007 Mar;50(2):121-124.
4. Silva J. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Dec;89(2-3):277-283.
5. Cimanga K. Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Feb;79(2):213-220.
6. Barasaab SS, Ndiegeb IO, Lwandea W, Hassanaliac A. Repellent activities of stereoisomers of p-Menthane-3,8-diols against anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. 2002;39(5):736-741.
7. Moore SJ, Hill N, Ruiz C, Cameron MM. Field evaluation of traditionally used plant-based insect repellents and fumigants against the Malaria vector anopheles darlingi in Riberalta, Bolivian Amazon. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2007;44(4):624-630.
8. Jaenson TGT, Garboui S, Palsson K. Repellency of oils of Lemon Eucalyptus, Geranium, and Lavender and the Mosquito Repellent MyggA Natural to Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Laboratory and Field. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2006;43(4):731-736.
9. Tawatsin A, Thavara U, Chansang U. Field evaluation of DEET, REPEL CARE, and three plant-based essential oil repellents against mosquitoes, black flies (dipteral simuliidae) and land leeches in Thailand. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 2006;22(2):306-313.
10. Blumenthal M, et al. eds (2000). Herbal Medicine. Expanded Commission E. Monographs. Texas: American Botanical Council; 2000.
