We're staying another week in Australia to highlight this week's essential oil. Can you guess what it is? Here's a hint: the leaves are koalas' favorite food.

That's right - we're talking about eucalyptus oil!

Even if you've never used eucalyptus, you've likely smelled it before. The clean, fresh scent is like no other. It makes the air as refreshing as a summer day, even in the middle of winter.

While the smell is wonderful, the health benefits are even better, and that's what we're going to talk about this week.

Have you used eucalyptus before? Tell us about it below!

#essentialoils #eucalyptus #healthyskin #vermontlavender

Where does eucalyptus come from?

The evergreen eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus globulus. The oil's medicinal benefits come from a natural compound within the plant called eucalyptol (also known as 1.8-cineole), which has antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial nature of eucalyptus is one of the main reasons it's so useful and effective.

We use eucalyptus in our soaps and especially in our bug spray. Not only is eucalyptus a natural bug repellent, it helps protect bites from becoming infected with its natural antiseptic characteristics. For our bug spray, we use lemon eucalyptus, which is an excellent alternative to using DEET. In fact, brands like Repel and Off! also use lemon eucalyptus in their bug sprays because it's so naturally effective.

Looking to keep the mosquitoes at bay this summer? Eucalyptus oil may be the right solution for you.

#essentialoils #eucalyptus #byemosquitoes #vermontlavender

If you've ever used a chest rub to reduce the symptoms of a cold or the flu, you've likely used eucalyptus oil.

This is because one of the most effective uses of eucalyptus oil is to help with respiratory issues, whether it's opening the passages for easier breathing or breaking up mucus in the chest.

The reason for this is the anti-inflammatory properties of cineole in the oil. The aroma and vapors help calm the throat and dilate the blood vessels, which allows more oxygen into the lungs. This helps restore normal breathing.

Do you have a favorite eucalyptus chest rub that you use for colds and flu? Tell us about it below!

#essentialoils #eucalyptus #breathefreely #vermontlavender

Summers in Vermont are pretty spectacular, but our bugs...not so much - especially the black flies.

Not only are they annoying, their bites hurt like heck and can take forever to go away - but not with help from eucalyptus oil.

With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil reduces the itchiness and pain, and helps speed up the healing process.

Have you tried eucalyptus oil on a black fly bite? How were the results?

#essentialoils #eucalyptus #seeyablackflies #vermontlavender

I hope you've enjoyed our little virtual escape to the Land Down Under!

We use a lot of tea tree and eucalyptus oils in our summer products, so this is a great time of year to get familiar with these very beneficial oils.

Enjoy your weekend!

#essentialoils #eucalyptus #downunder #vermontlavender