Making Homemade Eucalyptus Oil

 
Its the season of  winter sniffles here in New Zealand and my latest adventure is into making my own oils and incense. Its all new to me so I am researching and reading as much as I can. I thought this might be a great place to share with anyone who was interested.

We are very lucky as where we live we are surrounded with large old trees and huge old Eucalyptus trees. This place was settled in the mid 1800's so many of these wonderful trees have age to them and a wonderful sense of being ....if you are a tree person like I am - you will know exactly what I mean. The Eucalyptus tree produces an oil that has a wide variety of therapeutic effects from aromatherapy , to massage as well as a germicide  and disinfectant properties. There is nothing quite like a rub or sniff  of Eucalyptus oil to clear a stuffy nose or soothe a bad cough. Wonderful too is the fact that is works as a great insect repellent...far better than some of the othe stinky things on offer in stores.

So I begin my adventure into home made EucalyptusOil...Here is how it is done.

1. Gather fresh Eucalyptus Leaves -make sure to ask permission of the trees and offer thanks - or a token of appreciation. You can leave a flower or a fruit or best of all pour some water on the tree roots.It is all about appreciating the gift from the tree to you.

2. Grind about 2 cups of the leaves in a blender or mortar and pestle. Use more leaves is you are after a stronger scent.


3.Transfer leaves to a large saucepan ( use one that will not be used for food again) I got a cheap one from a charity shop for $3 with a nice heavy bottom .Add in about 3 cups of olive oil or any carrier oil.

4. Heat for 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl , cover and leave for 3 days.You are dealing with hot oil here so be careful!!!

5. After 3 days - carefully strain the mixture- squeeze out the leaves with your hands .Transfer to clean dark bottles for storage.If you add 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar to help preserve it. Store in the fridge to prolong life of the oils.This oil is for external use only and never use on open wounds.


Enjoy..

** Next time ..is how to collect pine resin to make homemade incense.!!