What is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus oil, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is used in the preparation of cough suppressant, mouthwash, insecticide ointment and toothpaste, tooth powder, candy and other flavors. [1]
- Eucalyptus oil is obtained through steam distillation of eucalyptus leaves and branches. Eucalyptus oil is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a smell like camphor and borneol. The main component of eucalyptus oil extraction is eucalyptus brain, which contains 70% -90%, and contains a small amount of aldehydes and terpenes. Eucalyptus oil is used for the preparation of cough suppressants, mouthwashes, insecticide ointments and toothpaste, tooth powder, candy and other flavors. [1]
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- Eucalyptus oil is often extracted by steam distillation. Depending on local resources and production scale, direct fire or direct steam production methods can be used. Commonly used eucalyptus oil extraction to small direct fire steam distillation is introduced as follows:
- 1. Processing of eucalyptus leaves
- There are two types of picking eucalyptus leaves: one is to combine cutting and cutting branches; the other is to cut off the branches from eucalyptus operating in the short forest, select the twigs with leaves less than 2 cm in diameter as raw materials, and then bundle them and transport them to the steaming plant. Raw materials site. To prevent eucalyptus leaf oil from evaporating, the raw materials should be protected from direct sunlight. After the eucalyptus leaves arrive, it is best to process them in time. It should not be too dense when stacked, and it should not be too long, otherwise it will cause mildew and affect the quality of eucalyptus leaf oil.
- 2. Choice of distillation site
- The site should be located near the raw material production base, with sufficient water sources, convenient transportation, guaranteed power supply, and sufficient open space for raw materials.
- 3.Distillation equipment
- Distillation equipment often uses the following specifications in forest areas:
- Retort: The diameter of the pot is 86 cm, the height is 100-110 cm, and it can hold 130-140 kg of eucalyptus leaves.
- Condenser: The column tube condenser or the coil tube condenser can be selected for supporting production, and the condensation area is about 1.5-2.0 square meters. Oil-water separator: The diameter of the separator is 20 cm and the height is 20 cm.
- 4.Steamed oil
- Before the eucalyptus leaves are filled into the pot, check whether the production equipment such as the distillation pot and condenser is normal. If leakage is found, repair it in time. After ensuring that the device is not leaking, you can install eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus leaves should be moderately tight when filling the pot, and the sides of the pot should be slightly compressed. The filling should not be too full. Generally, it can be filled to 70-80% of the pot capacity. After the eucalyptus leaves are put into the pot, cover the pot lid and connect the relevant pipes, and then the ignition can be performed for distillation. The fire should be large at the beginning. When removing the air from the pot, the fire power should be slowed down a little to prevent the air from taking away some of the eucalyptus oil.
- When the air is exhausted, the firepower can be increased at this time, and the distillation can be maintained uniformly. The oil-water mixed gas distilled from the pot enters the condenser through the connecting pipe for condensation and cooling. The condensed distillate enters the oil-water separator for oil-water separation. The separated distillate is returned to the pot for re-distillation. Eucalyptus oil further Remove residual water before packing. After more than an hour, if the distillate has a small oil content, increase the firepower and evaporate the high boiling point components in eucalyptus oil as much as possible. After steaming the oil, stop burning and open the lid of the pot to carry out the residue. Leaf residue can be used as fuel. After the leaf residue is finished, add a certain amount of water, and then charge it for the next pot of distillation.
- Eucalyptus varieties include Eucalyptus eucalyptus, Eucalyptus eucalyptus, Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus grandifolia, Eucalyptus eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, etc. Among them, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus esculenta are the main varieties used to extract eucalyptus leaf oil. Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol, which is a colorless or light yellow liquid with an irritating refreshing fragrance. It is mainly used in toothpaste, mouthwash, food and medicine. Eucalyptus sylvestris and Eucalyptus sylvestris are excellent species. Eucalyptus oil is extracted from its branches and leaves with the best texture. [1]
- (1) Eucalyptus oil is one of the most common and widely used essential oils and has good health effects.
- (2) Eucalyptus oil can effectively relieve sinus infections, flu, bronchitis, nasal congestion and other respiratory diseases. Inhalation on a paper towel is the best method. In addition, dripping eucalyptus oil into bath water is also a common way.
- (3) Eucalyptus oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for aromatherapy massage. It can be used as a massage oil when mixed with other essential oils. Its healing properties help relieve mental fatigue, muscle pain and fatigue. Uses of eucalyptus oil include promoting blood circulation and improving heart rate.
- (4) With good antibacterial and bactericidal properties, it is often used as a raw material for soaps, deodorants, perfumes and other personal hygiene products. Those who like henna can add some eucalyptus oil to the dye to add color depth and luster. Due to its bactericidal effect, it is often used to treat bruises and skin diseases. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your dog's bath water can prevent parasites and lice. In some specific foods, eucalyptus oil is also used as a flavor ingredient. Carrying this essential oil when traveling can effectively fight mosquito bites and treat skin rashes. Is a good insect repellent.
- (5) Mixing with water can become a simple and effective disinfectant.
- (6) Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to warm water can be used as a mouthwash to treat sore throat. Many dental health products such as toothpaste and mouthwash contain eucalyptus oil. In some cases, eucalyptus oil is also used to treat pertussis and asthma. Diabetics can help control blood pressure levels by taking eucalyptus oil orally. Eucalyptus oil can be used to help focus attention. [1]