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LEMON EUCALYPTUS _ LEMON EUCALYPTUS_01.png "LEMON EUCALYPTUS")
| | | INCI: | Corymbia citriodora | | CAS: | 85203-56-1 | | EINECS: | 286-249-8 |
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LEMON EUCALYPTUSCorymbia citriodora (Mirtacee)
Origine: Australia
Native to the tropical regions of eastern Australia, it is mainly grown in Brazil and China and is also called "Lemon-scented gum" or "Eucalyptus citriodora". It is a large, very-decorative, evergreen tree that grows up to fifty metres tall, and its wood is highly sought-after. The trunk exudes resin ("gum") and it has smooth bark with grey, yellow and pink multi-coloured spots. The leaves - oval when young - later become narrow and pointed; dried they are traditionally packaged in scented bags used to scent linen.
The botanical name of Lemon Eucalyptus ("citriodora", from the Latin) literally means "lemon-scented".
Contrary to the botanical classification accredited almost since the end of the XX century, which allocated this plant to the genus Eucalyptus, modern biomolecular investigations have clarified that it should instead be reclassified (together with several "cousins") under a new separate genus which has been called "Corymbia".
EXTRACTION
OLFACTIVE AFFINITIES
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs, and is a transparent, light yellow or colourless liquid with a penetrating citric-balsamic fragrance that recalls Lemongrass. It combines well with the essential oils of: Buchu, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Laurel, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary and Red thyme.
PROPERTIES
(according to
popular herbalist tradition)
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is a well-known insect repellent. It has antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, expectorant, fungicidal, insecticidal and also deodorant properties.
Traditional remedy to treat mycosis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and sores, it is completely non-toxic when used externally; on the contrary, if taken internally, it can cause serious damage to health.
Herbalist tradition even confers on it the property of "…aiding mental concentration by clearing the head when decisions have to be made".
It is mainly used to produce insect repellent sprays and as a starting material to isolate natural citronellol; it is also used occasionally as a fragrance ingredient in detergents and perfumes.
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