About Our Eucalyptus Broad Leaf Peppermint Gum Essential Oil
A lively and refreshing eucalyptus essential oil with a minty aroma that is great for respiratory problems, refreshing a room, and for tired muscles.
This has been a mixed farm for over 30 years, which included Eucalyptus Broad Leaf Peppermint Gum. Pure and clean oil production is their key focus.
Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Steam distilled
Provides additional income
Hand & mechanical
History & Traditional Uses
Eucalyptus dives, commonly known as the broad-leaved peppermint or blue peppermint, is a species of tree that is endemic to south-eastern Australia.
It has rough, finely fibrous bark on the trunk and larger branches, smooth bark above, lance-shaped or curved adult leaves, flower buds in groups of eleven or more, white flowers and cup-shaped, hemispherical or conical fruit.
Used traditionally as a treatment for colds and flu, and relief for aching joints and muscles. The First nation people would burn the leaves and inhale the smoke to help clear sinuses and relieve fevers
Agriculture, Harvesting & Distilling
The tree can grow to around 20m and has many of the traditional Eucalyptus characteristics. This is a medium sized, well spreading tree that is frost hardy and grows on most soils.
Eucalyptus trees are managed as a bush for essential oil cropping. The leafy tops are removed using either hand cutting, or specialised equipment set up on small tractors (small enough to fit between the rows). The leafy material, twigs and small branchlets are fed into a large bin along the way, and when full, taken to the stillhouse, and lid sealed tightly. The bin is connected up to the distillation system, and steam is passed through the leafy material with careful supervision. The steam rises taking with it the volatiles (oil) and then travels through the condenser. As it cools, the result is the oil and water mixture, and the oils sits on top and the water is tapped off, leaving the oil. The water bi-product is known now as hydrosol, and also has a pleasant aroma.
