The story of eucalyptus oil usage begins with the arrival of Surgeon-General John White to Australia in 1788. White reported the fragrance of the eucalyptus oil. A sample was sent to England and its ability to remove colicky complaints was reported. Baron Ferdinnand Von Meuller and Joseph Bosisto collaborated which led to the beginning of the eucalyptus industry in 1852.

All of the Eucalyptus, of which there are over 600 species, originate in Australia. They have been transplanted to many other warm parts of the world, including Central Asia, North Africa and California. The evergreen Eucalyptus Tree's bark exude a sweet smelling gum, however it's the leaves that contain the droplets of essential oil and those of the Tasmanian Blue Gum are the most esteemed in healing.

Oil of Eucaptylus has been distilled from at least 1788 when two Doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden distilled Eucaptylus for its use in treating chest problems and colic. The first works of the antiseptic and bacterial properties of the oil were published in Germany by Doctors Cole and Homeyer. They classified it as being "sudorific, a stimulant anticatharral and astringent". It was prescribed for all respiratory system conditions such as bronchitis, flu, asthma and coughs.