Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus is one of the fastest growing and biggest trees in the world. Eucalyptus can reach heights of over 250 feet and sends out a vast network of roots, which have proven very useful in draining marshy areas. In fact, it has been of great value in eliminating malarial swamps in a number of hot, humid countries. Guatemala is one such country in Central America, where eucalyptus trees were abundantly planted for this very reason.

The tree has bluish-white, peeling bark and green branchlets. Juvenile shoots and leaves are coated with a white, waxy bloom. Young leaves are opposite, heart-shaped, bluish-green, and sticky, while adult leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, green, and smooth. When crushed, they emit a pungent odor.

The aromatic oil contained in eucalyptus leaves is an essential ingredient in Vicks Vapo-Rub. This over-the-counter preparation has been a popular remedy with millions of people for many years for treating respiratory ailments, especially asthma and bronchitis. A little of the ointment is applied locally to the chest area and slowly rubbed into the skin in a circular motion using the forefingers. Sometimes a piece of flannel cloth will be laid over the chest to retain its penetrating warmth for a longer period of time.

Other names

• Blue Gum
• Blue Gum Tree
• Fever Tree

Parts used

Leaves.

Uses

Infections - Eucalyptus is a traditional Aboriginal remedy for infections and fevers. Eucalyptus is now used throughout the world for these ailments.
Antiseptic - Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and is very helpful for colds, flu, and sore throats.
Expectorant - Eucalyptus is a strong expectorant, suitable for chest infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
Warming - The diluted essential oil, applied to the skin as a chest or sinus rub, has a warming and slightly anesthetic effect, helping to relieve respiratory infections. The same effect takes place when the infusion or tincture is used as a gargle.
Pain relief - Diluted essential oil applied to the affected area can help to relieve rheumatic joints characterized by aching pains and stiffness, as well as neuralgia, and some bacterial skin infections.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to Australia, eucalyptus is cultivated on plantations in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas of the world. Planting can cause ecological problems because the trees absorb huge quantities of water and prevent the growth of native plants. This can be beneficial, however, for drying up marshy areas and so reducing the risk of malaria. The leaves are harvested as required and are dried or distilled for oil.

Research

Essential oil - Extensive research into eucalyptus essential oil during the last 50 years has shown it to have a marked antiseptic action and the ability to dilate the bronchioles (small airways) of the lungs. The action of the essential oil as a whole is stronger than that of its main constituent, cineole.

Constituents

The volatile oil contains about 70% eucalyptol (1, 8-cineole), as well as pinene, limonene, alpha-terpineol, and linalool. While it is similar to the oils of related species, this oil appears to be better tolerated by the skin.

Applications

LEAVES:

INHALATION - Pour boiling water over a few leaves, and inhale the steam for chest infections.

ESSENTIAL OIL:

COMPRESS - Soak a pad in 2 ml oil well dispersed in 100 ml water, and apply to inflammations, painful joints, and burns.

GARGLE - Dilute 5 drops oil in a glass of water, mix well, and gargle for throat infections.

CHEST RUB - Dilute 0.5 - 2 ml oil in 25 ml almond oil for colds, bronchitis, asthma, and influenza.

INHALATION - Add 10 drops oil to a little hot water, and inhale the steam for chest infections.

OIL - Dilute 2 drops oil in 10 ml sunflower oil or ointment base, and apply to cold sores.

MASSAGE OIL - Combine 10 - 20 drops eucalyptus oil with 10 - 20 drops rosemary oil in 20 ml infused bladderwrack oil or almond oil for rheumatic or arthritic pain.

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