- Family Myrtaceae
- Eucalyptus globulus
- Eucalyptus smithii
- Blue Gum, Fever Tree, Australian Fever Tree, Gum Tree, Red Gum, Stringy Bark Tree, Eucalypt
- Spanish: Eucalipto, Dolár
- Although various decoctions were used by Aboriginal healers, it is not recommended today.
- In large doses, eucalyptus is toxic. As little as 3.5 ml of oil can kill.
- It should not be confused with camphor oil.
- Infants and small children should not have preparations containing the oil applied to their faces as this can lead to glottal or bronchial spasms, asthmalike attacks, or even death by asphyxiation.
- Eucalyptus should not be used by individuals with inflamed gastrointestinal tracts or bile ducts, or with liver disease.
Native to Australia and Tasmania, eucalyptus is now cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, including the Mediterranean area and South America. This fast-growing, evergreen tree can reach heights up to 400 feet, having a blue-gray trunk and bluish-green and covered with oil-bearing glands. The bark is peeling and papery, and the leaves are susceptible to frosts. Planting can cause ecological problems as the tree requires huge quantities of water, preventing the growth of native plants. However, it can be beneficial for drying up marshy areas, thereby, reducing the risk of malaria. The leaves are harvested as required.
Eucalyptus is a traditional aboriginal fever remedy that was introduced to the West in the 19th century by the director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Cultivation soon spread to southern Europe and North America.
Historically, eucalyptus has been an effective treatment for malaria, typhoid, diphtheria, and influenza, and with such fetid conditions as upper respiratory infections with fetid cararrh, infected wounds with a foul discharge, foul diarrhea, vaginal infections with an unpleasant odour, and gangrenous conditions.
- hypoglycemic agent
- heals wounds
- stimulants local blood flow
- stimulates mucous secretions
(a) E. globulus
- volatile oil (80% cineole)
(b) E. smithii
- volatile oil (70% eucalyptol as well as pinene, limonene, alpha-terpineol, and linalool) (although similar to the oils in related species, this one appears to be better tolerated by the skin)
The essential oil is effective against just about every microbe. The properties of the oils vary slightly with the species, but all are antiseptic. Particularly active against malaria, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Haemophilus influenza, enterobacteria,Escherichia colia, Psudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., and Helicobacter pylori. Researchers from all over the world have confirmed its broad-spectrum action against antibiotic-resistant diseases, something the indigenous have intuitively known. Russian rearchers suggest that some species counteract the influenza viruses, while others are antimalarial or highly active against bacteria.
Similarly, tests done in Guatemala on a number of plants, used for the treatment of respiratory ailments, examined their antibacterial activity, particularly those that caused pneumonia and staph infections. The test results showed that extracts of eucalyptus were among the plants highly active against invitro bacteria.
Extensive research during the last fifty years or so and has proven that eucalyptus not only has remarkable antiseptic action, but also has the ability to dilate the bronchioles of the lungs. The action of the essential oil proved much stronger than that of its main component, cineole.
Steam inhalation of a few leaves is used to clear upper respiratory congestion.
Leaf infusions are used internally for colds, sore throats, bronchial congestion, fevers, and chills.
Compresses from essential oils are applied to inflammations, painful joints, and burns.
Gargles made from essential oil and water are effective against throat infections.
Chest rubs from a dilution of essential oil into a neutral oil are used to treat colds, bronchitis, asthma, and influenza.
Essential oil is used in aromatherapy; and a few drops in a neutral oil or ointment base is used to treat cold sores.
Massage oil made by adding essential oil to rosemary oil or infused bladderwrack or almond oil to treat arthritic or rheumatic pain.
Poultices and washes made from the leaves have long been used by Aborginal tribes for any type of wound or inflammation.
Powders can be dusted on infected skin, wounds, and ulcerations as needed.
Lozenges are taken for sore throats.
Capsules are conveniently used for bronchitis.
Nasal sprays can be used to clear sinus congestion. To make: Mix 30 drops of tincture or 5 drops essential oil in 30 ml/1 oz. distilled water and used as needed.
A douche from a weak infusion can be used to treat vaginal infections.
Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold remedies today and long used as an effective treatment for colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The odour of eucalyptus oil, like that of camphor and menthol, elicits a two-phase nasal response. In the initial phase, which lasts about thirty minutes, the nasal passages actually constrict and feel even more obstructed. This is followed by an opening of the passages, allowing more air to flow and resulting in a distinct feeling of being better able to breathe.
Since eucalyptus is excreted from the body through the lungs and urine, it is especially useful for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Diluted essential oil rubbed into the chest has a warming and slightly anesthetic effect, helping to relieve respiratory infections. This same effect takes place when an infusion or tincture is used as a gargle. Another effective means is to sprinkle a few drops of oil onto a handkerchief and hold it under the nose on a pillow at night.
Diluted essential oil applied to affected areas helps relieve rheumatic joints characterized by pain and stiffness. It is also effective for neuralgia and some bacterial skin infections.
The leaves have also been used as an effective flea repellant. A piece of cloth soaked in the oil can repel cockroaches.
Some herbalists use it for small cuts in the skin. By massaging the oil into the skin or adding it to bathwater, it promotes the healing of minor skin infections, cuts, and abrasions.
One major traditional use stems from its pleasing scent, especially to the sick helping to alleviate the depression that comes with illness, both as a medicine to be taken and one to be inhaled in the sickroom.
It is widely used in South America to treat respiratory infections and as a rubefacient, a substance that increases blood flow to the skin.