Medicinal Plant: Eucaliptus

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus has more than 680 species, most native to Australia and others extending northward to Malaysia, Tanzania and the Philippines. Eucalyptus is among the tallest trees in the world some species top 450 feet in height.  Eucalyptus has played a significant role in Australian Aboriginal culture for many thousands of years. Larger Eucalyptus trees store considerable quantities of water in their roots, and during droughts were a handy source of drinking water.  Eucalyptus globulus is the best know and most widespread species, planted and naturalized in warm temperature, subtropical, and tropical climates throughout the world. The species name globulus, or globe shaped, refers to the juvenile leaves or alternatively the shape of the fruit. Aborigines made ointments and rubs containing eucalyptus oil taken from crushed leaves, and these were applied tot he skin to heal minor wounds and cure fungal infections. 

Source: National Geographic

Eucalyptus has a distinctive smooth bark in a mottled pattern. Puffy white flowers have numerous stamens. The leaves morph in shape and arrangement on the stalk from the juvenile to mature stage. Young leaves are stalkless, clasping the stem, and circular. The leaves are blue-green with white film that rubs of when touched. When the leaves mature, the leaves alternate on the stalk becoming lance shaped to stickle shaped and up to a foot long. The changing leaf shape originating in the tree's native range is an adaptation to camouflage to prevent Australian adult tortoise beetles from attacking young leaves. The leaves are strongly aromatic loaded with essential oil which is also an insect deterrent.

The medicinal properties of eucalyptus reside in oils contained in its leaves. Eucalyptus leaves are a rich source of volatile oil that has a pungent, heady fragrance and remarkable healing properties. The leaves, the part of the plant used, are harvested before flowering. The volatile oils, especially the chenille, also called eucalyptol,  in eucalyptus leaf help to relieve coughs; oil in the leaf acts primarily as an expectorant, stimulating removal of mucus from the lungs. Antiviral and antibacterial effects of eucalyptus oil, especially to combat the bacteria and viruses that normally cause upper respiratory infections. Eucalyptus oil causes changes in lug secretions, allowing the mucus and phlegm to removed more easily by coughing. Eucalyptus can be used to treat everything from colds and chest infection to skin conditions and fever. Eucalyptus oil fights inflammation, making it a useful component in skin creams and other topical products for skin health and arthritis. Eucalyptol is also being used to treat asthma and emphysema, due to its success in dilating airways and fighting airway inflammation.

Source: Herbal home

Today, eucalyptus is and ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including cough drops, chest rubs, vapor baths, cold symptoms with or without feverishness, nasal and sinus congestion, sore throat, and phlegmy cough. Eucalyptus oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The vapors released from fresh and macerated leaves were inhaled to clear the sinuses and nasal passages. Herbalists recommend using fresh leaves in gargles to soothe sore throats, and in teas for bronchitis and sinusitis. Bronchitis, coughs, and the flu may also be helped by inhalation of eucalyptus vapors. Eucalyptus ointments applied to nose and chest help relieve congestion. Massaging the oil into the skin can relieve arthritis pain and ease tension headaches.  To insect bites and fungal skin conditions apply infusion of the leaves or diluted oil (maximum 5 percent concentration). 

HOW USE

DECOCTION 

Simmer 3-4 leaves per cup of water for 10 minutes in a covered pan and take 1/2-1 cup 3 times daily for the early stages of colds, chills, nasal catarrh, influenza, asthma, sinusitis, sore throats, and other respiratory disorders. 

TEA: 

Steep approximately 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh eucalyptus leaf in 1 to 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Drink 3 times daily for a cough. 

CHEST RUB 

Use 10 drops (1/2ml) of eucalyptus oil in 1fl oz (30m1) of almond oil as a chest rub for colds, bronchitis, asthma, and respiratory problems. 

STEAM INHALATION 

Use 10 drops (1/2ml) of essential oil or 6 leaves in a bowl of boiling water as a steam inhalation for colds and chest infections.

COMPRESS 

Soak a pad in a mixture of 10 drops of essential oil and 4fl oz (120m1) of water and apply to inflammations, ttr painful joints, or minor burns.

CAPSULE:

Eucalyptol capsules—taken in 200-mg doses 3 times daily—help relieve both emphy-sema and the breathing problems that come with asthma. 

CAUTION 

Do not ingested eucalyptus essential oil, because it can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, breathing problems, increased heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Fatalities have been reported from comparatively low doses. Eucalyptus also may cause low blood sugar, so caution is urged for diabetics. 

Eucalyptus oil may interact with several medications. Those taking prescription medications should check with a health care provider before beginning any eucalyptus treatment.