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HERB ALLEY
Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus)
COMMON NAMES: Blue gum.
MEDICINAL PART: Leaves.
DESCRIPTION: Eucalyptus
is a tall, evergreen tree native to Australia and Tansmania. Among
its various species, the blue gum is the one commonly grown in the U.S.,
being found in California, Florida, and parts of the south. The trunk,
which grows to 300 feet high or more, is covered with peeling, papery bark.
The leaves on the young plant, up to 5 years old, are oppositem sessile,
soft, oblong, pointed, and a hoary blue color. The mature leaves
are alternate, petioled, leathery, and shaped like a scimitar. The
flowers are solitary, axilary, and white, with no petals and a woody
calyx. The fruit is a hard, four-celled, many-seeded capsule inclosed
in the calyx cup.
PROPERTIES AND USES:
Antiseptic, deodorant, expectorant, stimulant. Most eucalyptus medications
are made from the greenish-yellow oil obtained from the mature leaves.
The oil, or lozenges and cough drops made from it, is useful for lung diseases,
colds, and sore throat. It can also be used as a vapor bath for asthma
and other respiratory ailments, and as an antiseptic bath additive.
Its expectorant properties are useful for bromchitis. The oil os
also said to be useful for pyorrhea and for burns, to prevent infection.
A cold extract made from te leaves is helpful for indigestion and for intermittent
fever. Externally, the antiseptic and deodorant qualities of the
oil make it suitable for use on purulent wounds and ulcers.
Only administer in small
doses. Helps to dilate capillaries for better circulation making
it a good herb for migraine headaches. A small amount on the tongue
will help to stop nausea. It is an antiseptic which makes it good
for wounds. Mix with olive oil or vitamin E oil and apply.
Often used in combination with other herbs - Essential Oils. One
teaspoon of the oil in 1 cup of warm water, rubbed into the skin
is a powerful insect repelant. For coughs, it is as effective as
Robitussin, one of the best for expelling mucous.
Eucalyptus oil is strongly
antiseptic and is used externally in inhalations for colds and excess phlegm
and diluted as a chest rub for coughs. It also eradicates lice and
fleas. A lemon-scented species, E. citriodora, is a popular
ingredient in dry potpourris.
PREPERATION AND DOSAGE:
Oil: Boil mature leaves
in water and condense the vapor to recover the oil.
