Eucalyptus as an Herb

(Eucalyptus globulus; E. globulus)

There are a great number of species of Eucalyptus trees yielding essential oils, the foliage of some being more odoros than that of others, and the oils from the various species differ widely. About twenty-five species are at the present time being utilized for their oil.

Baron Ferdinand von Muller, a German botanist and explorer (from 1857 to 1873 Director of the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne), who made the qualities of Eucalyptus known all over the world, also led it to its introduction into Europe, North and South Africa, California and the non-tropical districts of South America. He was the first to suggest that the perfume of the leaves resembling that of Cajaput oil might be of use as a disinfectant in fever districts.

Medicinal Uses for Eucalyptus

The essential Oil of Eucalyptus used in medicine is obtained by aqueous distillation of the fresh leaves. It is a colorless or straw-colored fluid when properly prepared, with a characteristic odor and taste, soluble in its own weight of alcohol. The most important constituent is Eucalyptol.

Eucalyptus Oil is used as a stimulant and antiseptic gargle. Locally applied, it impairs sensibility. It increases cardiac action.

Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic. It is used to treat pyorrhea (gum disease), and is used on burns to prevent infections. The essential oil, breathed in a steam, will help clear the sinuses, as will the steam from boiling the leaves.

In croup and spasmodic throat troubles, the oil may be freely applied externally. A small drop on the tongue eases nausea.

An emulsion made by shaking up equal parts of the oil and powdered gum-arabic with water has been used as a urethral injection, and has also been given internally in drachm doses in pulmonary tuberculosis and other microbic diseases of the lungs and bronchitis.

As a local application for ulcers and sores, 1 ounce of the oil is added to 1 pint of lukewarm water. For local injections, 1/2 ounce to the pint is taken.

Aromatherapy: Considered revigorating and balancing.

Other Uses

When mixed with water or vegetable oils, Eucalyptus oil makes a good insect repellant.

Soak small cloths in eucalyptus oil and place the cloths in your pantries, cabinets, and closets to drive away roaches and other insect pests.

Eucalyptus oil can be used for Lavendar oil in any magical recipe.

Culinary

Eucalyptus Tea. Eucalyptus tea can be prepared by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons dried leaf in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Cautions

Eucalyptus should not be used on children under 2 years of age and should not be ingested by children younger than 6 years of age.

The over use of Eucalyptus internally can be difficult to eliminate from the kidneys and caution must be made if you have kidney function problems.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.