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Information about the herb Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus , also known as Australian Fever Tree is part of the Myrtaceae plant family. Eucalyptus is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia, including Tasmania
but now grows prolifically in North and South Africa, China, India, southern
Europe and California, USA and other Mediterranean and subtropical regions around
the world.
There are about 500 species of the Eucalyptus group
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Plant Family: Myrtaceae
Common Names: Australian Fever Tree, Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark
History: The therapeutic uses of Eucalyptus has been used by traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, and Greco-European. The properties of Eucalyptus were brought to the west by Baron Ferdinand von Muller in 1857 with present day commercial herbal preparations originating in Mediterranean and subtropical regions, including Spain and Morocco.
Throughout the 19th century in England, Eucalyptus oil was used in hospitals to clean urinary catheters.
Tradition: The Australian Aborigines have been using Eucalyptus ceremonially and medicinally for hundreds of years.
Plant Constituents of Eucalyptus
Contains:
Oil
- crystallized resin
- cineole also called eucalyptol
- cymenes
- oil of Eucalyptus
- terpenes
Leaves
- flavonoids, including quercetin
- tannins
- volatile oils
About 25 species are being used for their oils which are divided into three grades:
Medicinal Oils (distilled from the fresh leaves and branch tops of the Eucalyptus tree) containing:
- substantial amounts of eucalyptol (cineol)
Industrial Oils containing:
- terpenes for their flotation properties to be used in mining operations
Varieties such as:
- E. amygdalina
- E. dives
Aromatic Oils such as:
- E. citriodora [Citron-Scented Gum] (contains 98% citronellol) used in perfumes
- E. macarthurii [Paddy River Box] (contains 75% geranyl acetate)
- E. odorata used in soap making
- E. staigeriana [Lemon Scented Iron Bark]
- E. sturtiana which has an apple fragrance
Dosage:
Adult
- Eucalyptus leaf as infusion, usually taken as a tea - 1 - 2g per cup 3/day
- Eucalyptus leaf extract, 10 - 30 drops/day
- Eucalyptus oil
- for topical application - 10 - 20 drops of oil to 200mL carrier oil (sweet almond, sesame, olive, etc.)
- for inhalation, add 5 - 10 drops of oil to 1 liter boiling water. Place towel over head and inhale steam
Action:
Oil
- anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- anti-malarial [an agent to ease symptoms of malaria]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- corrective [restoring to a healthy state]
- deodorant [an agent used to inhibit or mask unpleasant odors]
- disinfectant [an agent that cleanses infection by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease-producing micro-organisms; antiseptic]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages, i.e. loosens phlegm in the respiratory passages]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
Leaves
- anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages, i.e. loosens phlegm in the respiratory passages] .
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, and the oil of the leaves
Internally Eucalyptus should be used with strict professional guidelines, for:
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- dyspepsia
- halitosis (bad breath)
- indigestion
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- bronchitis
- common colds
- coughs
- microbial diseases of the lungs
- pulmonary tuberculosis
- sinusitis (leaves as tea or gargle)
- sore throat (leaves as tea or gargle)
Other Conditions
- diabetes
- intermittent fevers
- scarlet fever
- typhoid
Externally Eucalyptus has been used as an inhalant for:
Bacterial Conditions
- diphtheria
Cardiovascular System Conditions
- increasing cardiac action
Respiratory Tract Conditions
Eucalyptus Oil used as an inhalant in
- asthma
- bronchitis
- colds
- coughs
- influenza
- loosens phlegm
- sore throat
Other Conditions
- fainting (used like smelling salts - place 1-2 drops of Eucalyptus oil on a cloth and hold under the nose of the
- person who has fainted)
- helps reduce fevers
- helps
reduce inflammation
helps relieve chronic ear infections
As a local application for:
- burns
- growths
- infection
- offensive smelling wounds
- preventing sepsis
- pyorrhea
- sores
- ulcers
Other Uses:
Eucalyptus is used commercially in:
- cough drops
- cough syrups
- liniments
- mouthwash
- toothpaste
- vaporizer fluid
As well as a food for koala bears it has been used in veterinary practice for:
- remedy for aches and pains, or
- canine influenza
- influenza in horses
- parasitic skin complaints
- septicemia in all animals
Seek help from an alternative medicine veterinarian who can help you with dosages and assessing the proper effects.
It is very good used in the household:
- to clean oil marks from clothes
The Cold and 'Flu Remedy
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus), using steam distillation. The word "Eucalyptus" is derived from the Greek "eu" and "kalypto" meaning "well" and covered" (referring to the cup-like membrane that covers the flower bud that is thrown off as the flower expands). The Australian Blue-Gum tree is one of the major sources of Eucalyptus essential oil.
There are over 500 different species of Eucalyptus trees and they have blue-green, narrow, long and tough leaves. The flowers are creamy-white, and the bark is very papery and peels off on the sides of the trunk. If you have ever seen a Koala bear, then you have probably seen an Australian Blue-Gum tree, as this tree is the natural habitat of this cute-looking, highly strung bear.
The Surgeon General of the Australian colony, Dr John White, first distilled Eucalyptus essential oil in Australia in 1788.
Interest in the Australian Blue-Gum tree developed because it is very fast growing and uses up immense amounts of water. Eucalyptus trees are therefore used in agriculture to turn marshy, swampy ground into usable, arable land. This process also helps to eradicate the breeding ground of the malaria mosquito, helping the tree gain a reputation in the 19th century of being able to rid an area of fever or "miasma" (the source of malaria was not yet known), hence the name "Fever tree". Aborigines chew the roots of the Australian or Tasmanian Blue-Gum for their water content and also bind wounds with Eucalyptus leaves to promote healing.
Various ways to use Eucalyptus oil:
- Burners or Vaporizers: - Depending on the size of the reservoir, 6 to 8 drops of this oil can be added, to assist with frequent sneezing, hay fever, 'flu, respiratory problems and as an insect repellent.
- Blended massage or in the bath: - 6 drops may be added to a bath, or 40 drops to 100ml of carrier oil (2000 drops = 100ml) for a blended massage. This will help relieve: arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, mucus congestion, colds, headaches, rheumatism, sinusitis, catarrh, fatigue and muscular aches and pains.
- Used neat or dab on with a bud: - May be used neat on the skin for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so.
- Eucalyptus oil can be dropped onto a pieces of cloth or cotton wool and placed in the corners of your cupboards to repel cockroaches and to fragrance your clothes. Please take care that the oil does not come into contact with your clothes as it may stain.
Please note: Eucalyptus essential oil should not be used by or on children under 12 years of age, and care should be taken when used by the elderly
Caution:
- Externally - Eucalyptus oil is nontoxic
- Internally - Eucalyptus oil is toxic and should always be diluted (use under guidance of a qualified practitioner)
Internally - In large doses the tannins in the leaves may cause:
- breathing to stop by its action on the medulla depressing the nerves
- irritation to the kidneys
- insensibility
- kidney and liver damage
- stomach upset
Children
- Children should not take Eucalyptus leaves or oil internally
- Cough drops containing Eucalyptus should not be given to children younger than 6 years old
- Do not use Eucalyptus oil on or near the face or nose of children under 2 years old
- Eucalyptus when used as a steam inhalant (2-5 drops to 1 liter water), salve or chest
rub may be used for children if absolutely necessary
Eucalyptus should not be used by persons with:
- bile duct inflammatory disease
- high blood pressure
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
- inflammation of the kidneys
- liver disease
Eucalyptus should not be used by women who are:
- breastfeeding
- pregnant
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Eucalyptus without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
5-Fluorouracil (a medication used to treat cancer)
- Topical Eucalyptus oil enhances the absorption of topical 5-fluorouracil
Pentobarbital (a barbiturate used for seizures)
- Eucalyptus increases the clearance of this drug causing it to be eliminated from the body more quickly than it is supposed to be
Amphetamine (a stimulant used for narcolepsy and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Eucalyptus increases the clearance of this drug causing it to be eliminated from the body more quickly than it is supposed to be.
Global Herbal Supplies has Eucalyptus available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
