Eucalyptus Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Also called: Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark Tree, Lemon-scented gum tree, White ironbark, Red flowering gum, Spinning gum.
Parts used: sap, bark, leaves, volatile oils
The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia and Tasmania, where they can grow up to 200 feet high. In North America these trees are known as the food supply for Koalas, and for the oil's respiratory benefits, but they have many other uses as well.
Eucalyptus oil is antiseptic and mildly anesthetic. It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin as well as skin parasites. A gargle made of a decoction soothes raw sore throats and eases coughs. Topically applied, the (diluted) essential oils ease respiratory ailments.
Fragrance (from the volatile oils) from the Citron-scented Gum tree is highly valued for making perfumes.
WARNING: Do not use if you have high blood pressure or are diabetic.
Large quantities irritate the kidneys.
You can make a simple eucalyptus tea by steeping a handful of fresh or dried leaves for 20 minutes in a quart of water that has just been boiled. This tea makes a stimulating astringent addition to the herbal bath and can also be combined with rubbing alcohol and used as a refreshing aftershave. Probably the most popular use of eucalyptus is as a cleanser for the lungs and lymph systems. A classic remedy to clear the nose and help dry mucous conditions is to inhale the vapors of hot eucalyptus leaf tea. The steaming tea is placed in an open pot on a table or on the floor, and the ailing person sits or lies near the pot and breathes in the trailing vapors of the eucalyptus infusion.
You can also use the oil distilled from the leaves for this purpose in an electric vaporizer or the way described above. The oil is considered safe to use in this way, but like all distilled herb oils, it is very potent, so exercise caution when using it. Never apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin, but dilute it first with water, vegetable oil, or rubbing alcohol. Always keep eucalyptus oil away from your eyes. For internal use, never administer more than a few drops of eucalyptus oil at a time, and be sure to dilute it with water to make a tea.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
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