A highly potent general antimicrobial, (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral), particularly useful for lung complaints or a general household disinfectant. Comprising 700 varieties.
Used in various over-the-counter medicines, cleaners, air fresheners, and also in mining.
Oil is used in dental products and for coughs, colds, antiseptic and to treat fever. Rubs and sprays to treat aches and pains. Fumes in aromatherapy, particularly potent for lung complaints. Commonly found in mouthwash, vapor rub, and chewing gum.
Known to be used medicinally in Latin American, Indian (Ayurvedic), Chinese and Greco-European.
Eucalyptus contains many health benifits. The herbal tea benifits the body as a whole in a various studies published. A great tea to assist with sugar cravings and healthy eating. Effective to enhance and protect the immune system as per medically reviewed information.
Dosage and Preparation
- Tea – 10 leaves in a liter of water, boil and let simmer for 10 minutes then serve. Add Stevia for sweetened taste. Drink throughout the day.
- Oil – 12 drops depending on quality in 10ml carrier oil (linseed, sunflower oil).
- Spray – 5-20 drops depending on quality in 20ml water.
- Hang leaves in running shower water or in the bath for a relaxing and refreshing soak.
*Leaves can be reused 2-3 times over 2 days, with strength increasing as the leaves break down.
Names
Over 700 varieties with Blue Gum being the most common variety, are found predominantly in Australia.
- Eucalyptus tea
- Eucalyptus leaf extract
- Eucalyptus leaf tea
- Eucalyptus essential
Medicinal Component
- Antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. catechins, isorhamnetin, luteolin, kaempferol, phloretin, and quercetin
- Oineole
- Eucalyptol
- Limonene
- Macrocarpal A – boosts skin ceramide production
Scientifically Studied Medicinal Effects
- Antimicrobial – antibacterial antifungal antiviral including MRSA and candida PMID: 24261680 15064633 20359267 20359267 17972131 23570005
- Performance immune-enhancing PMID: 14611892 20359267 30384399 12645832
- Headlice management – PubMed 25587918 28266704 100% effectiveness mixed with tea tree oil.
- Pesticide – Forest Ecology and Management – Volume 256, Issue 12, 10 December 2008, Pages 2166-2174
- Dental PMID: 18672986
- Pain PMID: 23853660
- Stress and anxiety PMID: 25028591 PMID: 23853660
- Skin health via ceramide production PMID: 21696405
Indigenous Historical Uses
- Respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, and congestion. Via aroma and mixed oils.
- Antiseptic balm oil/balm. Topically on the skin for burns, cuts, and insect bites
- Decongestant oil/balm rubbed into the chest
- Oil balm rub for tight sore muscles.
- Fever – known in some parts as fever tree due to its effectiveness and reducing fever.
- Cleaning of medical equipment and homes
- Itchy scalp and dry skin
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain reliever
- Stress and lower blood pressure
- Dental plaque and gums
- Insect repellent – Mosquitoes and head lice
Side effects
*In oil forms the absolute max of 10-15 drops spread throughout the day, about 1ml.
Eucalyptus oil can be toxic in high doses and should be used with caution. It can also interfere with medications. Oils should be mixed with a carrier oil for both internal and external use, a maximum of 5-20 drops per 10ml depending on tolerance and quality of the oil.
The oil is toxic in large quantities, but interestingly enough the lovable koala bear has adapted to be immune to the Eucalyptus primary toxin.
Habitat
Eucalyptus is particularly prominent in Australia. A tree that thrives in wildfires with fire-resistant seeds that can regrow after intense flames, heat, and drought. Australian forests are approximately 75% eucalyptus. Also grown commercially in the Mediterranean and subtropical regions.
Grown in marshland to absorb water and to reduce mosquito and malaria in plagued regions.
Fast-growing, used for timber, pulpwood, honey production, and essential oils. Highly flammable Eucalyptus oil found in the leaf is a fire risk in some countries.
Appearance
Eucalyptus varies from a shrub below 1 meter to a lanky tree up to 10-60 meters. Eucalyptus bark adds a layer every year but separates into 2 distinct varieties, smooth bark and dead bark. Smooth bark shed bark yearly in clumps leaving a smooth finish as new bark regrows. Dead bard keeps its dead bark and allows it to disintegrate as time goes by. Many species are also a mix of the two, shedding half the back and retaining the other half. The bark also has the ability to photosynthesize allowing energy production in situations where leaves have been damaged or removed. Stringybark, ironbark, tessellated bark, box bark, ribbon bark have all been categorized as eucalyptus barks. Eucalyptus leaves are generally waxy and glossy. Evergreen too (they keep their leaves permanently) although some species in the tropics shed their leaves at the end of the dry seasons. Leaves are covered in oil glands that produce oils well known for their medicinal effects.
