Eucalyptus
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus spp.
Common Name
Family
Actions
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antioxidant expectorant, stimulant, febrifuge
Energetics
Warming
Edible Uses
Eucalyptus leaves are not considered edible for human consumption, though it may be used in tea.
Native To
Eucalyptus globulus is native to Southeastern Australia and Tasmania.
Geographic Distribution
Eucalyptus is now known to exist in India, Africa, Central and South America, China, the Philippines, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, New Zealand, and the United States. In United States it has naturalized in California and Hawaii as it thrives in more Mediterranean-type climates however because its oil is considered highly flammable it is not recommended for planting in places where wildfires are common.
Botanical Description & Identification
Eucalyptus leaves come from generally tall evergreen trees, some species reaching as high as 300 feet. The most common type of eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus globules, can grow up to 230 feet tall. The bark of these trees contains a grayish-blue color which peels regularly with a red resin, or gum, sometimes visible beneath the bark. It attained its 'globulus' ("globe-shaped") name from its leaves which, when young, display as a circular shape around its fruit. The mature leaves become longer, shiny, and dark green and can grow to be 12 inches long (1ft). The plant contains flowers, which always present in bunches of an odd number, have red or white stamens visible when the flower opens up. The flower contains sepals and petals and contains many little seeds within.
Key Constituents
Flavonoids, gallic acid and other phenolic compounds, volatile oils (mostly eucalyptol'), terpenes, tannins (in the bark).
Sustainability Issues
Eucalyptus can be considered invasive in some parts of the world. It grows quickly and utilizes heavy amounts of water. Because of this it is known to decrease the biological diversity in native plants, potentially creating secondary sustainability problems.
Harvesting Guidelines
The leaves should be harvested prior to flowering. Like all herbs they should be dried and stored out of direct sunlight as the oils and potency of such may diminish.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF EUCALYPTUS:
Eucalyptus is known to:
*Reduce overall pain, especially that of the muscles
*Ease symptoms of respiratory infections
*Reduce symptoms of asthma
*Act as a decongestant
*Aid the body in reducing fever through perspiration
*Ease symptoms of rheumatism
*Cool the body
*Reduce overall inflammation
*Aid the body in expelling harmful bacteria
*Repel bugs, especially mosquitos
*Help repel mold
*Soothe the symptoms associated with insect bites
*Help to improve allergies and allergic reactions
*Boost mental clarity
Eucalyptus is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, bacterial and fungal infections (including staph and herpes), COPD, seasonal allergies, athlete's foot, shingles, bacterial dermatitis, ear infections, brain fog, nephritis, cystitis, dysentery, vaginal discharge, cervicitis, cervical erosion, whooping cough, sores, scabies, burns, gingivitis, heavy bowels
Most common uses:
Traditionally used for pain management and as an aid for improving the respiratory system.
Fun Facts:
Eucalyptus is:
* One of the fastest growing trees on the planet, making it one of the most
sustainable woods to use for construction purposes.
* A tree whose roots can grow up to 130ft underground.
* A tree known to reduce mosquito populations and therefore planted in areas
where mosquito populations need to be lessened.
* A tree known for balancing out marshy regions, making healthier and more well
balanced soil.
* A tree known to go hand in hand with koalas who can eat up to 1lb of fresh leaves
a day. Koalas call the eucalyptus tree 'home' as they also use it for shelter.
* Considered a source of nectar for honeybees.
* A tree known to have microscopic particles of gold in its leaves when its roots
make contact with ore deposits deep within the earth.
* Most commonly lab studied by its essential oil rather than the whole leaf.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Culpeper, N., & Foster, S. (2019). Culpeper's complete herbal. Illustrated & annotated edition. New York, Sterling Publishing Company.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Holmes P. Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Vol. I. Singing Dragon, London, 2016.
Holmes P. Clary sage. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1993; 5(1): 15-17.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants.
Safety
Caution is advised for use of eucalyptus during pregnancy and lactation as well as for children under 30 months of age because one of the plant's volatile oils known as cineole.