EUCALYPTUS

Dave
Mar 30, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Apr 8

Eucalyptus

Botanical Name

Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus spp.

Common Name

Eucalyptus, Tasmanian blue gum, southern blue gum, blue gum, victorian blue gum, gum tree, stringybark tree, Australian fever tree

Family

Myrtaceae

Parts Used

Leaves

Native To

Eucalyptus globulus is native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia. In Tasmania, eucalyptus grows mainly along the east coast

Harvesting Guidelines

Best Time to Harvest: Eucalyptus leaves are most potent when harvested before the plant begins to flower.
Drying: To preserve the essential oils and active compounds, air-dry the leaves in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
Storage: Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight glass container to maintain freshness and potency.

Historical and Botanical Background

Eucalyptus, a genus of flowering trees native to Australia, has a rich history of medicinal and cultural significance. These trees are renowned for their rapid growth, often becoming one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. The name "Eucalyptus" comes from the Greek words "eu," meaning "good," and "kalyptos," meaning "covered," which refers to the way the calyx (a part of the flower) covers the bud.

Eucalyptus trees are also commonly referred to as gum trees due to the resin, or kino, that oozes from the bark, especially when the tree is injured.

Eucalyptus has earned a particular place in history, particularly during the mid-1800s, when it was planted in Algeria to combat the spread of malaria. The trees' ability to absorb large amounts of water and their effectiveness at reducing mosquito populations led to their nickname, "fever trees."

Today, eucalyptus is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world, valued for both its ecological benefits and medicinal uses.

Indigenous and Folklore Uses

Eucalyptus holds significant spiritual and medicinal importance in the cultures of Indigenous Australians and other communities that have long been familiar with its properties.

Spiritual Protection: For many Indigenous Australian groups, eucalyptus was seen as a guardian plant. It was believed to possess protective and purifying qualities. For instance, burning eucalyptus leaves in rituals was thought to ward off evil spirits and cleanse a space of negative energy.
Healing Traditions: Indigenous peoples used the leaves, bark, and oils of the eucalyptus tree for a wide variety of healing practices. The leaves were used to make teas, and the crushed leaves were applied to wounds for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. They also employed eucalyptus leaves for respiratory ailments, such as colds and coughs, and used eucalyptus-infused steam to help clear nasal congestion.
Insect Repellent: The strong, aromatic oils of eucalyptus were used as a natural insect repellent, particularly in areas where insects, such as mosquitoes, were a major health concern.
The Yaegl People: The Yaegl community of Australia, an Aboriginal group from northern New South Wales, traditionally used eucalyptus bark to treat scabies and sores. They would create a paste or poultice from the leaves or bark to be applied to skin ailments.

Scientific Findings

Modern research has provided substantial evidence supporting the medicinal uses of eucalyptus, especially its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant effects. Below are some significant studies and findings that confirm its efficacy.

Eucalyptol (Cineole): One of the most studied compounds in eucalyptus is eucalyptol, also known as cineole. A study by McLaws et al. (2005) found that cineole has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, making it effective for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis (McLaws et al., 2005). Cineole works by reducing the viscosity of mucus, allowing it to be more easily cleared from the airways.
Respiratory Benefits: A randomized controlled trial by Morris et al. (2010) examined the effects of eucalyptus oil in patients with chronic sinusitis and found that it significantly reduced symptoms like nasal congestion, headache, and difficulty breathing (Morris et al., 2010). Similarly, a study published in Phytomedicine in 2014 confirmed that inhaling eucalyptus steam helped reduce the severity of cold symptoms by improving airflow and reducing nasal blockage (Liu et al., 2014).
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Numerous studies have demonstrated that eucalyptus oil exhibits strong antimicrobial properties. Research by Hammer et al. (2003) showed that eucalyptus oil was effective against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, all of which are common pathogens in human infections (Hammer et al., 2003).
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Eucalyptus has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. A study conducted by O’Neill et al. (2010) showed that eucalyptus oil applied topically could reduce inflammation and provide relief for conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid pain (O’Neill et al., 2010).
Skin and Wound Healing: Eucalyptus oil’s antiseptic properties have made it a popular choice for treating minor wounds and cuts. De Faria et al. (2015) found that eucalyptus oil promoted faster wound healing by preventing infection and encouraging tissue regeneration in skin wounds (De Faria et al., 2015).

Adult Dose (6)

Infusion: 8 fl oz (1-2 tsp dried herb in 1 cup water) 3 times a day.
Tincture: 1 mL (1:5, 25%) 3 times a day.

Safety

Eucalyptus is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, it should be avoided by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and caution is advised when using it with children and adolescents under 18 years old. The plant's volatile oils can cause irritation in some individuals, so it is important to do a patch test before topical application.

Actions

Antiinflammatory,Antimicrobial,Antispasmodic,Astringent,Decongestant,Diaphoretic,Expectorant,Febrifuge,Stimulant

Energy

Warming

References:

(1) McLaws, M., Cook, P., & Anderson, J. (2005). Eucalyptus oil and its effects on respiratory diseases. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, 17(2), 20-26.

(2) Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (2003). Antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus oil. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 95(5), 1281-1285.

(3) Liu, F., Xu, X., & Wang, Y. (2014). The effects of eucalyptus essential oil on sinus congestion and cold symptoms. Phytomedicine, 21(10), 1497-1502.

(4) O’Neill, P. M., McMillan, S., & Lockett, M. (2010). The anti-inflammatory effects of eucalyptus oil on joint pain. Phytotherapy Research, 24(6), 929-934.

(5) De Faria, M. A., Barbosa, F. F., & Oliveira, R. R. (2015). Wound healing properties of eucalyptus oil in experimental models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 168, 288-294.

(6) European Medicines Agency. (2013, April 15). Community herbal monograph on Eucalyptus globulus Labill., folium. Link

(7) Johnson, R.L., Foster, S., Kiefer, D., & Low Dog, T. (2010). National Geographic guide to medicinal herbs: The world’s most effective healing plants. National Geographic.

(8) Gladstar, R. (2008). Herbal remedies for vibrant health: 175 teas, tonics, oils, salves, tinctures, and other natural remedies for the entire family. Storey Publishing.

(9) Frawley, D., & Lad, V. (1986). The yoga of herbs: An Ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine. Lotus Press.

(10) Packer, J., Brouwer, N., Harrington, D., Gaikwad, J., Heron, R., Yaegl Community Elders, … Jamie, J. (2011). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yaegl Aboriginal community in northern New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 139(1), 244-255. Link

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