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Eucalyptus
The Tree
Indigenous to mostly Australia and Tasmania, there are over 300 species of eucalyptus. The ones most common to herbalism and aromatherapy are E. globulus, E. odorata, E. radiata, E. citriodora, and E. smithii. Eucalyptus leaves have a leathery texture and their shape varies according to the species. The flower buds are covered with a cup-like membrane, thus comes their name Eucalyptus, from the Greek eucalyptos, meaning 'well covered'. The fruit is surrounded by a cup shaped woody case which contains numerous tiny seeds. They are quick growing, evergreen trees with gray bark that can reach tremendous heights, some are known to have grown well over 400 feet. E. globulus is the well known Blue Gum Tree and has also been known as the Fever Tree, and can grow to 375 feet, being quite drought tolerant as well as doing well in wet soil. Eucalyptus will not tolerate temperatures below 27 F degrees. For climates that are too cold for them, they can be grown readily in the greenhouse in large pots, but they will be dwarfed. The new shoots are a favorite in florist shops and for dried arrangements as well.
History
Eucalyptus leaves and oil have long been used traditionally in Australia and Tasmania by the aborigines and as a household remedy for respiratory ailments as well as all sorts of skin disorders. The leaves were commonly smoked like tobacco, or burned and inhaled, for asthmatic conditions. It was also used for feverish conditions. It is still employed for these uses today and has become well known for it's use in 'vapor rubs' and cough drops. The "blue forests" of Australia are so called due to a blue haze these trees eminate into the surrounding landscape. A specimen of the Blue Gum (e. globulus) was first brought to Europe from Tasmania by a famous French naturalist Labillardiere in 1793 who made many invaluable observations of the natives and their folk use of this tree. Baron Ferdinand von Muller, a German botanist and explorer who was Director of the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne from 1857 to 1873, introduced eucalyptus at the 1867 Paris Exposition and suggested it as an antiseptic replacement for cajeput. Trottoir, the French botanical superintendant found that when planted, the roots of this wonderful tree had a powerful drying action on the soil. Five years after planting the Eucalyptus, one of the most marshy and unhealthy districts in Algiers was converted into one of the driest and healthiest! It was planted for this specific reason once again in1870 in the cloisters of the monastery of St. Paolo a la Fontana, which was one of the most fever stricken districts of the Roman Campagna, due to mosquitos carrying malaria. The planting of these trees, due to their root's remarkable drainage properties, led to the disappearance of mosquitos in this area and made it inhabitable year round. In Spain, the wood of eucalyptus trees is used for timber production.
Aromatherapy Uses
Chemistry of Eucalyptus
The principal constituents found in Eucalyptus are cineol, pinene, limonene, cymene, phellandrene, turpinene, aromadendrene, camphene, and others depending on the species. 1.8 Cineol, also known as eucalyptol, is an oxide and imparts expectorant, antiseptic and anthelmintic properties. Themonoterpene hydro-carbons include camphene, cymene, limonene, phellandrene, pinene and turpinene. Camphene is anti-microbial and stimulating. Cymene is a good local analgesic for rheumatic conditions. Limonene has expectorant and sedative properties. Phellandrene has an expectorant action. Pinene's properties are insect repelling (especially cockroaches, silverfish and mosquitos),stimulating and anti-microbial. E. radiata contains aldehydes (neraland geraniol) which have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties as well as a pleasing aroma.
Eucalyptus' Therapeutic Properties for the Human Body
The most desired therapeutic value of eucalyptus is most likely as an expectorant, respiratory antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The eucalyptus essential oils that I prefer to use in aromatherapy are E. radiata and E. smithii (smithii being the most gentle). Eucalyptus globulus is surely the most common and it is a good antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, and expectorant making it good for respiratory infections and sinus headaches as well as fever (cooling effect), flu, chicken pox, measles and herpes and it's eucalyptol content makes it useful in liniments, aiding with muscular aches and pains (aids the removal of uric acid in muscle tissue). When used in limited amounts, it can aid with acne and oily skin. It has an antiseptic action, which is good for wounds, insect bites and boils and is also good for repelling insects. It also has a stimulating effect on the circulatory system. Eucalyptus radiata has these same properties as E. globulus, but with a bit of a broader spectrum as an antiviral, less effect on the liver, and is the one I would prefer when inflammation of any tissues are present or the cold or flu has really set in. When it comes to infants, young children, or folks with extremely sensitive systems, Eucalyptus smithii is preffered due to it's gentler nature and I would recommend it for infants, in proper dilution, when a fever ispresent for it's cooling effect. Eucalyptus can also be useful incases of cystisis and leucorrhea.
The Psychological Effects of Eucalyptus
The powerful scent of Eucalyptus is revitalizing and has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. It's fresh odor aids in cases of nervous exhaustion and helps those who may be feeling 'sluggish' and in need of an energy boost. It is also good for clearing the mind and helping with concentration (good with rosemary). It 'cools' and balances the emotions thus making it good for folks engaged in verbal, emotional or physical combat. It creates a feeling of having space and can help those who feel' cramped or caged', especially when used with pine needle essential oils. Eucalyptus revives the mind and spirit.
Safety Precautions for Eucalyptus Essential oil
Eucalyptus is not compatible with homeopathic treatment, therefore it is best to use either the Eucalyptus or the homeopathic treatment, do not use them at the same time. For infants, only use E. smithii, and in proper dilutions. If you have a history of epilepsy, convulsions, or liver disease do not use Eucalyptus unless supervised by an expert. The safest eucalyptus essential oils to use would be E.radiata, and E.smithii. If you are pregnant or nursing , use E. smithii and then in low dilutions as you would for an infant. NEVER use Eucalyptus essential oil orally and if any type of Eucalyptus essential oil is ingested, seek the advice of a physician, bringing the bottle with you. Although ingesting a small amount should not hurt someone, (after all, it is put in coughdrops) some people may have a reaction, especially if there is a history of liver problems. There have been cases of eucalyptus poisioning due to ingestion, and even though very large amounts were ingested, some cases were fatal. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN !!!
Summing it up
When it comes to an expectorant and fighting respiratory infections, Eucalyptus is hard to beat. It is a good preventative measure when exposed to colds and flu. At my house I will keep a pot of Eucalyptus leaves and pine needles enhanced with essential oils of eucalyptus and pine, simmering in a pot of water during the cold and flu season and when anyone is 'stuffed up'. If simmering a pot isn't practical at the moment, I will make a mist to spray in the air. A good hot tub soak with Eucalyptus bath preparations added can do wonders for colds, flus, sore muscles, exhaustion and stress as well as being wonderfully antiseptic for the skin. Making a rub for bedtime relief or sore muscles is a simple and efficient remedy. Just add 1 part essential oil to 9 parts carrier oil (sweet almond, safflower, grapeseed, and/or olive oils make good carrier oils). For infants or people with hyper-sensitve skin, use 1 part E. smithii essential oil to 15 parts carrier oil. It is beneficial to stuff sachet bags with Eucalyptus and bay leaves, with a drop or two of these same essential oils added, and tuck them into the cupboards to deter little pesky insect critters.
Happiness and Good Health to All,
Jody L. Boda~Newell for Living Earth Herbalist Society
These newsletters are not meant to be used for diagnosing or to replace the care of a physician. All information contained in this newsletter is obtained through scientific research, years of research from other practicing aromatherapists and herbalists and my own research and personal experiences as a practicing aromatherapist and herbalist.
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