Medicinal Uses
migraines
neuralgia
headaches due to colds
bronchitis
asthma
upper respiratory infections
inflammation of the throat
excessive catarrh
sinusitis
sore throat
coughs
colds and chills
fever
suppurative otitis
muscular stiffness
arthritis
rheumatism
cramps
pre-sports treatment
gout
boils
burns
sores
insect bites
insect repellent
lice
acne and oily skin
dental plaque
gingivitis and bleeding gums
liver and gallbladder problem
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Antibacterial and anti-fungal activity demonstrated against a range of species including: Staph. Aureus and E.coli
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A 1988 study tested the antiseptic properties of eucalyptus globules against pathogenic germs found commonly in hospitals and compared the oil to antibiotics: although the concentration of essential oils was much lower than that of the antibiotics, the antibacterial effects were comparable. The oil was particularly effective against the strains of bacteria responsible for bronchial infections.
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Proven effective against human body louse and comparable in effect to DEET (synthetic repellent). Low concentrations (0.2%) of eucalyptus oil in 30 degrees washing machine cycle on woollen blankets containing house dust mites showed post-wash survival of 0.6% compared to 97.6°l° on untreated blankets.
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The fresh aroma of eucalyptus helps to dispel melancholy and revive the spirits, restoring vitality and strengthening the mind. It clears mental stagnation and allows a sense of greater freedom to predominate with people who feel constricted and restrained both emotionally and physically.
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Eucalyptus-based rubs have been found to warm muscles in athletes. This suggests that eucalyptus may help relieve minor muscle soreness when applied topically.
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The main ingredient of eucalyptus oil, cineole, may help speed the healing of acute sinusitis.
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Eucalyptus is used traditionally to promote mucus discharge.
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Historically, herbal practitioners have recommended a steam inhalation of eucalyptus vapor to help treat asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and emphysema.
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Research suggests that substances found in eucalyptus have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes.
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A combination of eucalyptus and peppermint oil applied directly to lower back pain area may help by decreasing pain and increasing blood flow to afflicted regions.
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Early research shows that chewing gum containing 0.3% to 0.6% eucalyptus extract can reduce dental plaque in some people.
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Early research shows that chewing gum containing 0.4% to 0.6% eucalyptus extract can improve gingivitis and bleeding gums in some people.
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Mexicans also use the leaf decoction as a vaginal douche.
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Its been argued that daily drinking of the leaf infusion can reverse diabetes in 8 days.
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The dried leaves were also smoked like cigarettes for asthma.
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Europeans in Africa and Africans wear the leaf in the hat or place it around the residence as a flu preventative.
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It is also regarded as a malaria preventative.
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African herbalists believe the root is purgative.
Constituents
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Eucalyptus leaf contains tannins (up to 11%)
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phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, gallic, gentisic, and protocatechuic acids)
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flavonoids (eucalyptrin, hyperin, hyperoside, quercetin, quercitrin, and rutin)
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volatile oils (1.03.5%), of which 5495% is 1,8-cineole (=eucalyptol)
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triterpenes (24%) which are ursolic acid derivatives
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monoterpenes (a- and b-pinene, D-limonene, and P-cymene)
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sesquiterpenes
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aldehydes (myrtenal)
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ketones (carvone)
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α-Terpineol, 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol), α-pinene, β-pinene, Sabinene, Camphene, Limonene, p-Cymene, Camphor, Globulol, Citronellal, α-phellandrene, Aromadendrene, and Piperitone.
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Energetics/ Organoleptics
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ENERGETICS: Bitter and cooling; soothing, cooling vapor
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SMELL: the aroma is strong, sharp, and medicinal with a fresh, green nuance with almost sour notes. It is bright, clean, and warmly uplifting with a distinctive menthol smell
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TASTE: minty and camphorous taste
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COLOR: Colorless to a slight yellow transparent liquid
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NOTE: Top nOte
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SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATION: It is associated with the alleviation of grief and sorrow, as well as opening the heart and intellect while equalizing emotions.
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MERIDIANS: Lung - Unification
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CHAKRAS:
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2nd (sacral) chakra assists with lower backache and sciatica (relationships and creation energy).
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5th (throat) chakra, or 'thymus chakra'. Eucalyptus globulus essential oil stimulates the thymus, purifies the air and awakens spiritual clarity.
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SHELF LIFE: 4 years
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History
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The genus name Eucalyptus comes from the Greek "eucalyptos", meaning 'well-covered,' and refers to its flowers that, in bud, are covered with a cup-like membrane.
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It was first used by the Aboriginal people of Australia, who referred to is as “kino” and used it to heal most wounds, They used the eucalyptus leaves for infusions to treat body pains, colds, sinus congestions, and fevers, hence the nickname "Fever Tree".
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An English legend narrates the first use of Eucalyptus tree leaves for medicinal purposes: When an early English settler’s thumb was accidentally cut by an ax, his father advised him to apply a bandage made of bound Eucalyptus leaves around the stitched cut – something he had learned from studying Aboriginal folk medicine. A surgeon that later examined the wound was impressed by the speed of healing and the absence of infection in the finger.
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Of the 700 species of Eucalyptus throughout the world, approximately 500 of them produce an essential oil, and global Eucalyptus oil production is mainly from the Eucalyptus globulus species, more commonly known as “Blue Gum.”
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In the 1880s, surgeons began using Eucalyptus Oil in operations due to its antiseptic properties.
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Originally from Australia, they have been planted in marshy or tropical areas to drain the soils and therefore reduce the spread of malaria. By virtue of its ability to dry swamps, the Eucalyptus globulus is also often referred to as the 'Fever Tree'.
bladder infections
abscess
cancer
tumors
croup
cystitia
diabetes
diptheria
dysentery
dyspepsia
grippe
laryngitis
leprosy
malaria
miasma
phthisis
rhinitis
spasms
vaginitis
wounds
worms
infectious diseases
chickenpox
genital herpes
tuberculosis
Proper Use
The volatile oil is obtained by steam distillation and rectification from the fresh leaves or the fresh terminal branches.
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Internal Use
Unless otherwise prescribed: 4-6 g per day of chopped leaf for infusions and other galenical preparations.
Infusion: 2-3 g in 150 ml water, twice daily.
Fluid extract 1:1 (g/ml): 2-3 ml, twice daily.
Tincture 1:5 (g/ml): 10-15 ml, twice daily.
Native extract 4.5-5.5:1 (w/w): 0.36-0.67 g, twice daily.
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External Use
Unless otherwise prescribed: 4-6 g per day of chopped leaf for infusions and other galenical preparations.
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Synergistic with:
Teat tree, thyme, cinnamon, clove, pine or lavandin for respiratory infections.
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Formulary
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Add several drops to ½ oz marula oil and apply as a chest rub to encourage open and clear breath.
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Massage diluted eucalyptus oil (2% eucalyptus, 98% carrier oil) to promote feelings of comfort in the body and joints.
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Inhale (direct palm) or diffuse eucalyptus oil to lift the heart.
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The oil is reputed to help promote a healthy scalp. The active ingredients found in the oil stimulate the blood vessels in the scalp, causing it to increase the blood flow to the hair follicles. This, in turn, encourages healthy hair development and is also popular as treatment for head lice.
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If you are suffering from an irritated scalp, hair loss, and even head lice, try massaging eucalyptus essential oil diluted in coconut oil onto your hair and scalp. Not only does this help strengthen and moisturize your hair, it also aids in keeping your scalp healthy.
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Eucalyptus has a refreshing and stimulating action on the mind, helping to improve concentration. It is associated with the alleviation of grief and sorrow, as well as opening the heart and intellect while equalizing emotions. Adding eucalyptus to your diffuser blends will add a crispness that can balance too much sweetness from florals or citrus.
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Blends well with orange, lemon, thyme, lavender, rosemary, pine and fir.
Common Names
Tasmanian blue gum, Southern blue gum, Australian fever tree leaf, Blue malee, Gully gum, Gum tree, Red gum, Stringy bark tree, Sugandhapatra, Tailapatra, Tallowweed
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Botanical Name
Eucalytus globulus
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Family
Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)
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Parts Used
The fresh leaves or the fresh terminal branches
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Therapeutic Actions
analgesic
anesthetic
anodyne
anthelmintic
anti-bacterial
anti-fungal
anti-inflammatory
anti-microbial
anti-neuralgic
anti-periodic
anti-phlogistic
anti-septic
astringent
cicatrisant
cytophylactic
catarrh
decongestant
deodorant
diaphoretic
expectorant
febrifuge
hemostat
hypoglycemic (Dey, 2013)
inhalant
immunostimulant
insect repellant
purgative
rubefacient
sedative yet stimulant
suppurative
vermifuge
Cultivation
Eucalyptus globulus is a species of tall, evergreen tree endemic to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, successfully introduced worldwide, now extensively cultivated in Mediterranean and subtropic regions, including Australia, China, India, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, Algeria, the southern United States, and South America.
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Propagated by seed and basket transplants at 6 months old. No seed treatment is required. Fresh seeds germinate well but deteriorate rapidly. The tree is readily established, easily reproducing from self-sown seed. In California, seed collections from a single tree exhibit wide variation (2–80%) in germinative capacity after a 30-day germination period. Seedlings like the adults are susceptible to drought, fire, and frost. Grasses need to be weeded, as the tree does not compete well with grasses. Tree grows rapidly and coppices readily (reaching a meter or more in a few months).
Contradictions
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Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and the bile ducts; serious liver diseases.
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Eucalyptus preparations should not be applied to the face, especially the nose, of babies and very young children.
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In rare cases, after taking eucalyptus preparations nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.
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Eucalyptus oil induces the enzyme system of the liver involved in the detoxification process. Therefore, the effects of other drugs can be weakened and/or shortened.
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Since eucalyptus might affect blood sugar levels, there is concern that it might make blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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Taking 3.5 mL of undiluted oil can be fatal from intestinal irritation (Morton,1981). Death is reported from ingestion of 4–24 ml of essential oils, but recoveries are also reported for the same amount. Symptoms include gastroenteric burning and irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oxygen deficiency, ,weakness, dizziness, stupor, difficult respiration, delirium, paralysis, convulsions, and death, usually due to respiratory failure, dizziness, muscle weakness, small eye pupils, feelings of suffocation (Duke, 1984b).
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Reported to cause contact dermatitis (Brooker et al, 1981).
Research & References
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Bachir, R. G., & Benali, M. (2012). Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine, 2(9), 739–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60220-2
Brezáni V, Leláková V, Hassan STS, et al. (2018). Anti-infectivity against Herpes simplex virus and selected microbes and anti-inflammatory activities of compounds isolated from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Viruses. 2018;10. pii: E360
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Brochot, Amandine et al. (2017). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects of three essential oil blends. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Brooker, S.G., Cambie, R.C., and Cooper, R.C. 1981. New Zealand medicinal plants. Heinemann Publishers, Auckland.
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Dey, B., & Mitra, A. (2013). Chemo-profiling of eucalyptus and study of its hypoglycemic potential. World journal of diabetes, 4(5), 170–176. doi:10.4239/wjd.v4.i5.170
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Morton, J.F. 1981. Atlas of medicinal plants of middle America. Bahamas to Yucatan. C.C. Thomas, Springfield, IL.
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Nagata H, et al. Effect of eucalyptus extract chewing gum on periodontal health: a double-masked, randomized trial. J Periodontol. 2008;79:1378-1385
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Salari, M.H. et al. (2014). Antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on pathogenic bacteria isolated from specimens of patients with respiratory tract disorders. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Volume 12, Issue 2, 194 - 196
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Soonwera M, Wongnet O, Sittichok S. (2018). Ovicidal effect of essential oils from Zingiberaceae plants and Eucalytus globulus on eggs of head lice. Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer. Phytomedicine. 2018;47:93-104.
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Sri Mulyaningsih, Frank Sporer, Jürgen Reichling & Michael Wink. (2011). Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Eucalyptus and of selected components against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Pharmaceutical Biology,49:9, 893-899, DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.553625
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Tanaka M, et al. (2010). Effect of eucalyptus-extract chewing gum on oral malodor: a double-masked, randomized trial. J Periodontol. 2010;81:1564-1571.
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Taur, D. J., Kulkarni, V. B., & Patil, R. Y. (2010). Chromatographic evaluation and anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus globulus oil. Pharmacognosy research, 2(3), 125–127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.65504
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