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Eucalyptus
( Eucalyptus globulus )
Family
Myrtaceae
Synonyms
Blue gum tree
Character
Aromatic, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, stimulant, febrifuge, expectorant,
lowers blood sugar, rubefacient, vermifuge
Description
Over 80 genera exist in the
myrtle family, mainly shrubs and woody vines, although eucalyptus grows in
the form of a tree. Many plant members of this family produce fragrant oils
and some have edible fruit portions. Cloves is another member of this
odiferous group of plants Eucalyptus is native to tropical South American
and Australia. Over 350 species of eucalyptus grow in Australia, Tasmania,
and Indomalaysia.
Phytochemistry
Volatile oils poly phenols,
occasional alkaloids, sterols, triterpenes, some cyanogenic compounds,
tannins, aldehydes, bitter resin
Traditional rain forest use
Aboriginal folk medicine cites
eucalyptus as a favorite fever remedy. Poultices were made from the dark
green leaves and used directly on wounds or inflammation. Eucalyptus teas
were taken for a variety of disorders. Consuming ground eucalyptus root was
used to treat illness. The Kamsa medicine men of South America boiled the
leaves in water to create a thick syrup and administered it for coughs and
colds.
Modern medicinal applications
The ethereal oils of eucalyptus
are well known and highly used in modern medicines. Constituents of
eucalyptus oil are commonly included in many of our cough and cold remedies.
Eucalyptus oil can be used for pyorrhea, burns and for sinus infections.
Placing a drop on the tongue is recommended for nausea and inhaling the
distilled oil in the form of vapor is useful for chest congestion.
Authentication
Russian research supports the
fact that some species of eucalyptus counteract the influenza virus, while
others have been found to be antimalarial and bacteriocidal.
Safety
Internal ingestion of eucalyptus
is not recommended. It should be used externally as a medicinal oil for
rubs, massages, or in vapor form. |
