Medicinal Herbs: Eucalyptus

Many of us have probably at one time or another used some over-the-counter medication for a cold or the flu that contains some eucalyptus. You may also have used a skin cleanser or lotion or an herbal bath containing eucalyptus. This herb, often thought of as food for koala bears, can be quite effective as a medicinal herb.

Eucalyptus is a native of Australia and Tasmania. It is now also cultivated in southern Europe, South Africa, Tahiti, India, and Latin America. In the United States, eucalyptus can be found in southwestern states including California. It is generally believed that the aborigines of Australia were the first to discover the medicinal properties of eucalyptol, the oil derived from the eucalyptus plant. However, the rest of the world did not discover this until the 19th century.

Eucalyptol comes from the mature leaves, roots, and bark of the eucalyptus. The oil is either colorless or a pale yellow. It has an odor similar to camphor and a spice-y but cool taste. Eucalyptol is a germicide with astringent and antiseptic properties. These properties are why eucalyptus is often used in skin cleansers and lotions. It is also used to treat various skin conditions, such as abscesses.

Eucalyptus is most often used, however, and most effective as a treatment for respiratory conditions. Inhaling a steam with eucalyptus can help alleviate the symptoms of those suffering from such respiratory infections as bronchitis and asthma. Eucalyptus drops are popular – and also effective – for clearing the nose and sinuses and allowing sufferers of various upper respiratory infections to breathe easier. It is quite easy to make your own eucalyptus remedy at home. Simply boil a handful of fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves in a quart of water for about 20 minutes. You can breathe in the vapors or strain and drink as a tea or add the infusion to a vaporizer.

If you want to grow your own eucalyptus, be aware that it is only hardy in Zones 8-10. Eucalyptus likes light, loamy soil and full sun. Plant eucalyptus away from other plants. This is a hungry plant; and it will suck nutrients out of the soil, which can be quite detrimental to other plants growing around it. Eucalyptus can be grown in a greenhouse as long as it gets full sun, and the temperature does not fall below 50-degrees Fahrenheit at night. Avoid over-watering since this will cause the leaves to blister. (Also, the eucalyptus plant stores water in its roots. It is, therefore, better to give this plant too little water than too much.) Eucalyptus can grow to be as tall as 480 feet. However, there are over 500 species, many of which to not reach such heights. The smaller varieties can grow to be 5-foot-tall shrubs, though. Nevertheless, you can stunt the growth of a eucalyptus by cutting it down almost to the base each spring.

Eucalyptus is generally safe when used as a medicinal herb. Of course, if you have any concerns, you should consult your physician or a local certified herbalist. Eucalyptus is a great natural way to alleviate the symptoms of many upper respiratory infections. It is also a great herb – used either fresh or dried – to have around the house to help purify the air.

Resources:

Foley, Caroline, Jill Nice, and Marcus Webb. New Herb Bible. NY, NY: Viking Studio, 2002, p. 28.

Kowalchik, Claire and Hylton, William H., eds. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998, pp. 185-6.