Eucalyptus grows abundantly in Australia, though some species grow in the Mediterranean and subtropical regions. They also grow in some places in Indonesia and the Philippines. There are about 500 species of Eucalyptus, which vary greatly in terms of sizes. Some are tiny, while some are very tall, like the Australian fever tree, which grows as high as 230 feet and is the most common specie of Eucalyptus. Its name means "well covered" in Greek, referring to its bud cap that fully closes the flower and is thrown off when it blooms or expands.
Eucalyptus, like other herbal plants, has a variety of purposes that are beneficial in herbal medicine.
Traditionally, its oil is used by the Aborigines to treat wounds and fungal infections. It is found to have a cooling effect that can bring down fever and treat headaches and migraines. Good for respiratory problems, it acts as an expectorant and decongestant that can treat common colds, sinusitis, flu and cough. It is also good for bronchitis and asthma. It is found to have insect repelling properties against mosquitoes and can help treat malaria. Having antibacterial and anti fungal characteristics, it helps cure burns, wounds, blisters, herpes, skin infections, and insect bites. Diluted Eucalyptus oil can
be used as a gargle, and is a powerful antiseptic that fights bacteria that cause halitosis.
Aside from having these properties, it is also anti inflammatory. One or two drops of its oil in bath water can help relieve arthritis and rheumatic conditions, and other problems like headaches, fatigue, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma.
When used as a massage oil, it can help heal muscular aches and sprains.Eucalyptus oil has a pale yellow color with a sharp, pungent aroma. Flammable, it must be used with utmost care as it is toxic when taken internally. Inhaling it can help someone who has just fainted.
Its leaves have tannins, cineole and volatile oils. Commercially, it is available in tinctures, and as dried or fresh leaves and ointments. Due to its healing properties, it is used as an ingredient in cough drops, vaporizers, toothpastes, and mouth wash.
People with high blood pressure, epilepsy, inflammation of the kidney, and high blood pressure should not use its oil. The same thing goes to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and very young children. While it is generally harmless, eucalyptus oil can be toxic if taken in large quantities, and should not be applied internally.
