| There are many species of Eucalypts, but all have medicinal (and other) uses, and therefore they are all herbs - the Australian Aborigines knew this well! The one most commonly used for extracting the essential oil is Eucalyptus globulus, though many others are also used. The leaves can be used as a poultice for skin ailments and to relieve pain from rheumatism and sore muscles. The distilled essential oil has been used externally and internally for ailments from fever, whooping cough, bronchial and throat infections, discharges, wounds and ulcers. The oil has have been known to be effective against flu, pyorrhea, and for burns, to prevent infection. It may also help with cystitis, diabetes, diarrhoea, migraines, skin ulcers, wounds, pain, and to stimulate the circulation. A spray of eucalyptus can be used to soothe a sore throat. It has also been used as a room disinfectant. A small drop on the tongue eases nausea. Externally applied, the oil gives relief in some forms of neuralgic and rheumatic pains. The honey made by bees using the eucalyptus pollen has been recommended for parasitic and putrescent conditions, gonorrhoea, fevers and catarrhal diseases. It is sedative to the heart, actively diuretic and increases the elimination of uric acid. Medicinal Actions: Antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, tonic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, astringent, stimulant, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, analgaesic, antiperiodic, deodorant, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic. Usual Dosage: Boil mature leaves in water and condense the vapour to recover the oil. It is usually used externally but a drop or two may be included in throat lozenges. A drop or two on a handkerchief, and the aroma inhaled, helps to clear congestion. An infusion may be made with 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried, crushed leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Take up to 2 cups per day. Tincture: 1ml, three times per day. Pour boiling water over a few leaves, or add a few drops of the oil to the boiling water, and inhale the steam for chest infections. Add 2ml of the oil to 100ml water, soak a cloth pad in it and apply to inflammations and painful joints. Other Uses: The leaves and essential oil are used as an insect repellent. The essential oil is used in spot cleaners for cleaning off oil and grease. It is often used to remove labels from bottles. A yellow-brown dye is obtained from the young leaves without a mordant. Grey and green dyes are obtained from the young shoots. A dark green dye is obtained from the young bark. The timber is used to make paper and is useful for construction work because it is resistant to termites. Warning: Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid use if experiencing inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases or diseases involving bile ducts or liver. Do not use Eucalyptus preparations on the face or nose of young children or infants. All essential oils are toxic in sufficient dosages. Eucalyptus can be taken in small quantities. When I was a child, my mother always gave me a teaspoon of sugar with a drop of Eucalyptus oil on it to swallow as a remedy for a sore throat. I'm still alive to tell the tale, and it really worked! And you will find eucalyptus oil is an ingredient of many a commercial or home-made cough/cold remedy (cough syrups, lozenges etc). But yes, caution is advised, as with all home treatments.
|
