Eucalyptus Blue Gum

Alternative names: Tasmanian Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globulus, E. globulus Essential Oil, Eucalyptus oil, Blue Gum Tree, Stringy Bark Tree, Australian Fever Tree

The main food source of koala bears, many eucalyptus tree species produce fragrant volatile oils, some of which have important medicinal uses.

These oils can be divided into three groups:

• Medicinal oils, which contain substantial amounts of cineole ("eucalyptol")
• Industrial oils, containing terpenes
• Aromatic oils, characterized by their aroma.

History; Source

Commercial production of eucalyptus began in Victoria, Australia in 1860, and it was used to treat a wide variety of ailments from gonorrhea to gangrene.

In modern times it is listed in the British Pharmacopoeia, Indian Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Pharmacopoeia, German Commission E and others.

Approximately 25 species of eucalyptus trees in Australia are grown for their oil.  The essential "Oil of Eucalyptus" used in medicine is obtained through steam distillation of fresh, mature leaves and branch tips, resulting in a colorless or straw-colored oil with a characteristic odor and taste.

Eucalyptol is a main ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and cough remedies, such as cough lozenges, chest rubs, and decongestants.

Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment, essential oil, lozenge, teas, fresh or dried leaves.

Function; Why it is Recommended

The most important constituent of Eucalyptus Oil is cineole (formerly called eucalyptol), present at up to 70% of its volume.  Eucalyptus Oil also contains a crystallizable eucalyptol-based resin after exposure to air.

Originally referred to as "eucalyptol", it is now known that the health benefits of eucalyptus oil come from the chemical cineole – an organic compound shown to possess powerful medicinal properties, ranging from reducing inflammation and pain to killing leukemia cells.

(The following plants have also been found to contain cineole: Cannabis, Cardamom, Ginger, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Tea tree.)

Eucalyptus Oil has several medicinal uses, including:

• Decongestant: Eucalyptus is most popular for its ability to clear congestion due to colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinusitis
• Expectorant: Eucalyptol, the active component of the oil, works to loosen phlegm.  Drop several drops of the essential oil into a diffuser before going to sleep and take advantage of the healing benefits all night.
• Antiseptic / Antibacterial / Antimicrobial: It is a highly effective antiseptic, especially as it ages and forms ozone upon exposure to air.  Especially effective against several strains of Staphylococcus bacteria.  In 2002, patients with staph infections resistant to traditional antibiotic therapy responded to a mixture of eucalyptus leaf oil abstract.  Often used as an antiseptic mouthwash/gargle to heal mouth sores or treat gum disorders.  Also used for wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, sores, and scrapes.  Being a natural pain reliever as well, it is good for bug bites and stings.
• Gum health: Eucalyptus fights plaque-forming bacteria and is used to treat gum disease and gingivitis.  Place a few drops of diluted oil on a fingertip and massage into the gums.
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-rheumatic A component of many topical arthritis creams and analgesic ointments, eucalyptus stimulates blood flow and warms the area, relieving pain in muscles and joints
• Stimulant: Eucalyptol acts to stimulate blood flow
• Diuretic
• Antispasmodic
• Antimalarial: Its antiseptic properties give it some antimalarial action
• Earache: Inhaled eucalyptus fumes open the Eustachian tubes, draining fluids and relieving pressure
• Difficulty breathing: Eucalyptus enhances breathing, making it useful for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, whooping cough, and colds
• Pain relief: It is a good remedy for pain caused by muscle tension, especially headache-related
• Fever: A cold compress with eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect that reduces fever
• Wound healing: The oil is used to treat wounds, herpes simplex virus, skin ulcers, and acne: diluted eucalyptus oil or crushed eucalyptus leaves are applied to the affected area after washing
• Dandruff: A few drops eucalyptus oil with coconut or olive oil moisturizes the hair and prevents dandruff and itchy scalp.
• Head lice: Eucalyptus is a natural remedy for lice, used instead of toxic chemical treatments.
• Sinusitis
• Asthma: Eucalyptus is a proven treatment that dilates the blood vessels and allows more oxygen into the lungs
• Bronchitis
• COPD
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis: Inhibits airborne TB

Eucalyptus may lower blood sugar levels.  Placing a drop of eucalyptus oil on the tongue may reduce nausea.

Instructions

Eucalyptus is ingested in the form of tea or tincture preparations, or inhaled, or applied externally.  Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grape-seed, or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin.

Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings

In large doses, it acts as an irritant to the kidneys, through which most of it is excreted.

Eucalyptus oil should not be used by children or applied near the nose or eyes of small children.  Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it, as should those with digestive problems, digestive tract inflammation, biliary duct disorders, or liver disease.

Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be taken internally: even small amounts are toxic and may cause circulatory problems, collapse, suffocation, or death.