Eucalyptus - March 2009

BOTANICAL NAME:

Eucalyptus globulus, e. radiata, e. citriadora

FAMILY:

Myrtaceae

HERBAL APPLICATIONS:

Leaves: Dried leaves are used in teas for colds and congestion. Eucalyptus tea is a nice addition to a vaporizer when a young child is congested. The essential oil may be too strong for young children. Eucalyptus branches are also a standard in the floral industry. They are an elegant and uplifting green accent in many floral arrangements.
Essential oil: Eucalyptus oil is widely used in home and business applications to purify the air, reduce congestion and create an airy and open atmosphere. A lesser-known, but important, application is for ridding bedding and upholstery of dust mites, which cause many allergies.

Although eucalyptus has widespread applications, it is specific for the respiratory system. It is a bronchodilator and an excellent expectorant. Used in a vaporizer (eucalyptus tea also works very well in a vaporizer), it is quite effective for colds, coughs, bronchitis and asthma.

Eucalyptus oil is great for sore muscles and arthritic joints. It has penetrating warmth and increases circulation to deep tissues. Add just a few drops to your massage oil or lotion.

Eucalyptus is a very good antiseptic for sickroom and general cleaning. This potent essential oil is very useful in applications for optimizing indoor air quality, both home and commercial. Many people recognize the sharp, fresh aroma from a trip to the spa or health club. It is a standard in steam rooms and saunas.

Eucalyptus oil is great for spring cleaning. Soak bedding, blankets and pillows in a tub of water with a little soap and a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil to rid your bedding of dust mites and dust mite eggs.

Dust mite excrement is the cause of many allergies, and old pillows are the prime offenders. You can also add eucalyptus oil to the water in your washing machine. If you are able to dry your freshly washed bedding in the sun, all the better.

The insect repellent qualities of eucalyptus oil are enhanced by lavender, lemongrass and catnip. Lemon eucalyptus (e. citriadora) is the preferred variety for insect repellents, and is endorsed by many health departments as an effective natural approach.

If you have an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler), regular treatments with eucalyptus oil will help keep it fresh. Just because it is called swamp cooler does not mean it should actually resemble a swamp!

Finally, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your wash water for washing baseboards and ledges. Open all the windows and air your home or business with the added benefit of germicidal eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus freshens and clears the mind. It is literally a breath of fresh air.

SPECIAL NOTES: Most childhood essential oil poisonings occur with eucalyptus oil. All essential oils should be kept out of the reach of children, but especially eucalyptus oil.

If you have a eucalyptus tree near your home, we do not advise harvesting and using the leaves. There are many varieties of eucalyptus, and some are poisonous. You can safely purchase dried eucalyptus leaves at a good health food store.