What is Eucalyptus? Eucalyptus is also known as Stringy Bark Tree and Blue Gum Tree. The tree is a native of Australia and has now been naturalized in India, South Africa and Southern parts of Europe. The tree grows tall and has oblong leathery leaves that hang down and give off the characteristic and refreshing scent of eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is derived from the oil of the leaves. There are more than 300 species of Eucalyptus yielding essential oils and the oils of various species differ from each other. The oils yielded by Eucalyptus can be broadly divided into three categories: medicinal oils, industrial oils and aromatic oils. Eucalyptus trees grow very big and easily. But because they suck in all the water from the surroundings they may kill the garden of other plants. Discovery of Eucalyptus The medicinal properties of Eucalyptus came to light in the late 1850s. When Eucalyptus trees were planted in the marshy and fever prone areas of Algiers, these unhealthy areas were converted into one of the driest and healthiest parts of the country. Following this, Eucalyptus was cultivated extensively in many of the wet and temperate lands with a view to putting an end to malarial fevers. The eucalyptus tree has an amazing ability to drain water and this automatically results in the disappearance of mosquitoes. The scent given off by the leaves also helps curb the growth of mosquitoes. Use of Eucalyptus The aqueous distillation of fresh leaves gives a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. The medicinal oil derived from Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic. As this oil ages, it forms a layer of ozone on the top. The disinfectant action of the oil helps kill lower living forms. It is widely used as a vaporizer to clear the nasal passages of blocks. It is therefore very effective when it comes to inhalation therapy in cases of cold. Eucalyptus oil is an antiseptic gargle for people suffering from sore throats and coughs. It also has a mildly anesthetic effect because it impairs sensibility when applied topically. The oil is therefore freely used in sauna baths and massage baths because it has a slightly relaxing and de-stressing effect on the body. That it is also a deodorant, and a good one at that, also increases its popularity. Eucalyptus oil increases cardiac action. Its vapors also seem to have a decidedly anti-malarial property. An emulsion is made by mixing this oil with other liquids and this has been used for urethral injection. The oil is freely applied externally to treat spasmodic coughs, croups and headaches. It is also found to be effective against parasitic skin infections. Eucalyptus oil is also very useful in veterinary medicine where it is administered to horses, dogs and other animals. However, if very high doses of eucalyptus oil are taken in, it will act as an irritant on the kidneys. Eucalyptus oil may also lead to a dry throat if the vapors are inhaled for a long period of time.
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