Eucalyptus

The health benefits of eucalyptus are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities.

The name comes from the Greek eucalyptos, meaning well-covered, probably because the flower buds are covered with a membrane.

There are more than 500 species of eucalyptus plants ranging from shrubs to 480-foot giants, making eucalyptus some of the tallest trees in the world. Most are evergreen and all produce oils. Native to Australia, the eucalyptus constitutes much of the vegetation on that continent.

Aborigines play major role

The Australian aborigines deserve all the credit for the discovery of eucalyptus oil. Interestingly, the eucalyptus tree stores water in its roots. Many aborigines dig up a length of the root, blow into one end, and catch the water that comes out of the other end. The eucalyptus tree received one of its common names, “Australian fevertree,” from its ability to help fight malaria. Aborigines planted the trees in mosquito-infested marshes. Soon the trees dried the marshes through their heavy feeding, thereby killing the mosquitoes by denying the insects the moisture they need to breed.

The oil, made from the leaves, is considered a germicide, antiseptic, and astringent. The leaves can be used widely, but never use the oil at full strength.

It is wonderful to throw a handful of the leaves in your bath or use it in a facial steam. One teaspoon of the oil in one cup of water rubbed on the skin makes a perfect insect repellent for animals and humans.

Respiratory aid

Eucalyptus is most notably used for the relief of the symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and croup. Steeping the leaves in hot water for twenty minutes and then breathing the vapors is highly therapeutic. Commercially made cough drops often contain eucalyptus for this reason.

The leaves are useful in astringents, shampoos, and bath products, to relieve aching joints and muscles, as well as in soaps and massage oils. The scent helps open respiratory paths.

Chemical constituents include a terpene and a cymene. The oil also contains a crystallizable resin, derived from eucalyptol. One method for determining the eucalyptol depends on the conversion of the oil into a crystalline phosphate.

Lily Farm Fresh Skin Care uses eucalyptus in our toners, try one today!