Deep within the virgin forests of its native Australia grows the eucalyptus tree. Capable of growing to a staggering height of over 400 feet (122 meters), it is among the tallest trees in the world. The indigenous aborigines used its gum, resin, oil and nectar. Even the roots were a valued source of life-giving water.
The leaves, which have sedative properties, were used to make fish easier to catch. The Aboriginals also made leaf poultices to dress wounds. The antiseptic properties of the volatile oils were later recognized in Europe during the 19th century when doctors soaked bandages and surgical instruments in a eucalyptus solution.
The genus name, Eucalyptus , comes from the Greek eucalyptos , meaning "well covered" because the flower appears to bloom from a covered cup whose lid comes off to let the flower out. There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus in the world today, yet only about 25 are used commercially. Oils from the leaves and resins from the bark are used in medicine, in mining and in perfumes.
Eucalyptus was first introduced to other countries about 1770 by botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who joined the Cook expeditions to the Pacific Isles and Australia. Later, explorer and botanist Baron von Müller made the uses of eucalyptus known to the world. Now, the trees are found on every continent. Eucalyptus globulus earned the name Fever Tree because its thirsty roots could dry up a wetland making the area free from malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
As a medicine, eucalyptus is anti almost everything—antispasmodic, antibiotic, antiseptic and antifungal. The Arabs found that a few drops combined with wine and applied externally would dispel strong odors from wounds and growths. The oils are combined with other ingredients for cough inhalants, chest rubs, ointments, lozenges and gargles. Internal use of preparations containing eucalyptus oils should be prescribed by a physician because the oils react with many common drugs and may produce side effects. The pungent odor of eucalyptus oil antidotes homeopathic remedies.
Some insect repellents made from lemon eucalyptus; they are very smelly, but fairly effective. These insect repellants should only be used by those over three years old. Some experienced naturalists recommend sleeping on eucalyptus leaves in more primitive areas to avoid human fleas, which occur on the west coasts of continents.
Eucalyptus oils are used in Turkish baths, saunas and spas for their healing vapors and muscle-relaxant properties.
Sources: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/eucaly14.html , altmedicine.about.com/od/homeremedyhowtos/a/insect_repel.htm
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