EUCALYPTUS

EUCALYPTUS

(Eucalyptus globulus)

Other Names

Australian Fever Tree, Blue Gum, Crow of Thorns, Spurge, Wolf’s Milk.

Description

This tall evergreen is native to Australia and Tasmania.   Blue Gum is the variety commonly grown in the Southern United States.   It grows to 300 feet or more, and is covered with a papery bark that peels very easily.   The leaves of trees that are under 5 years old are soft, oblong, and a bluish color.   The mature leaves are have a leathery texture.   The white solitary flowers produce a hard shelled, many seeded fruit.   The leaves are the marsupials only food source.

Classification

Moist

Taste

Bitter

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool

Humor

Uses/Applications

Most Eucalyptus medication is made from the greenish yellow oil obtained from the mature leaves.   Use for lung diseases, colds, sore throat, as a vapor bath for respiratory ailments, and as an antiseptic bath additive.   Use the oil for burns to prevent infection.   Use the cold extract is for indigestion and intermittent fever.   Externally it is a good antiseptic for use on wounds and ulcers.

Leaves

Chest Rub

Use for colds, influenza, asthma, and bronchitis.

Compress

Apply to inflammations, painful joints, and burns.

Gargle

Use for throat infections.

Inhalation

Inhale the steam for chest infections

Massage Oil

Use for rheumatic or arthritic pain.

Oil

Apply to cold sores.   Sniff oil to clear sinuses.   Mix with water for an insect repellent.   Place a small drop on the tongue for nausea.

Combinations

Combine with Thymus.

Constituents

Volatile Oil, Tannins, Aldehydes, Bitter Resin, Eucalyptol.

Action

Antiseptic, Deodorant, Expectorant, Stimulant.

Food Values

None.

Part Used

Leaves.

Collection

Collect mature leaves.

Preparation

Leaves

Inhalation

Pour boiling water over a few leaves and inhale the steam.

Essential Oil

Chest Rub

Dilute 2 ml. oil in 25 ml. Almond oil.

Compress

Mix 2 ml. oil in 100 ml of water.   Make sure it is well mixed, then soak a pad in it and apply.

Gargle

Dilute   5 drops oil in a glass of water and mix well.

Inhalation

Add 10 drops oil to a little hot water and inhale the steam.

Massage Oil

Combine 10 - 20 drops Eucalyptus Oil with 10 - 20 drops Rosemary Oil in 20 ml. Almond Oil.

Oil

Boil the mature leaves in water and condense the vapor to recover the oil.   Dilute 2 drops oil in 10 ml. Sunflower Oil or an ointment base.

Growing Directions

If you wish to have a Eucalyptus tree it is best to transplant a hardy young tree.   Eucalyptus grows very rapidly, up to 7 feet per year.   If you plant a tree be prepared for it to take over your yard.   The roots are known for destroying water and sewer lines, and buckling sidewalks.   Eucalyptus prefer loamy soil and adequate water.   It will literally grow anywhere where the temperature remains above freezing.   If the leaves begin to blister cut back the amount of water it is receiving.

History

Eucalyptus is a traditional aboriginal fever remedy which was introduced to the West in the 19th Century.   The cultivation of the tree spread to Southern Europe and North America.   Eucalyptus roots hold a large amount of water so Australians chewed the root for a water source.   Throughout history it was used to break fever and eradicate malaria.

Additional Information

1.   Russian research suggests some species counteract influenza viruses, while other species are anti-malaria or highly active against bacteria.

2.   Eucalyptus is found in Listerine, Vicks Vapor Rub, and Dristan Nasal Decongestant Spray.

3. The properties of oils from different species vary slightly but all are very antiseptic.

Cautions

1.   Do not give to children under 2.

2.   The elderly should start with small doses and gradually increase the dosage.

3.   Eucalyptus Oil taken internally is very poisonous.

4.   If you develop a rash stop using it.

5.   Eucalyptus may cause minor stomach upset.   If this occurs lover the dosage then gradually increase it.

Magick Information

Gender:

Feminine

Planet:

Moon

Element:

Water

Deity:

None

Powers:

Healing, Protection.

Magickal Uses:

Stuff the leaves in healing poppets and carry them on your person to maintain good health.   Hang a small branch over a sick person’s bed to chase the illness away.   Place beneath your pillow to guard against colds.   Carry the leaves for protection.