Eucalyptus Health Dictionary

Labill.

Family: Myrtaceae.

Habitat: Native to Australia; now cultivated mainly at the hill-stations of India.

English: Blue-Gum tree, Australian Gum tree.

Ayurvedic: Tilaparna, Tailaparna, Sugandhapatra, Haritaparna Neela- niryaasa, Tribhandi, Triputaa, Sar- alaa, Suvahaa, Rechani, Nishotraa.

Unani: Neelgiri oil.

Siddha/Tamil: Karpooramaram.

Action: Essential oil from leaves— antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic, decon- gestant, antiasthmatic, expectorant, antirheumatic, diaphoretic. Used in chronic, bronchitis, migraine, congestive headache, neuralgia and ague, as an inhalant or internal medicine. Root—purgative.

Key application: Leaf tea for catarrhs of the respiratory tract. Oil used externally for rheumatic complaints, contraindicated internally in inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and in severe liver diseases. (German Commission E.) Oil—internally as adjuvant treatment of chronic obstructive respiratory complaints, including bronchitis and bronchial asthma, also for symptomatic relief of colds and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract; externally for symptomatic treatment of colds and rheumatic complaints. (ESCOP.) Leaf—antiseptic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

E. globulus is the main commercial source of Eucalyptus leaf oil; yield is 2.12%; 1,8-cineole exceeds 70% (pharmaceutical grade oil requires a minimum cineole content of 70%).

Several potent euglobals, having closely related acyl-phloroglucinol- monoterpene (or sesquiterpene) structures, are isolated from the leaves and flower buds. These compounds showed strong granulation-inhibiting activity and inhibition of TPA induced EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) activation.

Phloroglucin derivatives, isolated from leaves, showed better antiinflammatory activity than indomethacin.

Natural antioxidants have also been isolated from the plant.

Dosage: Leaf—50-100 ml infusion. (CCRAS.)... eucalyptus globules

A substance distilled from the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Because of its aromatic smell and refreshing taste, it is used as a flavouring, and – applied as a rub, inhaled as vapour, or incorporated in tablets – is also used in cough and cold remedies. There is little evidence that it has any curative properties, although it may relieve symptoms.... eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus dives var. Type

FAMILY: Myrtaceae

SYNONYMS: Broad-leaf peppermint, blue peppermint, menthol-scented gum.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A robust, medium-sized eucalyptus tree, with a short trunk, spreading branches and fibrous grey bark. The young leaves are blue and heart-shaped, the mature leaves are very aromatic, thick and tapering at both ends.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to Tasmania and Australia, especially New South Wales and Victoria. Oil is also produced in South Africa.

OTHER SPECIES: There are two types of broad-leaved peppermint although they look identical – one is rich in cineol (E. dives var. C.) and one is rich in ‘piperitone’ (E. dives var. Type). It is also similar to the peppermint eucalyptus (E. piperita) and the grey or narrow-leaved peppermint (E. radiata var. phellandra). See also entry on Eucalyptus, blue gum and Botanical Classification section.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The aborigines used the burning leaves in the form of a fumigation for the relief of fever; ‘heat went out of sick man and into fire’.

ACTIONS: See Eucalyptus, blue gum.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs.

CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless or pale yellow mobile liquid with a fresh, camphoraceous, spicy-minty odour.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Piperitone (40–50 per cent), phellandrene (20–30 per cent), camphene, cymene, terpinene and thujene, among others. It is sold as Grades A, B or C according to the exact balance of constituents.

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. Eucalyptus oil is toxic if taken internally (see entry on eucalyptus blue gum).

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Cuts, sores, ulcers etc.

Circulation muscles and joints: Arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sports injuries, sprains, etc.

Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, throat and mouth infections, etc.

Immune System: Colds, fevers, ’flu, infectious illness, e.g. measles.

Nervous System: Headaches, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, sciatica.

OTHER USES: Little used medicinally these days except in deodorants, disinfectants, mouthwashes, gargles and in veterinary practice. ‘Piperitone’ rich oils are used in solvents. Employed for the manufacture of thymol and menthol (from piperitone).

EUCALYPTUS, ... eucalyptus, broad-leaved peppermint

Did you know that eucalyptus leaves are the favourite food of koala bears? Having a pungent scent and antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus is a well known remedy for sinusitis and other respiratory ailments. It is also used successfully in aromatherapy. About Eucalyptus Tea Eucalyptus is one of the quickest growing tree species on the planet and it is derived from the grayish-green, leathery leaves of the tree botanically known as Eucalyptus globulus, also called the “blue gum tree” or “Australian fever tree.” Native to Tasmania, the eucalyptus tree grows in subtropical zones worldwide. The leaves contain eucalyptol, as well as tannins, caffeic and gallic acids, also found in green tea, along with flavonoids and antioxidants. Eucalyptus is antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antispasmodic with expectorant and decongestant properties. Eucalyptus is primarily valuable for its leaves, which are used to make an essential oil, eucalyptus tea and compresses. If you want to enhance the scent of the leaves, due to the aromatic oils that are contained inside, all you have to do is break or crush them, and then this will be released. You can prepare eucalyptus tea either using dry or fresh leaves. However, Eucalyptus tea made of dried eucalyptus leaves has lost most of its healing power. Instead, it’s best to cut small branches with a few dozen fresh leaves and keep them in a vase with water to prevent drying. How to make Eucalyptus Tea To make eucalyptus tea, pour 1 cup of boiled water over up to 1/2 teaspoon of the dried eucalyptus leaves. Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. You can sweeten with honey and drink up to 2 - 3 cups a day. If you want to use fresh leaves, take a single one, chop it, add hot water and let it steep for about 4-6 minutes - then add honey or brown sugar. The bits of leaf should then be strained and discarded. Take care not to ingest the eucalyptus oil directly, as it is extremely strong and somewhat volatile. Then drink in small sips while hot. Benefits of Eucalyptus Tea Some studies pointed out that drinking eucalyptus tea may help increase insulin production and lower blood sugar level. You can gargle this tea when you have throat infections, or use it as a mouthwash as its antiseptic and antibacterial properties fight bad breath. Eucalyptus tea, when rubbed in the chest area, may relieve bronchitis, asthma and colds. When inhaled, the steam from the eucalyptus tea can help alleviate chest infections and a host of respiratory and pulmonary ailments like colds, emphysema, whooping cough and asthma. Applied topically, the tea may produce healthier looking skin. A compress with eucalyptus tea is effective in treating painful joints, minor burns and sore muscles. Side effects of Eucalyptus Tea Side effects from eucalyptus tea are rare; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. Consult your doctor before using eucalyptus tea. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, if you have inflammation of the kidneys or that of the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct disease, liver disease or low or high blood pressure, don’t drink eucalyptus tea. Eucalyptus is a tree with many benefits and uses. Eucalyptus tea can easily be included in a healthy life style, especially when it is used to treat certain ailments.... eucalyptus tea

Eucalyptus globulus var. globulus

FAMILY: Myrtaceae

SYNONYMS: Gum tree, southern blue gum, Tasmanian blue gum, fever tree, stringy bark.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A beautiful, tall, evergreen tree, up to 90 metres high. The young trees have bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers and a smooth, pale grey bark often covered in a white powder.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to Tasmania and Australia. Mainly cultivated in Spain and Portugal, also Brazil, California, Russia and China. Very little of this oil now comes from its native countries.

OTHER SPECIES: There are over 700 different species of eucalyptus, of which at least 500 produce a type of essential oil. Many have been extracted simply for experimental purposes, and research is still being carried out with regard to the different constituents of each oil. In general, they can be divided into three categories. 1. The medicinal oils containing large amounts of cineol (or eucalyptol), such as the blue gum, but increasingly the blue malee (E. polybractea), the narrow-leaved peppermint (E. radiata var. australiana) and the gully gum (E. smithii). 2. The industrial oils containing mainly piperitone and phellandrene, such as the peppermint eucalyptus (E. piperita), grey peppermint (E. radiata var. phellandra) and increasingly the broad-leaved peppermint (E. dives var. Type). 3. The perfumery oils containing mainly citronellal, such as the lemon-scented eucalyptus (E. citriodora). See also Botanical Classification section.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A traditional household remedy in Australia, the leaves and oil are especially used for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and croup, and the dried leaves are smoked like tobacco for asthma. It is also used for feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid, cholera, etc.) and skin problems like burns, ulcers and wounds. Aqueous extracts are used for aching joints, bacterial dysentery, ringworms, tuberculosis, etc. and employed for similar reasons in western and eastern medicine. The wood is also used for timber production in Spain.

ACTIONS: Analgesic, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless mobile liquid (yellows on ageing), with a somewhat harsh camphoraceous odour and woody-sweet undertone. It blends well with thyme, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, pine, cedarwood and lemon. (The narrow-leaved eucalyptus (E. radiata var. australiana) is often used in preference to the blue gum in aromatherapy work, being rich in cineol but with a sweeter and less harsh odour.)

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Cineol (70–85 per cent), pinene, limonene, cymene, phellandrene, terpinene, aromadendrene, among others.

SAFETY DATA: Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. ‘When taken internally eucalyptus oil is toxic and as little as 3.5ml has been reported as fatal’..

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds.

Circulation Muscles And Joints: Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, etc.

Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections.

Genito-Urinary System: Cystitis, leucorrhoea.

Immune System: Chickenpox, colds, epidemics, ’flu, measles.

Nervous System: Debility, headaches, neuralgia.

OTHER USES: The oil and cineol are largely employed in the preparation of liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, ointments, toothpaste and as pharmaceutical flavourings also used in veterinary practise and dentistry. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, detergents and toiletries – little used in perfumes. Used for the isolation of cineol and employed as a flavour ingredient in most major food categories.... eucalyptus, blue gum