Parts Most Frequently Used: Oil of the Leaves, Leaves

Flavors/Temps: Aromatic, Pungent, Slightly Bitter, Cool, Dry, Moist

Caution: None noted.

History/Folklore: The name of the tree derives from the Greek word “eucalyptus” meaning well covered in reference to the trees membrane covered flowers. Known to be used by the Australian Aborigines to heal wounds and fungal infections. They refer to it as “malee.” It is the main food for the Koala Bear. Some seeds, having been sent to France in 1857, were planted in Algiers and thrived exceedingly well. Trottoir, the botanical superintendent, found that the value of the fragrant antiseptic exhalations of the leaves in treating fevers associated with marshy districts far exceeded the amazingly powerful drying action of the roots on the soil. Five years after planting the eucalyptus, one of the most marshy and unhealthy districts of Algiers was converted into one of the healthiest and driest. As a result, the rapidly growing eucalyptus trees are now largely cultivated in many temperate regions with the view of preventing malarial fevers. The essential oil of eucalyptus used in medicine is obtained by aqueous distillation of the fresh leaves. The ingredient of ‘catheter oil’ is used to sterilize and lubricate urethral catheters. In 1890, eucalyptus was introduced into China by the Italians and the French as an ornamental tree. China now has the second largest planting of eucalyptus in the world. Eucalyptus is used in Ayurveda for its expectorant and topical applications to relieve headaches due to colds.