Eucalyptus for rheumatism, colds and catarrh

From Australia, and not really suitable for the garden unless you are landed gentry with a huge estate, Eucalyptus globulus, the Tasmanian Blue Gum is the most active of a large number of members of the same genus used in medicine. It’s another of those herbs that is often referred to by just part of its latin name: Eucalyptus.

Here is a list of some medicinally active species of Eucalyptus. The most useful medicinally is in bold and the least in gray:

As you can see, even if you have quite a big garden, the best candidates for growing at home would be Eucalyptus pauciflora niphophila, the Snow Gum or Eucalyptus polybractea, the Blue Mallee, both of which reach a comparatively modest 20′. If you have enough room for one of the larger ones, by all means grow one (or several, if you like), but the properties given here are for these two species, although much of what is said here applies equally to other types.

Eucalyptus trees are evergreens and reach their maximum height in a comparatively short time. In their natural habitat, frost is rare (except the Snow Gum, which survives harsh and snowy winters in the Australian Alps), but drought and poor soil is common. If you’re growing it in a less-favored area (so far as temperature goes), make sure it is sheltered from the worst of the weather. Although frost may cut them down to size, it’s possible that they may regrow, so long as the roots survive. These trees need full sun, for preference, and certainly will not tolerate a shady position.

I need to point out that, unless you are a Koala, eucalyptus leaves are poisonous if eaten, and the essential oil is only suitable for extremely moderate use internally. Death has been known to take place after swallowing as little as 4ml of the essential oil (slightly less than a teaspoonful). It’s safe enough if you use it by the drop, and is included in many cough medicines in this sort of quantity, but never go overboard with it or any medicine which contains it.

The essential oil extracted from the leaves (by distillation) is a natural antiseptic, which unlike many other oils becomes more effective as it ages. It is often included in remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Since most of us do not have a still lying around at home, it is probably best to buy it from the drugstore/chemist (which means you also  don’t need to go to the trouble of growing the tree).

It can be used externally, mixed with a carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond, to treat skin infections, boils and infected wounds – but will sting (my granny used to say, “If it doesn’t hurt, it isn’t doing you any good,” along with many other similar remarks. I call this the Theory of Medicine as Punishment). You can also use it as a rub or liniment for rheumatism and similar ills.

At home, the most frequent use is for steam inhalation.You need a bowl full of boiling water which is shallow enough to lean over, and a towel big enough to completely enclose your head and the bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil or a handful of leaves to the water in the bowl and lean over it, covering head and bowl in the towel, to inhale the fumes (you can come out for air now and then) until there is no more steam. This is an excellent decongestant for colds, catarrh and other illnesses that leave you with that “bunged up” feeling.

Although it seems unlikely that you will be growing Eucalyptus at home for medicinal use, if you were to do so, just like other herbal remedies, it needs to be grown organically. Outside Australia, few pests are interested, and it doesn’t need fertilizing, so this is pretty easy. To find out more about growing organic eucalyptus visit the Gardenzone.

Visit our sister site, Guide to Aromatherapy, to learn about the uses of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy.

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