Round-fruited Eucalyptus

Common Names: Eucalyptus, Fever Tree, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark Tree, Sugandhapatra, Fieberbaumblatter, Gully Gum, Huile Essentielle d’Eucalyptus, Red Gum, Tailapatra, Tallowweed, Tasmanian Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus essential oil, Gum tree

Latin Name: Eucalyptus Globulus

Origin: Australia

Short Introduction

Eucalyptus quickly adapts to a wide range of specific habitats. These plants are generally sun-loving, and there is no known species that prefers shaded understory or low-light locations. Eucalyptus forests often feature a rich undergrowth, as the leaves turn their edges toward the sun to minimize water loss through evaporation.

During summer, eucalyptus can be grown outdoors on a terrace or in the garden in temperate climates. For the rest of the year, the plant can be moved indoors. In the growing season, the plant can gain up to one meter in height. There is no recommended minimum or maximum temperature for growing eucalyptus—extreme temperatures of any sort are best avoided, as is allowing the soil to dry out completely. Eucalyptus prefers potting soil mixed with fine peat and needs a well-lit space with regular watering.

Detailed Description

A wonder for air purification and relief from pain and cold symptoms.

Botanical Information

Eucalyptus ranges from shrub to tall tree, dependent on its environment. Tall trees may reach 30–60 meters, with exceptional specimens exceeding 60 meters. Most have a single main trunk, though some varieties have multiple trunks and remain below 10 meters in height. In extreme conditions, Eucalyptus adopts a shrub form growing up to 1 meter. This is the second tallest tree species in the world (after the sequoia), and some individuals can live for 400 to 600 years.

Eucalyptus species are aromatic, evergreen plants with simple, entire, opposite or alternate leaves, which may be petiolate or sessile. Oil glands are scattered through the leaf blade, making the leaves distinctly fragrant. The bark can be smooth, rough and fibrous, or scaly. Flowers are bisexual and are grouped in umbel-like clusters, pollinated by insects. The fruit is a woody capsule containing numerous seeds.

Origin and Distribution

The majority of Eucalyptus species are native to Australia, Tasmania, and islands north of Australia. Some species are found naturally in New Guinea and the islands of Southeast Asia, while others are endemic to Australia and Tasmania. Eucalyptus thrives in diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests to low mountain slopes and even arid regions.

In several regions of the Australian landscape, eucalyptus is a dominant plant. Due to extensive planting, Eucalyptus is now naturalized and prospers in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. In some regions, it is classified as an invasive species. Globally, it is one of the most widely planted hardwood trees and is seen in places like eastern Indonesia and the Philippines.

Since 1996, the largest Eucalyptus plantations are found in Brazil, India, South Africa, China, Chile, Morocco, and in Europe (Portugal and Spain).

Usage / Dosage

The first historical records of Eucalyptus arrived in Europe with sailors led by James Cook from Australia in the 18th century. English botanists were the first to collect and describe Eucalyptus. The plant was later introduced to Spain, with the first plantations established within a decade.

Wood and Cellulose

Eucalyptus is intentionally cultivated as a source of wood, cellulose, and essential oils. It is planted for afforestation, landscape restoration, ornamental use, and for shade. Eucalyptus wood is valued for construction, furniture, flooring, and fencing.

Eucalyptus is a major source of cellulose, crucial for the paper industry. Cellulose is used in making cardboard, tissue paper, office paper, and even clothing. Byproducts of this process include lignin, hemicellulose, and firewood. Standard office paper can contain up to 55% cellulose from hardwoods—predominantly eucalyptus—and 20% from conifers, among others.

Essential Oils

Eucalyptus oil was Australia’s first export product. Initial oils were extracted from Eucalyptus piperita (Peppermint Eucalyptus), known for its mint-like aroma. Other species followed, with their oils first used to make deodorants, sedatives, and disinfectants. Certain types are used for extracting pure cineole and citral.

Eucalyptus oil is used for bacterial, parasitic, and superficial infections and for urogenital conditions. A few drops in a bath help relax the body and mind. In small amounts, oil is added to candies, cough drops, toothpaste, and nasal sprays. Eucalyptus oil is also a natural insect repellent.

Modern Medicine

Eucalyptus essential oil demonstrates strong antimicrobial action against a broad range of pathogenic microorganisms and has significant anti-inflammatory properties, widely used in modern medicine. Some oil components, especially cineole (eucalyptol), show antibacterial effects mainly against Staphylococcus aureus and also antifungal effects. The oil is an effective insecticide against mosquito larvae.

According to some sources, eucalyptus oil may help with asthma due to the presence of eucalyptol, which helps break down mucus in patients with breathing difficulties. Some patients have been able to reduce their dose of steroids for asthma treatment when eucalyptus was incorporated.

Studies have shown that a specific combination of eucalyptol (from Eucalyptus), pine, and lime extract, administered orally in drops, eased bronchitis symptoms and reduced the frequency of 'flare-ups' after a two-week course of therapy.

In low concentrations (0.3–0.6%), eucalyptus mouthwash solutions have been shown to reduce dental plaque in some patients, provided proper dental hygiene is maintained. Chewing gum containing 0.4–0.6% Eucalyptus extract has improved gum inflammation and freshened breath in certain cases.

Early research indicates that local application of a combination of eucalyptus and peppermint in an alcohol solution may not alleviate headaches but could help patients relax and improve mental clarity.

Research suggests chewing eucalyptus leaves can lower plasma glucose levels, which should be monitored, especially for those on anti-diabetic medications, as interactions may occur and concurrent use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Traditional Medicine

Eucalyptus is widely used in traditional Aboriginal medicine, with many practices now spread globally. Indigenous Australians use eucalyptus leaves and bark for colds, flu, toothaches, fever reduction, diarrhea, snakebites, and other ailments. Sap from wounded trunks is applied to open wounds for disinfection and faster healing. Internal use was also common for some conditions.

Folk uses have extended to Europe, where dried eucalyptus is inhaled for asthma. Steam inhalation helps with respiratory illnesses and colds. In China, eucalyptus extract is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Globally, eucalyptus essential oil is trusted in folk medicine for acne, bleeding gums, burns, and the treatment of external wounds. Some traditional healers recommend eucalyptus oil for diabetes, in compresses for fever, and internally for liver and gallbladder issues, as well as loss of appetite.

Precautions

Eucalyptus leaves may be taken internally in small, recommended amounts without notable adverse effects. However, effects of higher-than-recommended doses are unknown, so following label instructions or consulting a doctor or pharmacist is best.

Pure eucalyptus oil should be diluted before skin application; do not use undiluted. There are reports of neurological side effects when large amounts of concentrated oils are applied.

Internal use of eucalyptus oil can be dangerous. Ingesting as little as 3.5 ml of concentrated oil may be life-threatening or fatal. Symptoms of overdose include abdominal pain, dizziness, muscle aches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Pregnancy, Nursing, and Children

There is insufficient information to confirm that eucalyptus essential oil is universally safe for these groups. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. For children, external use in small amounts for the shortest possible period is allowed, but only in healthy children over 3 years old.

Active Compounds

Eucalyptus contains a wide spectrum of active ingredients, with essential oils predominating, notably terpenes, triketones, and acylphloroglucinols. The main compound in Eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), which also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Other monoterpenes include limonene, p-cymene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-phellandrene, and piperitone.

Other Eucalyptus species contain cryptone, neral, vomifoliol, geranial, and more monoterpenes. Among sesquiterpenes are aromadendrene, eudesmol, globulol, and viridiflorol. Flavonoids (such as rutin), tannins, triterpenes, glucose esters, and cyanogenic glycosides are also present.

Dosage

For inhalation, pour boiling water over half a handful of leaves and steep for 10 minutes. Drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam for 5 minutes. Repeat morning and evening. Using a stiff paper cone, you can apply steam for ear inflammations in a similar way.

For mouth and throat inflammations, make a gargle by pouring 200 ml boiling water over one tablespoon of leaves and steep for 15 minutes. For baths, pour 3 liters of boiling water over 3 handfuls of leaves and steep for 60 minutes. Bathe for 10–15 minutes and repeat for up to 3 consecutive days.

To make a eucalyptus massage oil, mix 2 tablespoons of virgin oil with 3–5 drops of pure eucalyptus essential oil and use to massage the chest during colds, coughs, or breathing difficulties. For muscle aches and sore joints, double the amount of essential oil for a stronger massage blend.