Eucalyptus comes from a trees in the Myrtacea family in Australia and has been traditionally used by the aboriginals for over 8,000 years. It has since spread throughout the world growing in warm, dry climates.
Multiple test results from studies published world wide have confirmed eucalyptus as “one of the agents with the broadest spectrum against antibiotic-resistant disease.”1 There have been many papers published on the effects on animals but little as of yet on human patients.
There is a long history of traditional use by indigenous people of Australia which expanded with the age of colonialism to use by healers across the world. It is most often used as an Essential Oil but the fresh young leaves, twigs and roots are medicinally active just much less potent and can be used in teas, powders, tincture, steam and other traditional herbal preparations.
Eucalyptus has been traditionally used to aid the bodies natural process in healing burns, blisters, cuts, wounds and sores. It is thought to prevent bacterial growth, inhibit the growth of viruses in damaged tissue and ease pain.2
It has been used in blends to kill and repel head lice, sooth insect bites and repel insects.
It is commonly used when added to oils, creams or salt baths to ease pain and soreness of muscles and arthritic joints.
Eucalyptus is most well known for its soothing and medicinal effect on the respiratory tract. It is a great expectorant helping to remove mucous and phlegm from the lungs during attacks of bronchitis, coughs, influenza, sinusitis and throat infections.
It has been shown in studies to be antibacterial and antiviral in nature. Use in a spray to prevent the spread of epidemics and diseases including chickenpox, mumps and measles. 1,2
It is excreted through the lungs and urine and is a diuretic, therefore, is effective in easing cystitis, urethritis, and urinary tract infections 1,2
For information on dosage check out the book Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Not to be used by persons with high blood pressure, epilepsy, intestinal inflammation (internally) or liver disease. Do not use on children under the age of 4 years old3. Eucalyptus oil begins to be toxic to the liver if taken internally in any quantity over 4 or 5 drops. It can be irritating when applied topically without a carrier oil.
Do you use Eucalyptus in your natural medicine cabinet? How do you use it? What do you use it for?
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1 Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria by Stephen Harrod Buhner
2 Natural Health: The complete home remedy guide to herbs & oils natural remedies & nutrition by Nerys Purchon
3Herbal Remedies for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar
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I had no idea that eucalyptus eases arthritis pain! Thanks for sharing, I needed this info!