Spices, Plants and Natural Remedies >> Eucalyptus

This tall tree has a bluish, peeling bark, creamy flowers and leathery leaves. It is not a garden herb but it can be grown in pots. The gum or material that oozes from knots in eucalyptus tree is called kino and contains tannins.

Eucalyptus has been used for years, to cure fevers and as an antiseptic dressing on wounds and burns. Kino is used to treat dysentery. Small amounts of its essential oil are found in cough syrup and cough drops. Eucalyptol, derived from eucalyptus oil, is one of the main ingredients in Vicks Vapor Rub, which is rubbed on the chest during cold. The oil is strongly antibiotic, destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is used in the treatment of viral skin eruptions like herpes.

The leaves cool the body and reduce fever.

• Make a tea adding two tsp. of dried eucalyptus leaves. Drink this for relief from bronchitis.
  
• Taking steam with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil added to the water helps clear sinus and bronchial congestion.
  
• Eucalyptus oil is also used as a counter irritant in liniments when rubbed on sore muscles or to heat rheumatism.
  
• Kino drinks are used as a tonic and as a mouthwash for toothache.
  
• The scent of eucalyptus is stimulating and keeps one awake and alert. It is found in aftershaves and colognes. It is used in cosmetic preparations to treat oily skin and acne.