While native to the Australian continent, the Eucalyptus plant is now cultivated on all the other continents with the exception on Antarctica and is prized for ability to grow quickly and supple wood, along with its natural oils that can be used for cleaning and serve as natural insecticides.
The plant described:
The leaves of the eucalyptus plant are leathery and mainly evergreen with a few species dropping them during a dry season. They are waxy or glossy green in color and covered with glands that secrete volatile oils that are prized for their fragrance and medicinal properties. The flowers of the plant are one of its most distinguishing characteristics and the reason why it was named “eucalyptus” which is Greek for “well covered”. While budding, the flowers are covered with a cup like membrane, which is then split open as the showy stamens of the flower expand. The fruit is also surrounded by a woody cone shaped cover and contain numerous seeds.
The most valuable commodities, however, are the oils that it produces which are dived up into three categories: medicinal, industrial and aromatic.
The oil extracted from the leaves can contain up to 70% eucalyptol, which is a compound with effective disinfectant capabilities. This makes the plant one of the most powerful antiseptics in its class. This oil, which can be clear or straw colored, is extracted through the process of steam distillation. It is soluble in equal parts alcohol and makes for a great cleaning agent and natural insecticide.
The oil can also be taken internally and is present in small amounts in certain candies and cough drops. Eucalyptus oil is considered a stimulant and can increase your heart rate and effect your senses.It can also be used as an effective gargle.
The oil is also used in aroma therapy, giving of a pleasant woody scent that can help balance and stimulate you. It plays a role as a decongestant and nasal inhalant helping with asthma and bronchitis. Many people use the oil in the process of steam inhalation to help clear the nasal passages and sinuses.
To steam inhale, pour 4 to 6 cups of boiling water into a large bowl. Add three drops of E. globulus oil, the lower your head down into the bowl. Cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and breathe in deeply for about 15 minutes.
Yulia Berry is an independent health researcher and author of the best selling e-books Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor and 'Pharmacy in Vegetables'. She distributes a weekly newsletter regarding great home remedies and has written dozens of natural health articles published on hundreds of websites worldwide. Yulia Berry's new ebook Unlocked Secrets of Curative Garlic to be released soon.
