Eucalyptus Herb - Herbal Tea

Eucalyptus Herb

Native to Australia the Eucalyptus has often been associated with the Koala Bear due to the Bear eating the leaves from the Eucalyptus tree only despite the toxic nature of the oil to other animals. The Eucalyptus contains over 700 species including very tall trees and small shrubs.

The Eucalyptus tree grows very quickly and thus has become a popular wood for timber, firewood and makes a good windbreak tree. Eucalyptus has been introduced through out the world in efforts to provide renewable sources of timber and windbreaks. In the late 1800’s to early 1900’s Eucalyptus was planted in California intended to become a renewable source of timber due to the quick nature of it’s growth; however, today many of these planted Eucalyptus forests are being destroyed and native plants and trees are being restored.

Eucalyptus oil vaporizes on warm days and rises above the trees giving Australia the bluish haze that has become associated with the Australian landscape. The oil of Eucalyptus can be distilled from the leaves using steam and is often used medicinally as well as cleaning and in aromatherapy.

Eucalyptus Tea

Eucalyptus tea can be prepared by steeping 1 – 2 teaspoons dried leaf in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Eucalyptus Uses & Herbal Remedies

The wood of the Eucalyptus is often used to make the digeridoo; a musical instrument made popular in Australia.

Eucalyptus is often an ingredient in cough drops and syrups and as and vaporizer fluids.

Eucalyptus oil can be added to salves and applied to the chest to help relieve congestion as well as to sore muscles and joints to relieve pain.

Eucalyptus tea can be used to treat colds and congestion or gargled to relieve sore throats.

Eucalyptus Cautions

Eucalyptus should not be used on children under 2 years of age and should not be ingested by children younger than 6 years of age.

The use of Eucalyptus internally is discouraged during pregnancy.

The over use of Eucalyptus internally can be difficult to eliminate from the kidneys and caution must be made if you have kidney function problems.