Other Names: Eucalyptus, Malaria tree, Eucalyptus
Botanical Information: Eucalyptus is a subgroup of Myrtle family and has approximately 600 species. Eucalyptus is approximately 20-70m tall, its body is grayish silver and its wood is red and it has occasional protrusions on it. Its fresh leaves are broad, lance-shaped, bluish green in color and attached to the stem. The flowers do not have cups or petals and are very hairy. Its fruits are formed as capsules carrying many seeds. Eucalyptus species reproduce by seeds. It is frequently grown in sunny and wet places to drain swamps and to benefit from its wood.
Places where it is grown: Most of the essential oil is supplied by countries such as Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Brazil. In Turkey, it can easily grow in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean and Aegean regions.
Collection-Storage: Since it is a plant that does not shed its leaves in winter, its leaves can be collected at any time. However, since it contains a high amount of essential oil, it is better to collect it in May-September.
Known Composition: Its leaves (Folia eucalypti) contain essential oil, resins, bitter substance and tannin. It carries a large amount of essential oil (Oleum eucalypti, okaiiptol) “Cineole”.
Benefits: It is effective and healing for cold, cough, bronchitis, nose and throat disorders.
It causes expectoration and softens the chest.
In cases of rheumatic pain, muscle contractions and pain caused by colds, poultice is applied to the affected area.
It strengthens the body.
It is a urinary tract antiseptic.
It removes bad breath. For these situations, gargle with alcohol or olive oil solution.
Usage :
Tea: A glass of boiling water is poured over a pinch of fresh leaves. Tea made by steeping for 10 minutes, sweetened with sugar, can be drunk two or three times a day.
Steam Bath: Take 2-3 teaspoons of eucalyptus leaves. It is placed in a bowl and four glasses of boiling water are poured over it. A large towel is placed over the head and bowl to prevent the essential oil from escaping. Lean over the bowl and inhale eucalyptus vapor for 10 minutes.
Poultice: Eucalyptus porridge is prepared by crushing the fresh leaves. It is applied by massaging.
Preparing a solution with alcohol or olive oil: Eucalyptus leaves are placed in these substances and kept for 7-10 days. This solution can be gargled in the mouth or diluted with water and sweetened with sugar and drunk.
WARNING: Taking eucalyptus in excessive doses may cause poisoning.
After each application with eucalyptus, hands should be washed thoroughly and eyes should not be touched.
