Botanical atlas

Broad-Leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus dives

Long before European settlement, Aboriginal Australians used the leaves of various eucalypts, including this peppermint-scented species, as a wash for wounds and a steam for easing chest and sinus complaints. Colonial settlers took up the practice eagerly, and by the nineteenth century the aromatic, camphor-like leaf had become a household standby for winter colds. Eucalyptus dives later took on a second life in industry, prized above other eucalypts for its high piperitone content, which chemists found useful as a stepping stone to other valuable compounds. Its everyday folk use, though, has always stayed close to the same simple idea, hot steam and fragrant leaves to help clear a heavy head.

Safety.

Eucalyptus essential oil is toxic if swallowed, even a teaspoon has caused serious poisoning in children, so never take it internally and keep it away from kids. Do not apply undiluted oil to skin, and avoid steam or oil preparations for infants and young children because of the risk of breathing spasms.