Herb library

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus leaf, with its fresh, camphor-like scent, has long been kept in home medicine cupboards for respiratory comfort and as a brisk, clearing inhalation. It is used in simple steam, tea, and compress remedies to ease sensations in the chest and sinuses, and to freshen household air.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a steam inhalation for nasal and chest congestion and to ease breathing discomfort.
• •Traditionally made into warm compresses or chest rubs to soothe tightness and surface stiffness in the upper body.
• •A long-standing household use is to add leaves to hot water or a bowl for clearing stuffy rooms and freshening linens.
• •Traditionally used in mild gargles or rinses for a brisk, cooling mouth or throat rinse (not for swallowing large amounts).

Simple preparations.

• •Steam inhalation: Pour 1 quart (about 1 liter) of just-boiled water into a sturdy bowl, add 5 to 10 fresh or 1 to 2 teaspoons dried eucalyptus leaves, cover head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, with breaks as needed. Keep eyes closed and do not lean too close to the water.
• •Warm chest compress: Make a strong infusion by pouring 2 cups (about 500 ml) of boiling water over 2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoon dried eucalyptus leaves, steep 10 to 15 minutes, strain, soak a cotton cloth in the warm liquid, wring lightly, and apply to the chest for 10 to 20 minutes. Reheat or refresh the cloth as needed.
• •Gargle or mouth rinse: Steep 1 teaspoon dried eucalyptus leaves in 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water for 5 minutes, strain and cool to warm, then use as a quick gargle or rinse, spitting out after use. Do not swallow large amounts; for children follow age cautions.

Cautions.

• !Eucalyptus oil and concentrated preparations are poisonous if swallowed; use only mild household infusions and do not ingest essential oil internally.
• !Give no honey preparations with eucalyptus to children under one year; for toddlers and young children use diluted, mild steam or a cool-mist vaporizer instead of hot steam.
• !Eucalyptus can cause skin irritation for some people; test a small area first with any compress or topical use and stop if redness or burning occurs.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking regular medications, check with your doctor before using eucalyptus preparations.

Often kept beside.