Eucalyptus commonly known as "blue gum" is native to Australia and Tasmania and cultivated in the Mediterranean. It is an evergreen tree that typically grows to 35 meters. The dried bark sheds in large strips leaving the trunk smooth with a white-gray color. The leaves, hanging from the tree, are long and leathery. The juvenile leaves have a green pale color whereas the mature ones are gray-green. The flowers are white with a nice aroma and produce high quality nectar that makes it fine food for the bees. Eucalyptus was introduced into Greece by the botanist and literary Theodore Orphanides in 1862. Eucalyptus drains the moist soil thanks to its high evaporating properties and purifies the air.
Name etymology
The name Eucalyptus means well covered and is derived from the Greek "eu", meaning "well", and "kalypto", meaning "to cover" referring to the operculum, a cap-like structure which protects the stamens in the bud and is shed when the flower opens. The operculum is a distinguishing feature of all species of Eucalyptus. The specific name globulus, derived from Latin meaning "ball-like" or "spherical", refers to the shape of the fruit.
Medicinal uses
Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic and can effectively protect against bacterial and viral attacks. It has a cooling and antipyretic effect on the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties relieving burns and painful joints. Consists an effective treatment for pimples, head lice and herpes. It has beneficial effects on emotional level as it stimulates, refreshes and cleanses the mind and helps combat sleepiness. The leaves contain eucalyptus oil used in treating cold, flu, throat infections, sinusitis and headaches, relieving intense and dry cough, reducing the wheezing of asthma and bronchitis and releasing mucus. It is also used against diabetes as it has hypoglycemic action, and against intestinal parasites and pyorrhea. Inunctions of eucalyptus essential oil help heal wounds and ulcers and relieve pyorrhea, and light burns.
Other uses
Eucalyptus is grown in temperate areas for commercial exploitation and its shadow. The bark is used in "tannage" (tanning of leather), as well as in making mat, rope and paper. The hard and solid wood is used in shipbuilding, construction, bridge-building and telegraph poles. It is widely used in reforestation as it grows quickly and is not vulnerable to various diseases. It is also planted in gardens, as it offers shade and coolness while repelling mosquitoes.
Useful information
Dropping eucalyptus leaves or drops of essential oil in boiling water allowing the vapors to fill the room, will both ease breathing when suffering from flu or asthma and kill staphylococci germs in the air protecting against contagion. Moreover, for people leaving in cities, eucalyptus vapors ionize the room atmosphere making it bearable, even when the house is affected by external air pollution.
Uses… by APIVITA
APIVITA uses organic eucalyptus essential oil from the plant’s leaves for its analgesic, antiseptic, antirheumatic and stimulating properties. Eases breathing during colds, relieves muscle pain when added to massage oil and refreshes the air when used in an essential oil burner.
The APIVITA Eucalyptus Massage Oil for the Winter contains high amount of eucalyptus, pine, rosemary and tea tree essential oils, known for their contribution in alleviating the symptoms of common cold. Eucalyptus is traditionally used to ease breathing and, in combination with rosemary, soothes aching muscles.
APIVITA Eucalyptus Winter Cream with eucalyptus & thyme helps to relieve the symptoms of common cold.
APIVITA Pastilles with eucalyptus & propolis softens throat and relieves sore throat and cough.
Disclaimer: Information on this particular article is intended for information purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.
