What is the Eucalyptus Globulus?
Commonly referred to as the Australian Fever Tree, the Eucalyptus Globulus is a popular herb that has gained widespread usage due to its vast health benefits. Also known as the gum tree, bloodwood, ironbark, blue gum or Tasmanian blue gum, Eucalyptus Globulus is a tall evergreen plant that is native to the Tasmania State of Australia. The drought tolerant and resistant plant is currently spread across the United States, India, China, South and North Africa, Southern Europe and various other regions across the planet.
The tree grows to a height of 70 meters and a diameter of approximately 2 meters. The trunk is largely smooth as it regularly sheds it in strips. Mature leaves of the tree are narrow and dark green in color while the juvenile ones are blue-grey in color. The tree yields woody fruits after a short period of flowering.
Eucalyptus Globulus has for several years been popular for its diverse range of health benefits. Different people use different parts of the plant for a variety of medicinal and health purposes.
Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Globulus
The main components of the eucalyptus plant that are used for their health benefits are:
- Essential oils extracted from the leaves through steam distillation.
- Leaves
Eucalyptus oil is popular for its antibacterial properties. For several years, essential oils extracted from the plant have been used to inhibit bacterial action. The plant has efficient bioactive compounds that make its oil ideal for improving the healing power of antibiotics. Studies have also revealed that eucalyptus oil extracts have anti-inflammatory properties. It is due to this feature that the oils are effectively used in the treatment of airway diseases, both upper and lower. They are pretty effective in controlling conditions such as asthma. It can also be used as an antiseptic to prevent the body from suffering infections.
The plant’s phenolic and tannin compounds also make it a potent disinfectant. Further research into the plant indicate that it contains terpenoids that have been proven to possess ant-HIV effects.
Another noteworthy health benefit of Eucalyptus Globulus is its action against diabetes. Since the early 1900s, the plant’s extracts have been hypothesized to possess anti-diabetic effects, a hypothesis that has recently been proven. Studies show that the plant reduces plasma glucose levels, boosts secretion of insulin, minimizes blood glucose, suppresses adiposity and inhibits absorption of intestinal fructose. Its hypoglycemic properties are also subject to further research.
Eucalyptus Globulus has also been studied to possess anti-malarial, antispasmodic, deodorant, corrective, expectorant and stimulant properties. It also exhibits antioxidant effects that make it the perfect remedy for dementia and premature aging.
Conditions it is used to remedy include indigestion, dyspepsia, halitosis, coughs, common colds, bronchitis, sore throat, sinusitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and microbial lung diseases. It can also be used to control typhoid, scarlet fever, diabetes and intermittent fevers.
How to use Eucalyptus Globulus
Eucalyptus can be used in various ways, depending in what it is being used for and the form it is available in. Common methods include 6-8 drops of eucalyptus oil in burners/vaporizers, 6 drops for blended bath and for blended massage. Eucalyptus tea can also be prepared using the oil or leaves. It is important to dilute the oils as they can be toxic when concentrated.
