Uses of the eucalyptus tree

Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia that has been exported to numerous countries throughout the West, including Spain. Likewise, the eucalyptus tree has many uses in industry, pharmacology and beekeeping. This tree is in great demand by bees and from which they obtain the fantastic eucalyptus honey. It is therefore a very interesting tree from an industrial point of view, for health and for beekeepers.

Summary: The eucalyptus tree has many uses in the industrial, pharmacological and beekeeping sectors. Also, in our shop in Las Rozas de Madrid you have at your disposal a fantastic selection of honeys, including eucalyptus honey.

Other interesting articles: Properties of thyme. Properties of thyme. Properties of lavender. Properties of rosemary.

1. Definition of eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a perennial plant native to Australia, where the largest plantations of this plant are found. Eucalyptus can grow up to 60 metres high, some even reach up to 100 metres. The upper side of the leaves are dark green and the underside is a dull green. The leaf texture is reminiscent of leather. The leaves are also used to extract its extract, which has been used in folk medicine to cure colds, chest pains, some skin problems and lung inflammation.

a) Scientific classification

Kingdom : Plantae

Class: Magnoliapsida

Order : Myrtales

Family : Myrtaceae

Genus : Eucalyptus

Species : Globulus

2. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is the oil obtained by distilling eucalyptus leaf extracts.

Uses of eucalyptus oil:
The uses of eucalyptus oil are as follows:

a) Antiseptic and medicinal.

Components of eucalyptus oil are used by pharmacological companies to produce remedies to help mitigate the effects of colds and constipation. Consequently, we find candies, inhalers, ointments and syrups containing extracts of eucalyptus leaves.

In addition, components of eucalyptus would help to raise the defences and have anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, we also find eucalyptus in hygiene products such as soaps, gels and toothpastes, as they help to disinfect and prevent infections.

b) Repellent and biopesticide

Eucalyptus oil is also used as an insect repellent and biopesticide. Exactly in the year 1948, it was introduced in the USA as an insecticide.

c) Flavouring

It is also used by many cooks to flavour numerous dishes and drinks.

d) Fragrance

This oil also has many uses to give freshness and a fresh scent to soaps, perfumes, detergents, lotions, etc.

e) Industrial

It also has industrial uses in the preparation of fuels, but due to its high cost, it is not used.

f) Toxicity

Eucalyptus oil in small doses is safe, but in large quantities it is toxic. Therefore, for larger quantities between 0.05 and 0.5 ml per kilo of a person’s weight it would be lethal. For small children between 4 and 5 ml would be lethal.

3. Medicinal uses according to scientific literature

The medicinal uses that3 have been scientifically proven are the following:

a) Helps to reduce insomnia and anxiety.

According to the biography indicated, eucalyptus helps to reduce stress and insomnia.

In addition, folk medicine tells us:

By reducing stress, it helps us to reduce our weight.
It helps to reduce asthma, colds and other respiratory problems.

4. Eucalyptus flowers

Eucalyptus flowers provide bees with a great source of nectar and pollen. From them, bees produce one of the most sought-after honeys on the market, eucalyptus honey.

5. Homemade tricks

Eucalyptus leaves have many uses. Simple and homemade uses that can be very useful. Among them, we have the following:

a) Eucalyptus steam

Eucalyptus steam can be used to open our pores and clean our skin, or simply to aromatize our house.

How to prepare it:

• Bring water to a boil.
• Once it is boiling, add the natural eucalyptus leaves little by little.
• Then, turn off the heat and leave the water with the eucalyptus leaves to steep for about 3 minutes.
• Finally, we remove the lid and place our head on top with a towel over us, so that all the steam remains concentrated on our skin.

In this way the pores of our skin will be opened and we will have a deep cleansing.

b) Eucalyptus incense

Another way to scent the house is by burning eucalyptus leaves. To do this, light the tips of the green eucalyptus leaves on fire. Once they are lit, let them extinguish by themselves and start to smoke. Then place them in an incense holder, and you will be flavouring your home in a natural way.

Sources:

International Journal of Research in Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics

http://www.ijrpp.com/sites/default/files/articles/IJRPP_16_407_81-88.pdf