Eucalyptus, The Sweet Smelling Medicine Tree

Who hasn’t lingered when passing by a grove of Eucalyptus just to inhale their remarkable scent, which seems to pass through the nostrils into the core of one’s being…(?)

In some locations these wonderful trees reach epic size, unbelievably even higher than the California Giant Sequoia. One or more have been measured at over 480′. They can be used for timber, but are more valued for the oils they produce.

Eucalyptus leaves hang with an oblique sadness from the stem of the plant, which betray their very practical purpose; their glands constantly secrete fragrant, volatile oils…

Ah, to the heart of our story..eucalyptus oil! Once distilled it’s a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and soluble in it’s own weight of alcohol. It’s the most powerful antiseptic in it’s group and has a strong disinfectant action.

But there are many uses for this special oil. It’s a stimulant and can be employed as an antiseptic gargle or a decongestant. Locally applied eucalyptus oil can diminish sensitivity and increase cardiac action. It has showed response against malaria as well. It has been used to treat asthma, bronchitis, burns, cuts, influenza and even headaches. Many insect repellents contain eucalyptus. Finally, include in this list of uses

Treating muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis, skin ulcers, urinary infections and wounds.

Did we mention decongestant in the above list?..to expand then, next time you are in the sauna pour a small amount of eucalyptus oil mixed with water onto the hot rocks and inhale. Then settle back and feel it’s fragrance clear all your sinuses, massage your throat, tickle your sanskaras and make eucalyptus yours forever.