Eucalyptus is a plant that has many healing properties. Thanks to the content of eucalyptus oil, it is also used in cosmetics. The best known species of eucalyptus are blue, royal, rainbow and lemon eucalyptus. Although eucalyptus occurs naturally mainly in Australia, it can also be grown at home. What's the price?

Eucalyptus( EucalyptusL'Hér.) Is a whole group of trees and shrubs that belong to the myrtle family. They are found in Australia, creating evergreen forests. They also grow in tropical areas of Africa, Asia and South America.

Eucalyptus is most often associated with koala bears or delicious candies. However, it is worth knowing that they are also valued medicinal plants.

Contents:

  1. Eucalyptus - species
  2. Eucalyptus - healing properties
  3. Eucalyptus - effect on the skin
  4. Eucalyptus - effects on the nervous system
  5. Eucalyptus for colds
  6. Eucalyptus for muscle and joint pain
  7. Eucalyptus - industrial use
  8. Eucalyptus - growing in a pot
  9. Eucalyptus - price
  10. Eucalyptus - precautions

Eucalyptus - species

There are many species of eucalyptus. There are about 600 of them - they come from Australia, New Guinea and south-eastern Indonesia. The most famous are:

    • lemon eucalyptus - its name comes from the characteristic lemon flavor
    • royal eucalyptus - it can reach up to 100 m in height. The trees of this species are among the tallest trees in the world
    • eucalyptus gunni (blue) - this variety is properly cared for, distinguished by blue-gray leaves. Its shoots produce a syrup reminiscent of maple syrup
    • rainbow eucalyptus - shedding the top layer of bark, reveals the inner bark in the colors of the rainbow
    • snow eucalyptus - its bark is snow-white in color. It is also very frost resistant

The largest species of eucalyptus is the royal eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus regnans ) - it can reach up to 100 meters in height.

Eucalyptus - healing properties

The healing properties of eucalyptus are used in medicinenatural. Both the leaves and the bark of the tree contain tannins. Thanks to this, they exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In addition, they have an expectorant and warming effect.

Eucalyptus is also rich in healing essential oils, incl. eucalyptol, alpha-terpineol, linalool and pinene.

Eucalyptus - effect on the skin

Eucalyptus is used in the case of problems with the scalp, incl. supports the fight against dandruff.

In addition, thanks to the tannin content, eucalyptus soothes irritations, fights skin infections and skin lesions, e.g. lichen.

It also speeds up the healing of wounds.

Thanks to its antiviral properties, eucalyptus supports the treatment of herpes.

Lemon eucalyptus is used in cosmetics for creams for mature skin, anti-wrinkle and anti-aging skin.

Eucalyptus - effects on the nervous system

Thanks to the essential oil content, eucalyptus is used for therapeutic baths. They have a positive effect on the nervous system, relieve stress, have a calming and relaxing effect and make it easier to fall asleep.

Eucalyptus is also recommended for people struggling with migraines.

Eucalyptus for colds

Eucalyptus has an expectorant effect, thanks to which it will help in getting rid of persistent cough.

Inhalations will also help to deal with the opening of the upper respiratory tract, cleanse the sinuses and help get rid of a runny nose.

Thanks to its bactericidal properties, it fights throat infections and soothes pain.

Eucalyptus for muscle and joint pain

Eucalyptus is also used in rheumatic diseases and muscle pains.

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Eucalyptus - industrial use

Eucalyptus wood is extremely rot-resistant. As a result, it is highly appreciated all over the world. It is widely used as a building, furniture or boatbuilding material. Aborigines use termite trunks of eucalyptus trees to build folk wind instruments.

Eucalyptus leaves have glands that produce essential oils, including eucalyptus oil. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry as wellcosmetic. Eucalyptus oil supports the inflammation of the throat and soothes a sore throat. Inhalation with eucalyptus oil helps to clear the upper respiratory tract, relieves runny nose, sinusitis and breathing difficulties.

Eucalyptus is also used for various types of medicinal infusions or tinctures. Eucalyptus candies with a characteristic flavor are also produced.

Eucalyptus is very often an ornamental plant. It can be grown at home.

Eucalyptus leaves provide food for koalas

Eucalyptus - growing in a pot

Eucalyptus can also be grown at home as ornamental plants. They grow best at room temperature in pots.

Eucalyptus like soil with a slightly acidic reaction, although they can also grow in ordinary soil for flowers, they grow best in direct sunlight or partial shade.

They should be watered regularly, especially in spring and summer. However, eucalyptus watered too much can rot.

During the heating season, it is better not to keep this plant close to heaters, as it may collapse.

Eucalyptus should be regularly pruned, preferably in spring, so that they do not grow too much. They should not exceed 1.5 m.

If brown spots appear on the leaves, it may be a sign that the plant has been attacked by fungi.

Eucalyptus - price

The price of dried eucalyptus leaves is around PLN 30 per 50 g.

Eucalyptus oil costs about PLN 9 for 12 ml.

Eucalyptus seedlings are available from PLN 40, and their price increases depending on the size and species.

Eucalyptus - precautions

Eucalyptus shows hallucinogenic properties, therefore preparations containing eucalyptus extract should not be consumed in excessive amounts. In addition, overdosing on eucalyptus can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea and vomiting.

About the authorWeronika RumińskaA graduate of Polish philology with an editorial and publishing specialization at the University of Warsaw. She developed her interests related to the editor's work already during her master's studies, actively cooperating with Poradnikzdrowie.pl on the editorial path and social media. Privately, a lover of good crime fiction and horse riding.

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