Eucalyptus

What are the Benefits of Eucalyptus?

The essential oil-rich leaves of eucalyptus are used in steams, syrups and lozenges to support the respiratory system, as an essential oil for cleaning, and in teas for respiratory support like our Throat Coat® Eucalyptus and Breathe Easy® blends. Specifically, its primary essential oil, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), which is present in other aromatic herbs like peppermint, rosemary, and sage, is ideal for supporting chest and throat health.*

Eucalyptus leaves have an incredibly refreshing mint-like taste, which provides an invigorating touch of comfort when you need it most. It’s a great ally for winter or times of occasional stuffiness. In fact, many herb lovers like to bring the leaves inside and hang them in moist environments like bathrooms and showers to experience its aroma more frequently. Because of its powerful medicinal profile and incredible growing power, it’s no wonder this plant is a cherished traditional plant medicine that has made its mark worldwide.*

Folklore & Historical Use of Eucalyptus

Botanists have long been fascinated by this fast-growing gum tree, which excretes a sticky antibacterial resin to deter pests. Starting in the late 1700s, people began to propagate eucalyptus abroad with hopes to mitigate the challenges of their rugged ecosystems – such as reducing moisture in mosquito-prone habitats, rebuilding forests after rampant deforestation, or providing cover for areas that needed giant wind breaks. Some were just plant lovers who wanted to propagate the tree solely for its novelty. Others saw the plant as a get-rich scheme, and in the late 1800s, one developer planted over eight million eucalyptus trees on a fourteen-mile strip from Berkeley to Oakland, California. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t a good idea, nor was it profitable.

It turns out that the ubiquitous California eucalyptus has proven to be more harmful than helpful. The plant loves water, and at the same time, is fuel for fire. But, its resilience and abundance are true testaments to this plant’s power, and it provides so many different resources. The wood from eucalyptus can be used for timber, fuel, or even—didgeridoos! The bud caps make rather cute buttons, and the leaves are prized by herbalists for herbal medicine making.

Botanical Description & Habitat

There are over eight hundred species of eucalyptus, ranging from tall flowering trees to smaller shrubs. They’re all indigenous to Tasmania and Australia, but like other medicinal plants, eucalyptus can grow (and thrive) on almost every continent.

You may have noticed it before, the tree has a unique peeling bark and brightly colored fuzzy flowers—or more technically, stamens. While there are many shapes and sizes to eucalyptus leaves, this medicinal species has long, narrow leaves that are very aromatic. It tends to grow in hot to temperate climates, but doesn’t do well in freezing temperatures. The leaves are famously eaten by koala bears, in its native habitat of Australia.