Eucalyptus globulus
Botanical Nomenclature | Eucalyptus globulus |
Common Name | Blue Gum, Southern Blue-Gum, Tasmanian Bluegum |
Taxonomy- Family | Myrtaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Eucalyptus globulus is an evergreen tree growing up to 80m, with dry, gray bark, oblong, lanceolate leaves and small, white, hermaphrodite flowers which become gray capsules after polination. The branches are flexible, thin and upright, the fruits are spherical and the root goes deep into the ground. Eucalyptus genus has many species. Eucalyptus globulus was imported to Greece from Australia in the first half of the 20th century, due to its alleged deterrent action against the mosquito of malaria. It is the most common Eucalyptus species in Greece. The flowering lasts from July to August. |
Region Found | Epirus (cultivated, not wild species) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, bark |
Active Substances | Essential oil, which contains eucalyptol, cineole, alpha- and beta-pinene, camphene, alpha-phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, terpinenol, aromadendrene, piperitone and globulol. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, resins, tannic acid, lactic acid. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has antibacterial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizing, expectorant, antipyretic, hypoglycemic and tonic properties. The herbal tea is recommended for the treatment of cough, cold, sore throat, asthma, stomach ulcers, laryngitis, nasopharyngitis, runny nose, bronchitis, pneumonia, acute cystitis and dysentery. It is applied externally to the skin against inflammation, wounds, burns, ulcers and acne. It is also administered in the form of inhaler against nasal congestion and in the form of gargles against sore throats, gums' bleeding and dental plaque. The leaves mixed with other herbs may be used in baths against rheumatic pain, nervousness and insomnia. Finally, the essential oil is used in perfumery and soap making. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 3 times a day) and infusion (20g of dried herb in 800-1000mL of boiling water for 5-10min, 3-4 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of ethereal oil, tincture (45% ethyl alcohol in 2,5-4g of dried leaves, 5-20 drops a day) and ointment. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Excess doses of the essential oil may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, lethargy, dyspnea, delirium, paralysis, spasms and death due to respiratory failure. Also, it may cause dermatitis and itching. Plant's consumption should be avoided by patients with diabetes, infants and children. Daily recommended oral dose is from 2.5 to 4 or 6g. |
References | 1)Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Ά τόμος, σελίδες: 223-225 2)http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/eucalyptus-oil.aspx 3)http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/eucalyptus-globulus.html 4)http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/eucalyptus 5)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/eucaly14.html#con |