Eucalyptus is an ancient plant that has been used in the traditional medicine of many cultures. Nowadays, scientists are studying this plant further because it has great health benefits.
Here you’ll learn what eucalyptus is, its characteristics, what is done with the plant, its benefits to health, where it originated, and what factors should be taken into account to grow it. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is eucalyptus and what are its characteristics?
| Scientific name | Eucalyptus globulus |
| Common name | Eucalyptus |
| Place of origin | Originated in Australia |
| Habitat | It grows in tropical to temperate climates |
| Part used | Leaves |
The eucalyptus is part of the botanical family Myrtaceae characterized by being trees or shrubs. In this section, you’ll learn more about the morphological characteristics of the eucalyptus.
Eucalyptus morphological characteristics
Eucalyptus is a unique plant and has the following characteristics:
- A tree that can be up to 60 m tall and 1.50 m in diameter.
- The stem has rough textured bark and gray or brown colors.
- The leaves can be green in light or dark shades and can measure between 15 to 16 cm long and from 3 to 8.5 cm wide.
- The leaves are white and small, measuring approximately 0.5 to 0.8 cm.
- It contains small fruits 0.8 cm long and 0.6 cm wide that can contain from 3 to 25 healthy seeds measuring only 1 mm in diameter.
- In addition, this tree is characterized by being aromatic so it has a soft and exquisite smell.
What is eucalyptus used for?
Eucalyptus is usually used as a medicinal plant. It used to be used only in an artisanal way but nowadays it is used in the global market for the production of different products. Some of these are:
- Mints with eucalyptus.
- Gums.
- Body moisturizers.
- Eucalyptus essential oil.
- Facial masks.
- Bath salts with eucalyptus essential oil.
- Shampoos.
- Bath soaps.
- Body scrubs.
- Cough and cold syrups with eucalyptus.
- Aromatizers, among others.
What are the health benefits of eucalyptus?
This plant is commonly used in a traditional way to treat different conditions, but as I mentioned before, the industry is now creating new products with eucalyptus. For example, it can be used for:
Antiseptic and antibacterial properties
According to The Open Agriculture Journal (2016), eucalyptus is commonly used to treat infections attacking the respiratory tract such as colds, sore throat, bronchitis or pneumonia; as it has the ability to control the growth of bacteria.
Positive action on gastrointestinal disorders
The scientific journal Phytomedicine Plus (2021) states that 75% of gastric ulcers are caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter Pylori. But what does that have to do with eucalyptus? Well, the magazine says that eucalyptus is used as a treatment for this type of condition in Nigeria because, according to studies that have been carried out, it has been proven that it can reduce gastric acid and the size of ulcers.
It promotes healing
In traditional aboriginal medicine, they have been using topical ointments for the treatment of different ailments for a long time, among those, they used eucalyptus oil or leaves in wounds to promote healing. In fact, the scientific journal Phytomedicine Plus (2021) says that eucalyptus is promising for the treatment of wounds, especially chronic wounds.
Oral health
Dental cavities are common throughout the population as they are caused by different factors such as bacteria. According to the scientific journal Phytomedicine Plus (2021), eucalyptus has antimicrobial properties, that is, it can fight and eliminate bacteria, and can therefore be used effectively to treat dental cavities.
Analgesic property
Eucalyptus is said to have analgesic properties: different studies have been conducted in this area. For example, a research study evaluated pain reduction in 10 people who had undergone surgery. The test consisted in inhaling eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes for 3 days; the result was positive as the patient’s pain was reduced. It has also been shown in other studies that when applied topically it can reduce mild muscle pain (Phytomedicine Plus, 2021).
Fact:
It is worth noting that the use of eucalyptus in different fields such as medicine is still under considerable study, being a plant with numerous potential benefits and an innovative strategy.
Where did eucalyptus originate?
The eucalyptus tree is said to have originated in Australia. Although the information on the distribution of this plant is limited, it is said that, in the 19th century, Ferdinand von Mueller, a German physician and botanist, proposed using eucalyptus oil to disinfect areas that were infected by epidemic fevers.
How is eucalyptus cultivated?
The eucalyptus tree is grown to reforest different areas because it is fast growing, in fact, it can grow up to 3 meters in just 1 year. Read on to learn about all the characteristics of the cultivation of this plant.
Climate
Eucalyptus can grow in a diversity of climates, but tropical to temperate areas are preferred. We are talking about optimum temperatures of 18 to 25 °C; it tolerates at least -5 °C, as it is usually sensitive to frost.
Soil
The eucalyptus tree tolerates different types of soils, from dry to more humid, but it is worth noting that humid soils with good drainage are preferred. In addition, this tree consumes high amounts of water, it is said that they can consume up to 50 liters of water per day in high summer temperatures.
Curious fact:
Although it is believed that eucalyptus can damage the soil, different studies have proven this to be false. Planting these trees has no negative effects either on the soil or on productivity.
Propagation of eucalyptus
This tree can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings, although it is usually cultivated through seeds, at temperatures of 13 to 18 °C for its correct germination. The plants are moved to the field intended for cultivation when they are 20 to 30 cm high, at approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Harvest and post-harvest
Normally, the foliage of the tree is harvested when the branches reach at least 50 cm in length. They are then hydrated and immersed in clean water for at least two hours at a temperature of about 5 °C (41 °F). A curious fact is that harvesting the eucalyptus foliage rejuvenates the plant and stimulates the germination of new shoots.
Conclusion
As you may have seen, eucalyptus is still under research to produce more products based on this plant; the industry is increasingly curious about all the traditional uses that are given to this plant. We hope that this blog has helped you learn a little more about this plant and that you dare to buy products that contain it.