Eucalyptus in the Landscape and Cough Drops
Find evergreen Eucalyptus as a low growing shrub or tree.
The History, Medicinal Uses and Cultivation of Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus spp
by Maureen McCracken
When you think of Eucalyptus what comes to mind? Dried flower arrangements with a strong scent of menthol cough drops? Yes, at least for me, that's definitely it, but there is so much more to this interesting plant.
Botanically, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus spp. is a member of the Myrtaceae family. There are more than 700 species, mostly native to Australia. Eucalyptus may take the form of a low ornamental shrub or a very large tree of more than 250 feet—and everything between. The giant species are among the tallest trees in the world.
Those grown in the Piedmont are of the shrub or small tree form, hardy in zones 7b to 10. Evergreen and a rapid grower, Eucalyptus is drought tolerant but not cold tolerant, so it is prone to die back in winter. It may come back from the roots the following year.
Horticulturally, Eucalyptus is a definite “yes” in the landscape, grown for its beautiful silvery blue-green foliage and wonderful fragrance. The leaves tend to be almost round and paired on the stems. Eucalyptus makes a wonderful specimen plant with excellent color contrast, interesting texture, form, foliage and fragrance. Plant it in full sun in well-drained soil and watch it grow—up to several feet in a season! As an added bonus, Eucalyptus trees repel mosquitoes from the area where they grow.
A Powerful Antiseptic
Medicinally, Eucalyptus oil has been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines for hundreds of years to heal wounds and fungal infections. The type Eucalyptus most often used medicinally is called Blue Gum or Australian Fever Tree. Laboratory studies have shown that Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic, has strong antibacterial properties and is also an expectorant.
The active ingredient derived from Eucalyptus oil and used in commercial products is cineole. Today Eucalyptus is available in many forms. It is readily available in products that treat the common cold such as lozenges, cough syrups, rubs and teas. Eucalyptus leaves are used in teas to soothe sore throats and to treat bronchitis and sinusitis. Ointments are available to relieve congestion when applied to the nose and throat. It can also be rubbed on the skin to help arthritis, boils, sores and wounds. Several of the more common products containing eucalyptus oil include Listerine, Mentholatum ointment and Vicks VapoRub. Eucalyptus oil has also long been used as an insect repellent.
Although botanical medicine is a time-honored method of treating disease or as a prevention or supplement, caution must still be exercised. When used externally Eucalyptus oil is nontoxic. However, if taken internally, Eucalyptus oil is toxic. Therefore, Eucalyptus oil must be diluted for internal treatments. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. MM February 2010
by Maureen McCracken
When you think of Eucalyptus what comes to mind? Dried flower arrangements with a strong scent of menthol cough drops? Yes, at least for me, that's definitely it, but there is so much more to this interesting plant.
Botanically, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus spp. is a member of the Myrtaceae family. There are more than 700 species, mostly native to Australia. Eucalyptus may take the form of a low ornamental shrub or a very large tree of more than 250 feet—and everything between. The giant species are among the tallest trees in the world.
Those grown in the Piedmont are of the shrub or small tree form, hardy in zones 7b to 10. Evergreen and a rapid grower, Eucalyptus is drought tolerant but not cold tolerant, so it is prone to die back in winter. It may come back from the roots the following year.
Horticulturally, Eucalyptus is a definite “yes” in the landscape, grown for its beautiful silvery blue-green foliage and wonderful fragrance. The leaves tend to be almost round and paired on the stems. Eucalyptus makes a wonderful specimen plant with excellent color contrast, interesting texture, form, foliage and fragrance. Plant it in full sun in well-drained soil and watch it grow—up to several feet in a season! As an added bonus, Eucalyptus trees repel mosquitoes from the area where they grow.
A Powerful Antiseptic
Medicinally, Eucalyptus oil has been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines for hundreds of years to heal wounds and fungal infections. The type Eucalyptus most often used medicinally is called Blue Gum or Australian Fever Tree. Laboratory studies have shown that Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic, has strong antibacterial properties and is also an expectorant.
The active ingredient derived from Eucalyptus oil and used in commercial products is cineole. Today Eucalyptus is available in many forms. It is readily available in products that treat the common cold such as lozenges, cough syrups, rubs and teas. Eucalyptus leaves are used in teas to soothe sore throats and to treat bronchitis and sinusitis. Ointments are available to relieve congestion when applied to the nose and throat. It can also be rubbed on the skin to help arthritis, boils, sores and wounds. Several of the more common products containing eucalyptus oil include Listerine, Mentholatum ointment and Vicks VapoRub. Eucalyptus oil has also long been used as an insect repellent.
Although botanical medicine is a time-honored method of treating disease or as a prevention or supplement, caution must still be exercised. When used externally Eucalyptus oil is nontoxic. However, if taken internally, Eucalyptus oil is toxic. Therefore, Eucalyptus oil must be diluted for internal treatments. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. MM February 2010
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Maureen McCracken is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for Mecklenburg County, NC.
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