Eucalyptus functions as both a stimulant and antiseptic and contains a number of medicinal properties

Eucalyptus is known to the scientific world as Eucalyptus globulus and is also known as Blue Gum Tree and Stringy Bark Tree. It is a native of Australia but now also grows in North and South Africa and Southern Europe.

There are over 600 species but all eucalyptus trees are very fragrant and pest-resistant. They have leathery leaves and puffy orange or red flowers that easily attract pollinators. The oil from eucalyptus is extremely flammable and fires spread quickly through areas with a large number of eucalyptus trees. However, their life cycle depends on occasional fires, so it does not destroy them completely. Eucalyptus can soak up a large amount of water and for this reason, hundreds of them were planted in Sicily to help get rid of Malaria. Eucalyptus is also the tallest flowering tree in the world. They can be as tall as 92 meters. There are taller trees such as redwoods, but they are conifers and do not flower.

Eucalyptus is used for decoration, timber, firewood and pulpwood. Eucalyptus oil has been distilled from the leaves and used for years as a medicine. Most commonly it is used as an antiseptic, deodorant and stimulant. The oil is used in small doses in cough drops and decongestants. Many people will inhale diluted eucalyptus oil for decongestion. If you are doing this keep your eyes closed to protect them from the potent fumes.

Diluted eucalyptus is also rubbed onto the skin to help relieve joint pain and arthritis. The medicinal properties of eucalyptus are not found in all eucalyptus. If you are looking for a product that contains medicinal oils from eucalyptus then you should look on the package for eucalyptol. In large doses eucalyptus is extremely toxic and irritates the kidney and can stop respiration. Eucalyptus oil is often used to treat animals especially for skin infections. It is also a natural flea repellant.