Materia Medica - Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

· Scientific Name: Eucalyptus globules

· Family: Myrtaceae

· Parts used: Leaves

· Energetics: Cooling

· Constituents: Cineol, aromadendrene, flavonoids, cuminaldehyde, and tannins.

· Taste: minty, citrusy, and bitter

· Plant properties: Anti-asthmatic, analgesic, anti-tumor, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antihistaminic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective.

· Plant preparations: Culinary, tincture, tea, decoction, powdered pills, and oil.

Traditional Uses/Lore

Eucalyptus is a word of Greek origin, where eu refers to ‘beautiful’ whereas ‘kalypto’s means hat. This flowering herbaceous perennial is indigenous to Australia and cheered among the Witches as dried or in blended form. ^[2]

Eucalyptus trees are not just the koala’s favorite resort, but it is also quite credible among the human race. The eucalyptus tree is of immense holy importance to the Aboriginals and provided them with the building material and fuel for settling. ^{[1, 2]}

Due to its powerful versatility, eucalyptus has garnered a lot of folk names, including gumwood, blue gum tree, fever tree of Australia, and woolly butt. According to folklore, stashing some eucalyptus leaves in your pillowcase can impart protection against evil spirits. ^[3]In a magickal context, eucalyptus helps bring freshness and relieve exhaustion by healing the regrets. When blended with other dried herbs, eucalyptus to extend its effect in sustaining emotional and physical stability. ^[4]

The shielding magick of eucalyptus is momentary but the effect is highly potent. Its leaves are infused, burned, and sprinkled to eradicate the negative influence and generate a protective barrier without conferring harm to other entities. ^[4]

Eucalyptus is attributed to the Venus, Air, and Moon as it enhances mental clarity and vividness of dreams. Taking a shower with a eucalyptus bouquet hanging at the base of the showerhead invites calm, exudes the stress, and cleanses the vapors. ^[5]

Hanging the eucalyptus twig over the sick’s bed can help the patient recover quickly. Also to seek relief from ailments, witches recommend ringing the green candles with eucalyptus leaves and pods and burning them, keeping the healthy image of a sick person in mind. ^[4]

Modern Use ^[6]

As much as the eucalyptus boasts a rich history of lore and magic, various scientific claims have studded diamonds in its already booming name. The dried leaves and oil of eucalyptus are employed in preparing medicines.

For centuries, eucalyptus oil is employed the obstinate cough. It is incorporated in certain OTC (over the counter) medications, such as chest and throat rubs, as an active ingredient to suppress the cough reflex. It also acts as an expectorant and helps to expel out the thickened mucus by loosening its consistency.

Eucalyptus oil is also added to insect repellents because it confers defense against insect bites, especially the horrible mosquito stings. The anti-inflammatory property of eucalyptus makes it a heavenly entity for catering to wounds. Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it also accelerates the healing of wounds, minor cuts, and burns.

Now that we know eucalyptus has a high affinity for the respiratory tract, it won’t harm to say that asthma is a story we can end with its use. It dilates the constricted alveoli and bronchioles of the asthmatic patient, making it easier for them to breathe.

Apart from tending to respiratory tract infections, eucalyptus can remarkably lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory property has been witnessed to be fruitful in managing osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

Recipe for plant preparation

Eucalyptus Tea ^[7]

Ingredients

· Eucalyptus (4 leaves)

· Water (2 cups)

Recipe

1. Wash the eucalyptus leaves

2. Tear the eucalyptus leaves and place in a pot containing 2 cups of water

3. Simmer on low flame for 15 minutes

4. Strain the plant material away and enjoy a steaming cup of eucalyptus tea.

Eucalyptus Martini ^[8]

Ingredients

· Fresh eucalyptus (1/3 cup)

· Sugar (2 cups)

· Water (2 cups)

· Gin (1 ½ ounce per 50ml)

· Fresh lime juice (1/2 ounces per 12.5ml)

· Egg white (3 drops)

· Eucalyptus leaf (1 for garnishing)

Recipe

1. Take a saucepan and add sugar.

2. Simmer until sugar dissolves.

3. Add fresh eucalyptus and stir for just 1 minute.

4. Turn down the flame and strain the eucalyptus syrup after 15 minutes.

5. Take a cocktail shaker and add eucalyptus syrup, lime juice gin, and egg white.

6. Shake well and strain twice.

7. Garnish the martini with a eucalyptus tea and serve.

Eucalyptus Tincture ^[9]

Ingredients

· Eucalyptus leaves (half pounds)

· Vodka

Recipe

1. Take a sterilized glass jar.

2. Place the eucalyptus leaves in the jar.

3. Cover the leaves with vodka for 4 to 6 weeks.

4. Strain the plant material and transfer the tincture to an airtight glass jar.

Known benefits backed by Science

Eucalyptus is highly celebrated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda due to its unchallenging medicinal perks. The magickal and spiritual uses of eucalyptus have been studied scientifically, and surprisingly, the results turned out to be magnificent. Eucalyptus can treat:

· Asthma

· Congestion

· Cough

· Sinusitis

· Common cold and flu

· Halitosis

· Diabetes

· Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Osteoarthritis

· Insect bites

· Wounds

· Cuts