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EUCALYPTUS
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(Eucalyptus globulus)
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Other Names
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Australian Fever Tree, Blue Gum, Crow of Thorns, Spurge, Wolf’s
Milk.
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Description
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This tall evergreen is native to Australia and Tasmania. Blue Gum is the variety
commonly grown in the Southern United States.
It grows to 300 feet or more, and is covered with a papery bark
that peels very easily. The leaves of trees that are under 5 years old are soft, oblong, and a
bluish color. The mature leaves are have a leathery texture. The white solitary flowers
produce a hard shelled, many seeded fruit.
The leaves are the marsupials only food
source.
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Classification
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Moist
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Taste
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Bitter
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Most Eucalyptus medication is made from the greenish yellow oil obtained from the
mature leaves. Use for lung diseases, colds, sore throat, as a vapor bath for respiratory
ailments, and as an antiseptic bath additive.
Use the oil for burns to prevent
infection. Use the cold extract is for indigestion and intermittent
fever. Externally it is a good antiseptic for use on wounds and
ulcers.
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Leaves
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Chest Rub
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Use for colds, influenza, asthma, and bronchitis.
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Compress
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Apply to inflammations, painful joints, and burns.
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Gargle
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Use for throat infections.
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Inhalation
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Inhale the steam for chest infections
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Massage Oil
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Use for rheumatic or arthritic pain.
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Oil
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Apply to cold sores.
Sniff oil to clear sinuses. Mix with water for an insect
repellent. Place a small drop on the tongue for nausea.
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Combinations
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Combine with Thymus.
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Constituents
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Volatile Oil, Tannins, Aldehydes, Bitter Resin,
Eucalyptol.
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Action
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Antiseptic, Deodorant, Expectorant, Stimulant.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Leaves.
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Collection
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Collect mature leaves.
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Preparation
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Leaves
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Inhalation
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Pour boiling water over a few leaves and inhale the
steam.
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Essential Oil
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Chest Rub
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Dilute 2 ml. oil in 25 ml. Almond oil.
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Compress
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Mix 2 ml. oil in 100 ml of water. Make sure it is well mixed,
then soak a pad in it and apply.
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Gargle
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Dilute 5 drops oil in a glass of water and mix well.
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Inhalation
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Add 10 drops oil to a little hot water and inhale the
steam.
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Massage Oil
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Combine 10 - 20 drops Eucalyptus Oil with 10 - 20 drops Rosemary Oil in 20 ml.
Almond Oil.
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Oil
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Boil the mature leaves in water and condense the vapor to recover the
oil. Dilute 2
drops oil in 10 ml. Sunflower Oil or an ointment base.
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Growing Directions
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If you wish to have a Eucalyptus tree it is best to transplant a hardy young
tree. Eucalyptus grows very rapidly, up to 7 feet per
year. If you plant a tree be prepared for it to take over your
yard. The roots are known for destroying water and sewer lines, and
buckling sidewalks. Eucalyptus prefer loamy soil and adequate water. It will literally grow
anywhere where the temperature remains above freezing. If the leaves begin to
blister cut back the amount of water it is receiving.
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History
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Eucalyptus is a traditional aboriginal fever remedy which was introduced to the
West in the 19th Century. The cultivation of the tree spread to Southern Europe and North
America. Eucalyptus roots hold a large amount of water so Australians chewed the
root for a water source. Throughout history it was used to break fever and eradicate
malaria.
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Additional Information
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1. Russian research suggests some species counteract influenza viruses, while
other species are anti-malaria or highly active against bacteria.
2. Eucalyptus is found in Listerine, Vicks Vapor Rub, and Dristan Nasal
Decongestant Spray.
3. The properties of oils from different species vary slightly but all are very
antiseptic.
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Cautions
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1. Do not give to children under 2.
2. The elderly should start with small doses and gradually increase the
dosage.
3. Eucalyptus Oil taken internally is very poisonous.
4. If you develop a rash stop using it.
5. Eucalyptus may cause minor stomach upset. If this occurs lover the dosage
then gradually increase it.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Moon
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Healing, Protection.
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Magickal Uses:
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Stuff the leaves in healing poppets and carry them on your person to maintain
good health. Hang a small branch over a sick person’s bed to chase the illness
away. Place
beneath your pillow to guard against colds.
Carry the leaves for protection.
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