I just had to add a koala bear – too cute to leave out of this post! However – don’t ever pretend you’re one of these little furry fellows and snack on eucalyptus!
Do you have a eucalyptus plant? I have some small ones that I hope to save over the winter (ha-ha) and see if I can encourage them to grow larger next year…we’ll see! They are very easy to grow. I really did nothing special but planted them in a sunny spot, not over-powering, but enough to get 6-8 hours a day in my garden. When the branches are the size you desire, you can cut them, put them in bunches and tie them together. Hang them upside down in a dryer area, usually near the ceiling, and let them alone for a few weeks! That’s It! Use them in potpourris, add them to wreaths, make centerpieces, even place them in larger quantities about your home for insect repellents. *But remember – Children should not ingest eucalyptus in any form, including in cough drops. Eucalyptus is also poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses. The signs of toxicity include heavy salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
Eucalyptus oil is amazing! It has so many more uses than what is listed here, I could fill pages and pages. But I have chosen some of the more common ones and hope you’ll report back on how these work for you. Truthfully – I have no idea how to extract the oil and there are so many available today that I see no need either! Just remember – not all oils are equal. Like any product brand, do your homework. What you use for cleaning could be of a lesser quality than what you use medicinally.
Cleaning Uses
Clothing Stains/Underarm Odor
Make a paste of eucalyptus oil and liquid washing detergent. Rub it into the stain or armpit area with an old toothbrush. Leave for 10 minutes and then wash as normal.
Remove Stickies
Things like wax, stickers…. Use oil straight and rub sticky business off.
Bathroom Cleaner
A mixture of eucalyptus, baking soda and white vinegar can be made up and used for cleaning all parts of the bathroom, including the toilet. Its non-toxic for drains, and is great to disinfect, deodorize, and is anti-bacterial.
General Cleaning
For smaller jobs like cupboards, shelves, or floor areas, fill a 2 or 3 gallon bucket ¼ of the way with hot soapy water, with a cap full of eucalyptus oil, and wipe down area for clean and fresh smelling.
Medicinal Uses
Athlete’s Foot
Soak foot in a bucket of 1 part white vinegar/ 3 parts water, dry and then dab straight eucalyptus oil on to the infected area. Eucalyptus oil works as a fungicide. It can also be used straight on any discolored nails that may have a fungal infection.
Allergen/Asthmatic Control
Add a cap full to your washing machine and wash sheets and mattress protector. Soft toys can also be washed in this way. This kills the dust mite and removes the allergen that the they produce which can effect asthmatics.
Sinusitis
Apply as a hot compress over the sinuses and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet (toes and pads of the feet). You can also inhale directly or diffuse throughout the room.
Respiratory Viruses
Fight viral infections by diffusing eucalyptus constantly during times of illness (read the application guide above for ideas on how).
Overexercised Muscles
Strain, fatigue, etc can all be treated with a gentle massage of eucalyptus oil. Always massage toward the heart to move the lactic acid buildup through the lymphatic system.
Pain
Depending on the type of pain, eucalyptus oil uses may necessitate application to the reflex points of the feet or directly over the area of concern.
Pneumonia
Help the lungs to clear by diffusing constantly and massaging directly over the lungs. It will also help to work eucalyptus into the reflex points of the hands and feet.
Insect Bites
Treat with dab of straight oil
Inflammation
Massage 1-2 drops over the afflicted area, always moving toward the heart to support the lymphatic system.
Can you find my hidden eucalyptus plant in this photo?
I really need to transplant it – soon!
