English: Gum Tree
Malayalam: Eukkaly
Sanskrit: Thailaparna
It is an evergreen tree, that grows to 40–70 meters tall, straight, trunk up to 2 m in diameter, with large branches, crowning and camphoraceous foliage. Bark smooth, gray, brown, and peeling in long, rough, shaggy, and thick strips. Leaves are arranged alternately, drooping on flattened yellowish petioles 1.5 to 4 cm long, narrowly lanceolate, up to 30 cm long and 2.5 to 5 cm wide, mostly curved, apex acuminate, acute at base, margin entire, glabrous, thick, leathery, and shiny dark green. Flowers are single, found at the leaf base, 5 cm across, and numerous, white stamens 12 mm long. Seeds are irregularly elliptical, up to 3 mm long, and dull black. The root system deep length of up to 30 meters and spreads.
Useful plant parts: Whole plant, Stem
Used in the treatments of abscess, dysentery, dyspepsia, leprosy, arthritis, bronchitis, burns, asthma, boils, flu, grippe, cold, cough, croup, cystitis, cancer, rhinitis, sores, catarrh, diabetes, diphtheria, fever, inflammation, malaria, miasma, phthisis, sore throat, spasms, tuberculosis, wounds, tumors, vaginitis and worms infestations.
Blue Gum Tree, scientifically known as Eucalyptus globulus, is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia. It has been introduced to various parts of the world, including India. In Ayurveda, the Blue Gum Tree is known as “Nilgiri,” and it holds a prominent place in traditional Indian medicine. Here are some of the Ayurvedic uses of the Blue Gum Tree:
1. Respiratory Disorders: Nilgiri oil, extracted from the leaves of the Blue Gum Tree, is widely used in Ayurveda for its potent respiratory benefits. It is used for treating conditions like colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus oil can help clear the respiratory passages.
2. Fever and Infections: The leaves of the Blue Gum Tree are used traditionally for their potential to reduce fever and combat various infections.
3. Muscle and Joint Pain: The oil extracted from the Blue Gum Tree is often used topically to alleviate muscle and joint pain. It is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Decongestant: Nilgiri oil is known for its decongestant properties, which can help relieve nasal congestion and ease breathing difficulties.
5. Antiseptic Properties: The oil is considered to have antiseptic properties, which makes it useful for treating minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites.
6. Mental Clarity and Alertness: The aroma of eucalyptus oil is believed to stimulate mental clarity and increase alertness. It is often used in aromatherapy for this purpose.
7. Skin Conditions: Eucalyptus oil is sometimes used in Ayurveda for its potential to soothe skin irritations, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
8. Dental Health: It is believed that eucalyptus oil may help combat oral infections and bad breath. It’s sometimes used as an ingredient in natural mouthwashes.
9. Stress and Anxiety: The aroma of eucalyptus oil is thought to have a calming effect on the mind, potentially helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
10. Expectorant: It is believed to help in expelling mucus from the respiratory system, making it useful for conditions involving excess phlegm.
11. Insect Repellent: Eucalyptus oil is sometimes used as a natural insect repellent due to its strong aroma.
12. Lice Treatment: Some traditional practices use eucalyptus oil as a natural treatment for head lice.
Caution: While eucalyptus oil has many beneficial properties, it’s important to use it in appropriate dilutions and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Ingesting eucalyptus oil can be toxic, so it should only be used externally or inhaled in steam. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using eucalyptus oil.
Chemical content:
Quercetol, quercitrine, rutin, quercetol, hyperoside and glaucoside.eucalyptol-cineol, terpineol, aliphatic aldehydes, isoamyl alcohol, ethanol, sesquiterpene alcohols, terpenes, Tannin, catechin, and citriodorol
Medicinal Properties:
Anodyne, antiphlogistic, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, febrifuge, hemostat, inhalant, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, suppurative, vermifuge, deodorant, diaphoretic, expectorant and insect repellant
One of the ingredients to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like-
Learn more:
http://treephys.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/1-2/81.short
Tags:
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