Amazing Eucalyptus

February 2, 2015



Eucalyptus is the second tree or bush that could possibly be the original of the Bible's burning bush story – both can ignite spontaneously due to resins on the stems and leaves. The other plant is called the creosote bush or chaparral and lives in desert areas of North America and Mexico.

Eucalyptus seeds of two species are used by humans as food. While eucalyptus leaves are the sole food source for the Australian koala, cats will eat it as well and can die from it. They also react to the chemical in the leaves in the same way they do to catnip – sniffing, licking, and rolling around in apparent ecstasy. My sister who was in Ethiopia as a Peace Corp volunteer said that it is used there in houses to repel ants. Personally, I'm like the cats. I love to sniff it repeatedly until I have finally had enough.






http://www.livestrong.com/article/269219-are-eucalyptus-leaves-poisonous-to-children/

Are Eucalyptus Leaves Poisonous to Children?
By Kimberly Wilson
Jan 28, 2015

Eucalyptus leaves are poisonous to children. However, the use of eucalyptus in commercially produced cough and cold remedies confuses the issue of toxicity. Complicating the issue even further, the leaves are available for use in herbal remedy tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eucalyptus historically has many uses and further research is needed regarding its medicinal properties.

Identification

There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees, which take the form of tall trees or shrubs. The trees are native to Australia, and also grow in Northern California and the Mediterranean. Tall varieties like the blue gum can reach 230 feet. Most eucalyptus are evergreens, and the leaves have oil glands. The leaves are shiny and long, and the tree also flowers and produces woody fruits that contain seeds. The bark is often rough, with a blotchy appearance. The leaves have a strong smell. All parts of the eucalyptus tree are flammable, and the trees have been known to burst into flames. In warm weather, the oil from the leaves can vaporize into the air and form a haze.

History

Oil distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus was used in Australian Aboriginal medicine. The oil was applied topically to heal wounds. Leaves were made into a tea and used to treat fever. In 19th century England, hospitals took advantage of the antibacterial properties of the oil to sterilize urinary catheters. The oil and leaves also have expectorant properties.

Modern Usage

Today, eucalyptus is used in commercial cough lozenges and mouthwash. The oil is used externally for rubs intended to relieve congestion. The leaves are widely available as an herbal remedy for use in tea to treat sinus congestion, bronchitis and the flu. These products are not designed for children.

Symptoms

According to North Carolina State University, the leaves and bark of the eucalyptus are considered poisonous in large amounts. If too much is ingested, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can result. It is possible for an overdose to cause a coma. The oil should never be ingested in any amount, as it is highly toxic. The oil from the leaves can cause a skin irritation, but this is not considered serious.

Warning

Children should not ingest eucalyptus in any form, including in cough drops. If the child is over two years old, eucalyptus rubs may be safe, but use them only if directed by a physician. Adults should consult a qualified health practitioner before ingesting teas made from eucalyptus leaves. The leaves are toxic if ingested in large amounts. External use is safe for adults.





List of edible seeds
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Although some beans can be consumed raw, some need to be heated before consumption. In certain cultures, beans that need heating are initially prepared as a seed cake. Beans that need heating include:[5] Eucalyptus species, such as tammin mallee (Eucalyptus leptopoda) and coolibah (E. microtheca)





http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html
Eucalyptus

What is it?

Eucalyptus is a tree. The dried leaves and oil are used to make medicine. Though eucalyptus is used medicinally for many purposes, there isn’t enough scientific evidence so far to rate it as effective for any of them.

Eucalyptus leaf is used for infections, fever, upset stomach, and to help loosen coughs. The leaf is also used for treating respiratory tract infections, whooping cough, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, joint pain (rheumatism), acne, wounds, poorly healing ulcers, burns, bacterial dysentery, ringworms, liver and gallbladder problems, loss of appetite, and cancer.

Eucalyptus oil should not be taken by mouth or applied to the skin full-strength. It must be diluted for safety. The diluted oil is taken by mouth for pain and swelling (inflammation) of respiratory tract mucous membranes, coughs, bronchitis, sinus pain and inflammation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. It is also used as an expectorant to loosen coughs, antiseptic, fever reducer, and in vaporizer fluids. Other uses include treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers, and cancer.

Diluted eucalyptus oil is applied directly to the skin for pain and swelling of respiratory tract mucous membranes, joint pain, genital herpes, and nasal stuffiness. It is also used as an insect repellent.

In dentistry, eucalyptus oil is included in products used as sealers and solvents for root canal fillings.

In foods, dried eucalyptus leaf is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, eucalyptus oil is used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. It is also used as a mouthwash, antiseptic, liniment and ointment, and in toothpaste, cough drops, and lozenges.

How effective is it?

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for EUCALYPTUS are as follows:

Possibly effective for...

Bronchitis. Some research shows that taking a specific combination product containing eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, and extracts of pine and lime by mouth for at least 2 weeks improves symptoms and reduces flare-ups in people with bronchitis.

Insect repellant. Some research shows that applying a specific spray containing a combination of eucalyptus and lemon extract to the skin lowers the number of tick bites by about 30% in people living in tick-infested areas.

How does it work?

Eucalyptus leaf contains chemicals that might help control blood sugar. It also contains chemicals that might have activity against bacteria and fungi. Eucalyptus oil contains chemicals that might help pain and inflammation. It might also block chemicals that cause asthma.

Are there safety concerns?

Eucalyptus leaf is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in the small amounts found in foods. There isn't enough information to know if supplements that contain larger amounts of eucalyptus leaf are safe when taken by mouth.

Eucalyptol, a chemical that is removed from eucalyptus oil and used as medicine, is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks.

Eucalyptus oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied directly to the skin without first being diluted. Eucalyptus oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when it is taken by mouth without first being diluted. Taking 3.5 mL of undiluted oil can be fatal. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning might include stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, small eye pupils, feelings of suffocation, and some others. Eucalyptus oil can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Eucalyptus is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when consumed in food amounts. But don’t use eucalyptus oil. Not enough is known about safety during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Children: Eucalyptus oil is LIKELY UNSAFE for children. It should not be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Not much is known about the safety of using eucalyptus leaves in children. It’s best to avoid use in amounts larger than food amounts.

Diabetes: Early research suggests eucalyptus leaf might lower blood sugar. There is concern that using eucalyptus while taking medications for diabetes might lower blood sugar too much. Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely.

Surgery: Since eucalyptus might affect blood sugar levels, there is concern that it might make blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.