blue gum tree, stingy bark tree.
native to Australia and Tasmania; now introduced into North and South Africa, India, and southern Europe
the oil distilled from the leaves. The oil contains eucalyptol, which is the important medically active chemical.
an antiseptic and stimulant gargle, it also increases the action of the heart and is said to have some antimalarial properties. It is taken internally in pulmonary tuberculosis, scarley fever, typhoid and intermittent fevers. Used externally as an inhalant to clear catarrh, and to ease croup and throat troubles. However, in large doses it can irritate the kidneys, depress the nervous system and possibly stop respiration. Despite its harmless appearence, care should be used when administering the drug internally.
distilled oil, emulsion.