Herb. No. 158 · Myrtaceae
Tasmanian blue gum, planted in warm belts worldwide and invasive in some of them.
Native · Oceania
Native Also grown
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Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
Blue gum — the fever tree of Australia, a steam-inhalation leaf, and an oil that does not belong in a cup.
Eucalyptus globulus is a Tasmanian giant planted worldwide. Traditional use is as a steam for congested colds. A mild leaf decoction exists in folk practice. The essential oil is a different, concentrated drug — not for children internally, not for the mug. Koalas can eat the leaf; you are not a koala.
Flavor
Camphor, menthol, solvent-sweet. A steam, not a soup.
Parts used
Leaf (inhalation; weak decoction)
Helpful
- A real steam plant
- A fast tree in the right climate
Cautions
- Oil is toxic swallowed
- Invasive in some climates
- Not a children’s internal herb