The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dr. Jamayet Ali

Eucalyptus is a large tree attaining a height of 300 ft. or more, with a clean straight bole under forest conditions, but often tending to branch freely when grown in the open. It bears odorous long lanceolate glabrous leaves, axillary cone-shaped buds with operculum, and triangular seeds, planted as aforestation plantations all over Bangladesh. It was introduced in the sub-continent as a fuel tree in 1843. A cool, moist, equitable climate and deep fertile soil, which is not calcareous or saline, are favourable for the growth of Eucalyptus. The bark of this tree yields a material which has been found suitable for making paper. The leaves and young shoots yield an essential oil used in the preparation of the much-advertised 'Eucalyptus Soap'. It is also said to be employed as a substitute for 'Cajeput oil.' The oil is largely used as a mosquito and vermin repellent and as an ingredient of germicidal and disinfecting preparations. It is an ingredient of deodourising and asepticising compositions for use in theatres. The timber of Eucalyptus is utilised in Australia for a variety of purposes. Availability of long planks, immunity to insect attack and durability under- water are the main considerations which render the timber useful for shipbuilding. It is fire-resistant and is used for the construction of godowns, sheds, stations and platforms.

Medicinal Properties: The leaves yield a strong pungent essential oil, valued in medicine as an antiseptic, febrifuge, and anthelmintic. In South Africa, an infusion of the leaf is used as a spray for vermin infested places and is said to dislodge them effectively. Steam from water in which the leaves are boiling is inhaled as a respiratory antiseptic. Among the very poor, both European and Native, the finely powdered bark is employed as a dusting powder. The root is considered purgative. In the Transvaal, Europeans apply a poultice of the bruised leaves to draw abscesses to a head. (Indian Medicinal Plants, KR. Kirtikar & B.D. Basu, Vol. IT)

Medicine: The leaves yield an essential oil used in medicine, and sometimes as a substitute for Cajeput oil. "Eucalyptus was originally recommended as a remedy in intermittent fever, but experience has failed to establish its value as an antiperiodic. Whatever medical virtues it possesses beyond astringency reside in the volatile oil. This when applied locally, acts as a powerful irritant. As a stimulating narcotic, the oil of Eucalyptus has been used with asserted success in migraine and other forms of neuralgia. As an antispasmodic it has been highly lauded in asthma. In chronic or subacute bronchitis it may often be employed with advantage, especially when there is a tendency to spasm." (U.S. Dispens., 566.)

Special Opinions: "I have used 3ss doses of the leaves infused in an inhaler in cases of chronic thickening of the mucus membrane of faces and throat with marked good results: one case of over 3 years' standing quite recovered under its use." (Honorary Surgeon Easton Alfred Morris in Medical charge, Tranquibar.) Prof. Lister has lately made use of the oil as an antiseptic dressing in place of carbolic acid. It is used undiluted. It is largely employed in the form of ointment, and as antiseptic fauze. The oil, with hot water, as an inhalation has been used with the best effects in diphtheria, in America." ( E. G. Russell, Superintendent. Asylums at Predency General Hospital, Calcutta.) " Dose of the oil from 10 to 30 minims for true leprosy with good effect" (Apothecary Thomas Ward, Madanapalli, Cuddapah.) ( "A powerful antiseptic, and used by Prof. Lister in preparation of antiseptic gauze." ( S. Westcott, AM.D.) " Much used in antiseptic surgery as a dressing. Also in diphtheria in the form of blue-gum stem. The tincture is much lauded by some for ague" (G.B.) "The inhalation of the essential oil is useful in bronchial and phthisical cases. The oil can be supplied from the Nilghiri plantations." (Surgeon General William Robert Comish, F.R.C.S., C.IE., Madras.) " Used as an antiseptic." ( Brigade Surgeon G.A Watson, Allallabad.) " Also employed in intermittent fever on account of its antiperiodic properties." (Civil Surgeon I. Anderson, M.B., Bijnor.)" An infusion of the leaves, or 10 to 20 drops oil in a pint of boiling water, excellent for steaming the throat when ulcerated." (Surgeon-Major W. Farquhar, M.D., IM.D, Ootacamund.) (Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, Watt, Vol. ill)

Medicinal Values: Eucalyptus oil is largely used as a mosquito and vermin repellant and as an ingredient of germicidal and disinfecting preparations. It is an ingredient of deodourising and asepticising compositions for use of theatres. The oil is used locally as an antiseptic, especially in the treatment of infections of the upper respiratory tract, and in certain skin diseases. Mixed with an equal amount of olive oil, it is useful as a rubefacient for rheumatism. It is also used in ointment for burns.

Intemally it is used as a stimulating expectorant in chronic bronchitis and asthma. It is frequently given by inhalation; a few drops of the oil may be added along with menthol, oil of pine and Compound Tincture of Benzoin to boiling water and the mixed vapour and steam inhaled. Cases of eucalyptus oil poisoning have been sometimes reported. The symptoms are epigastric burning with nausea and vomiting; dizziness and muscular weakness also occur. One of the earliest symptoms is a feeling of suffocation. In some patients with idiosyncrasies, ordinaty therapeutic doses give rise to dermatitis (Wealth of India, Raw Materials, Vol. III, 213)

Propetties and Uses: Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving the coughs and colds, sore throats and other infections. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy, atld also as an antiseptic and disinfectant for the treatment viral conditions, skin and other infections, and as a decongestant. Extract of aerial parts is diuretic, febrifuge, atltimalarial, carminative, stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic and antiseptic. Extract of the leaves also increases the flow of saliva, gastric and intestinal secretions and the rate of heartbeat, respiration atld volume of urine and milk. Eucalyptus is used in the treatment of bronchial catarrh,fevers, croup, dyptheria, whooping cough, wounds and ulcers. Leaves when chewed harden spongy and bleeding gums. Methanolic extract of the leaves possesses strong antimicrobial activity. Essential oil from leaves and fruits possess strong antibacterial antifungal activities (Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh, Abdul Ghani, Second Edition, 191).