The eucalyptus tree is also known as the fever tree.
Because of its antiseptic, disinfectant properties, it was planted in areas of swamp to purify those areas that were breeding grounds for fevers and other disease.
An inhalation of a few drops of eucalyptus oil was used for the relief of cold symptoms. It was also used as an expectorant in asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia and as a decongestant in catarrh and sinusitis.
A decoction of the leaves was used for the relief of dysentery, typhoid, diarrhea, and vomiting. Disorders of the urinary tract, such as cystitis, were also treated with a decoction of eucalyptus leaves.
Eucalyptus taken internally was also thought to stimulate the circulation, induce sweating, reduce fever and speed up eruptive diseases, such as chickenpox, by bringing out the eruptions on to the skin.
Externally eucalyptus oil was used in compresses to be applied to wounds, burns, ulcers, boils and abscesses as an antiseptic and either to stop bleeding or to speed up healing.
Some drops of eucalyptus oil in almond oil was used to rub the chest in chest infections, bronchitis and asthma. Ringworm and athlete’s foot were treated with dilute eucalyptus, and this was also used as an application to the skin as an insect repellent.
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