Eucalyptus smithii
species
From the Myrtaceae
family and native to Australia.
There are over 700
species of Eucalyptus of which
fewer than 20 have been
exploited commercially,
many of them outside
Australia. Eucalyptus Smithii
is commonly known as
‘gully gum’ or
‘white iron bark’
and also Smith’s gum
after H G Smith,
Australia’s foremost
pioneer of eucalyptus
essential oil.
This species is widely
grown in southern Africa
where the leaves are
harvested for oil production.
The part of the plant used is
fresh or partially dried leaves
and the oil is extracted by
steam distillation.
The name comes from
the Greek word
‘eucalyptos’
meaning ‘well
covered’ because the
flower buds are covered with
a cup like membrane which
is thrown off as the flower
expands
The xpectorant activity
of Eucalyptus oil may be
directly traced to the 1,8-
cineole which has the
property of reducing the
swelling of mucous
membranes and of loosening
phlegm, thus making
breathing easier. Traditionally
eucalyptus is one of the
most valuable oils for
treating
the respiratory system Non
toxic, non irritant and non
sensitising.
If taken internally
Eucalyptus oil is toxic. |
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