Eucalyptus trees are also known as Fever Tree

Eucalyptus trees are some of the tallest in the world. There are more than 900 species of eucalyptus; they are commonly found in Australia and Tasmania, as well as on neighbouring islands.

They don’t like cold. The bark is usually peeling off in loose stringy or papery strips. Young leaves are often blue-grey on square stems. Mature leaves are shiny, very thin green ovals on round stems. Creamy white flowers, sometimes pink.

Leaves can be made into tea or steam distilled to extract oil, which is a powerful antiseptic used to treat gum disease, burns, insect repellant. The essential oil, breathed in a steam, will help clear the nasal passages, as will the steam from boiling the leaves. A small drop on the tongue eases nausea. Oil-soaked cloths placed in cabinets and closets keeps roaches and insects away.

Eucalyptus oil and eucalyptus teas or tinctures are used medicinally as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory rinses and inhalants to treat infections of the upper respiratory tract; the medicines are also used to treat wounds and some gynaecological disorders. A eucalyptus tincture may also be prescribed to treat inflammation of the mouth and, sometimes, as a sedative.