Eucalyptus is an exotic tree species belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is widely used for its medicinal and healing properties.
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree dating back to the 18th century. It is native to Australia, but cultivated worldwide, with over 900 known species. Some species of Eucalyptus produce gum, some produce pollen and nectar for honey, while some produce Eucalyptus Oil, which has major significance in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.
Being an essential oil, Eucalyptus oil has already gained massive popularity. But did you know, Eucalyptus has other benefits as well? Such as, Eucalyptus wood is used as a general purpose timber? Or Eucalyptus is a good source of firewood and charcoal?
This post will give you an insight of some lesser-known Eucalyptus benefits. Read on to find out.
Eucalyptus Benefits and Uses
- Eucalyptus helps fight cough and cold: Eucalyptus leaves are high in antioxidants. The tea brewed from the dried Eucalyptus leaves provide a plethora of health benefits. It helps fight the cancer-causing free radicals and boosts overall immunity. It also helps in the treatment of common cold, cough, nasal congestion, and stress.
- Eucalyptus is used as a general purpose timber: Eucalyptus wood is used for making house buildings and furniture in many commercial industries worldwide. It is sustainable, strong, and highly absorbent. It quickly absorbs water or oil-based stains.
- Eucalyptus helps prevent Malaria: Eucalyptus is also known as the ‘Fever Tree’ due to its fever-dispelling properties. It turns marshy or flooded areas (where it is planted) into dry lands, diminishing the amount of stagnant water that causes the malaria-causing mosquitoes to breed.
- Eucalyptus is used in paper manufacturing: Eucalyptus is extensively used in the manufacturing of printing papers, toilet papers, tissues, and other paper types. Eucalyptus pulp produces a relatively uniform fiber having tactile softness, opacity and capacity to quickly absorb liquid. These characteristics make Eucalyptus an ideal raw material for the paper-making industry.
- Eucalyptus makes a great choice for Firewood: Eucalyptus is widely planted for fuelwood production. Dried Eucalyptus wood has low moisture content and high carbon content. It burns brightly, and has a pleasant fragrance. It also makes an excellent grade of charcoal.
- Eucalyptus is used in making natural dyes: The colored liquid waste obtained from the Eucalyptus wood steaming process is used a natural coloring substance in the textile industry. Eucalyptus leaves and barks produce various shades of eco dyes for protein fabrics.
- Eucalyptus is used in making Didgeridoo: Didgeridoos are traditional musical instruments of the natives of Australia. Eucalyptus is a preferred hardwood to make didgeridoos since it produces good sound resonance.
Did You Know?
Eucalyptus is one the fastest growing tress in the world. Most of the Eucalyptus species reach early maturity within 10 years of planting.
History of Eucalyptus in India
Eucalyptus was first planted in 1790 by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. According to sources, the seeds were received from Australia.
The cultivation of Eucalyptus flourished in India in the 1980s as a massive afforestation drive. However, soon it became a topic of debate among activists, foresters, and politicians. The debate revolved around the benefits and determinant of Eucalyptus plantation on large scale. It was criticized for destroying local biodiversity, hydrological balance, depleting soil nutrients, and lowering soil fertility.
Despite of the criticism and debates, Eucalyptus cultivation continued in India. At present, various species, clones and hybrids of Eucalyptus are found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Kerala.
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Hope you find the above information interesting and useful. Feel free to share your feedback or edits in comments.
