Eucalyptus is suppose to repel bugs! Koalas make their meals out of the fragrant and highly toxic eucalyptus leaves that grow in Australia. (Samantha Shanahan/KQED) In fact, that was the original purpose of what’s now the largest, densest stand of blue gum eucalyptus in the world, on campus at Berkeley, says McBride. However, the aroma of burning eucalyptus has also been described as "medicinal," which can alter the flavor of baked goods and other foods. The National Institutes of Health recognizes that eucalyptus oil and leaves can be safely used in a variety of medical treatments, including in vaporizer treatments to cure congestion. As a result, eucalyptus is not a wood that most homeowners would choose for a wood-burning stove used for cooking. Simply put, cats and fresh eucalyptus are not the greatest match. 1,8 cineole “ 1,8 cineole does not appear to be as toxic as is often believed, although elevated oral doses certainly are toxic and children are susceptible to cineole toxicity. So let’s have a look at what Tisserand and Young actually say about Eucalyptus essential oils and 1,8 cineole. It was first used by the Aborigines in the dry outback—they chewed the roots, which hold a high concentration of water. Although the trees may seem peacefully scenic and beautiful, they actually can be potentially very harmful to your feline friend. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this misery! This is a reference to the flowers that have a cup-like covering that they shrug off when the bud blooms. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is an evergreen tree native to Australia but cultivated worldwide. Eucalyptus has a fresh, distinctive scent that many enjoy in an open fire. Thankfully I no longer have to worry about bugs in the food, the very thought of … Living in such a humid state (FL) may be a contributor but thought I'd warn others. Owing to these adverse effects, Eucalyptus is often referred as " Ecological Terrorist". However, this can cause chemicals to be released into the dirt and may be dangerous for plants that produce food. Eucalyptus depletes the the nutrients and moisture reserves of the soil and inhibits the undergrowth due to allelopathic properties. Eucalyptus may sound wonderfully exotic to you, just like the outback, kangaroos and koalas of its native Australia. The dried leaves and oil are used to make medicine. I did e-mail Michaels about this problem. If cut or damaged the tree exudes a great deal of sap that has many medicinal uses. Why is eucalyptus harmful? Eucalyptus trees grow fast, sometimes putting on 4 to 6 feet in height in a single year. Eucalyptus are known as the food of koalas and the major plant species in Australia. They also drank eucalyptus tea as a remedy for fever. The name Eucalyptus is derived from the Greek "well covered." Eucalyptus leaves contain an essential oil called eucalyptol and, if consumed in small quantities by adult humans, are unlikely to be harmful. Overview Information Eucalyptus is a tree. Sometimes, gardeners will gather the eucalyptus leaves and use them as mulch. As this use spread, eucalyptus became known as Australian fever tea. For years, scientists have been stumped as to how they could ingest these poisonous plants, and feed their children, without falling the slightest bit ill. They’re threatened by other diseases, sure. Owing to these adverse effects, eucalyptus is often referred as `` Terrorist! Leaves that grow in Australia as `` Ecological Terrorist '' eucalyptus globulus is. As the food of koalas and the major plant species in Australia wood-burning stove used for.... Is derived from the Greek `` well covered. their meals out of the soil inhibits... 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