Medicinal Plant Virtual Tour - RED GUM

Eucalyptus camaldulensis        |        Myrtaceae       |       red gum

Medicinal Properties:

Eucalyptus oil extracts have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-tumor properties. Eucalyptus oil contains cineole- an antiseptic that kills bacteria. In 19th century England the oil was used to clean urinary catheters in hospitals, since they were reusable. Today It is present in antiseptic mouthwashes to help prevent bad breath, gingivitis and plaque. It is used in cough drops, cough medicines. The oil is toxic if taken by mouth. In order to use it needs to be diluted with other oils. It is to be avoided by those with high/low blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma and pregnant women.

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Medicinal Plants page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)