January 19, 2009

Eucalyptus is a broad group of trees and sometimes shrubs that grow mostly in Australia. The word means “well covered”. In Australia there are over 700 species of eucalyptus. It also is found in small numbers in parts of New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines, America, England, Africa, Middle East, China, the Indian Subcontinent and the Mediterranean Basin.
Uses of the eucalyptus tree include:
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A wood source that has made them economically important in poorer regions of the world.
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Its oil serves as a natural insecticide and cleaner.
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Since it sucks water from the ground it is being planted to drain swamps. In the process it reduces the malaria risk in those areas.
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The leaves are beneficial in that they contain compounds that are natural disinfectants.
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There is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves. In large quantities, however this compound is toxic. Steam distillation is used to extract the eucalyptus oil from the leaves. This oil is used for cleaning purposes, deodorizing, in small amounts in food supplements as cough drops, sweets and decongestants.
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It is an active ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents as it has insect repellent properties.
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The nectar of some trees produce honey.
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The wood is used in making Australian Aboriginal wood instruments.
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Dyes can be made from all parts of the eucalyptus and the material left over from the processing can be used for mulch and fertilizers.
Scented soy candles uses the fragrant essential oil of eucalyptus in making a pleasing aroma for your home. You can find this fragrance in soy candle container jars, 4oz travel tins, gourmet soy melts, soy votive, fragrance oil, and in the fragrance of “Cool Breeze” in aromatherapy and body massage soy candles.
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