Using Herbs to Improve Horse Health - Eucalyptus

There are over 300 species of Eucalyptus, of which about 50 grow along the coastline of the Mediterranean. Eucalyptus is indigenous to Australia some species growing to great heights of over 400ft. The Aborigines introduced the early white settlers to the tree. Eucalyptus soon became a favourite cure-all due to its anti-microbial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. For respiratory problems Eucalyptus has a deserved reputation.

The eucalyptus oils used medicinally are:

• Eucalyptus globulus
• Eucalyptus Smithii (Gully Ash)
• Eucalyptus polybractea

Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon scented) is used only in cosmetics.

All Eucalyptus trees contain varying degrees of eucalyptol also known as cineole. The varieties used medicinally contain up to 80%. Occasionally some distillation of other Eucalyptus species is undertaken.

The name comes from the Greek eucalyptos, meaning well covered because the flower buds are covered, with a cup like casing which is eased off as the flower opens. The leaves resemble a sword blade 6 to 12 inches long and between 1 to 2 inches across, bluish green in colour, extremely tough, almost leathery, protecting the essential oils within from the fierce Australian sun.

The blue gum forest in New South Wales is famous for its blue aromatic haze exudating eucalyptus essences as the morning temperature rises. It was also well known for a chest hospital in the 1920’s where respiratory infections cleared up almost miraculously.

By the early 1900’s blue gum had been planted from North to South Africa, across the Mediterranean, India, Brazil and California. Apart from its wonderful medicinal qualities, blue gum drains water laden swampland eradicating mosquitoes, gnats and flies. It greedily sucks up water drying out the ground. Extensive planting in Italy and Algiers helped solve the mosquito/malaria problem still common in the 1900’s, turning unhealthy fever ridden areas into dry pest free land. I have seen swampy land drained by the judicious planting of Eucalyptus.

For sure a few blue gum trees planted around stable buildings and paddocks controls the incidence of flies, in the warm Summer months. This tree has been sadly under rated probably because it is so common; furthermore, there is no real commercial gain to be had in trying to patent eucalyptus oil. I would suggest a minimum of 2 if not 3 situated in a triangle to catch the Summer cross breezes. If planting eucalyptus in a paddock situate the trees along the periphery fence or boundary, as the soil beneath will not grow grass.

The problem of flies and midges during the summer months prompts me to suggest burning 2 or 3 drops of Eucalyptus oil, in an oil burner to discourage these pests. You could site 2 or 3 burners around the stables.

Simple fly repellant:

• 500mls cider vinegar
• 15 drops Eucalyptus Smithii or globulus (not citridora it is too sweet and not effective)
• 5 drops Pennyroyal
• 3 drops Mugwort

Purchase a garden plastic spray bottle. Add all the ingredients to the bottle, shake well, set the nozzle to fine, spray wherever the flies are bothersome, ears, back, tail etc. Do not use on pregnant mares. Use only externally.

If your horse has succumbed to Sweet Itch then additional measures will be needed to overcome the problem. See Readers Questions where the problem is discussed.

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