Origin and history
Eucalyptus is a large tree native to Australia, an emblem of the country and widely found in warm regions around the world. Aboriginal people have used its leaves for millennia to treat infections and wounds. Introduced to Europe in the 19th century, it was initially planted to drain marshy areas thanks to its high water absorption capacity. Its medicinal properties, particularly for relieving respiratory ailments, were quickly discovered. Today, eucalyptus is one of the most widely used plants in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.