THE EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (BLUE GUM.)

Kumara Times, Issue 804, 29 April 1879, Page 4

THE EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (BLUE GUM.)

Many of our readers will be thankful for the simple remedies contained in the following extract for some of the most painful diseases that afflict humanity:—

In a late number of the Practioner there is an article contributed by Dr Maclean, 0.8., on the therapeutic power of Eucalyptus cigars. Dr Maclean received from Surgeon-major Mackinnou some leaves of the plant from the south of France, and some cigars made from the leaves, with a request that a trial should be made of them in cases where the use of antispasmodics seemed called for. He accordingly used them in the medical wards at Netley in cases of chest aneurism involving pressure on ; the vagus or its branches, as well as in cardive asthma, with benefit. The symptoms induced by pressure on the vagus or or its branches by aneurisms arising but of the chest and invading the neck are known to be very distressing. With the exception, perhaps, of the subcutaneous injection of morphia, he knew of no remedy sp efficacious in allaying paiq, relieving dyspnoea, calming irritation, and procuring sleep in such cases, as to be compared With Eucalyptus globulus. He instanced the case of a patient who was suffering from aneurism of the aorta, situated immediately behind the manubrium and the sternum, which produced so much pressure on the trachea as to flatten out this tube and cause absorption of some of its rings. The man’s suffering were extreme; for many weeks he was hardly ever observed out of the sitting position, with his head inclining forward in a manner characteristic of aneurisms in this:situation. The only relief that could be extended to this sufferer was by means of the, Eucalyptus cigars, which he frequently smoked, under the soothing influence .of which he was able to get snatches of rest in a recumbent posture. In' cardiac asthma equally favorable results were- obtained. Even when the patient was incapable of smoking the leaf as a cigar or in a pipe, the terrible dyspnoea. of the affection was delayed by burning portions of the leaf in a plate near the patient, in the way nitre paper is familiarly used. Dr Frank states that a tincture of the leaf is made in Germany and' has been used successfully in the treatment of intermittent fevers. He then asserts that under its uses relapses do not occur.. Dr. Maclean- inclines strongly- to the opinion that the action of Eucalyptus glopulus is on the nervous system, particularly the. vagus. He has never seen it cause flushing of the face, warmth of the head, face, or neck which follows the inhalation of nitrate of amyl in such cases. The smoking of the leaves of Excalyptus does not induce effects so sudden and striking as those which follow the use of the nitrate of amyl, but it has the advantage of being perfectly safe, so that the patients may be allowed to use it at discretion. He has been told that asthmatics in the south of France, where the properties of the Eucalyptus are known, mix the broken leaves, of the plant with their tobacco. He thinks that the practitioners will.be grateful for an agent that, without risk,' can secure for their patients some hours of rest and oblivion of their sufferings,l even though it should prove only a palliative.