Eucalyptus (Cider Gum) (Eucalyptus gunnii)

The Eucalyptus family is native to Australia and Tasmania. It contains over three hundred species, which are adapted to conditions of heat and dryness by having leaves that are thick and leathery and that turn their edges towards the sun to reduce evaporation.

The cider gum has become a popular ornamental tree because it is fast-growing and has juvenile leaves that are a striking blue-grey, and, unlike the mature willow-like leaves, are rounded and stalkless. Where it isn’t subject to frost damage it grows up to 100ft. (30m) with an open, airy crown. Eucalyptus flowers have buds that are cup-shaped and covered with a membrane that is thrown off as the flower expands. The fruit also has a cupped shape containing many seeds.

Eucalyptus growing in high ravines have been measured at over 480ft – taller than the Californian sequoias. Because of the tree’s phenomenal ability to draw groundwater into its roots, eucalyptus species have been planted in swamp zones in many parts of the world to effectively control malarial mosquito infestation by drying up the ground. The leaves of many species contain a pungent aromatic oil (though not much is present in the cider gum), and this contains a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant. The lungs and airways are effectively cleared by the oil’s vapours. In the trees the aromatic oil and resinous gums are produced to reduce water loss. 

The Essence

Keywords: “Sustenance”: opportunity; restoration of energy; clarification and space; smooth integration of energy; correct relationship and flow; intuition; meditative practices.

Eucalyptus creates the space we need to be creative, and also brings the discipline needed to creatively organise our energies. It becomes easier to take advantage of the existing conditions in a way that benefits our lives.

Intuition, our grasp of larger patterns and underlying energy fluctuations, is brought into a better relationship with the feelings of the body. This means that we are more likely to notice the signals our body gives out as it recognises changes in the subtle energy fields around us. With this intuitive body wisdom, our awareness becomes more firmly rooted in the senses and the body, helping us feel more in control of our lives, calm and integrated.

A dynamic energy is set up in the Central meridian, balancing the life energy there. Eucalyptus will help to direct the individual to those types of practical activity that help to maintain the integrity of this important energy channel. It will encourage whatever is required to grow and become more powerful in oneself. Those who are in a chronic state of confusion and enervation, showing lack of motivation and energy, would find an ability to focus on activities appropriate to the restoration of their natural state of health.

All the chakras are helped by the energy of eucalyptus to have a more efficient, interactive functioning. It brings an increase in energy and a better distribution of resources, so that the whole body works more smoothly and is better able to cope with new stress and more effective at releasing existing stresses in the body.

A quality of space and freedom is also felt in the mind. It becomes easier to see things more clearly and in original ways. Eucalyptus brings a discipline to organise and to make the most of any situation because it can help to reveal the most important underlying truths.

At the subtlest levels of function eucalyptus takes the mind to the very finest levels of awareness where it becomes possible to discern the seeds of ideas and the beginning of thoughts as they emerge from the base of consciousness. This makes it a useful essence for mantra meditation and those types of contemplative practice that involve witnessing.

Coordination of the most fundamental levels of mind creates a deep silence with alert awareness.

Signature:

 The ability to draw a phenomenal amount of water from the ground (drawing up energy into its life channels); movement of leaf surfaces to reduce evaporation from strong sunlight, (the ability to adapt to current circumstances, making the best of difficult surroundings).