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Herbs & Cultures

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge →

Steaming with eucalyptus leaves

Breathing in the scent of eucalyptus for coughs and colds, as the Wiradjuri did in a steam pit.

Traditional use

Time
15 minutes
Makes
1 session
Eucalyptus

Before colonisation the Wiradjuri of central New South Wales treated colds in steam pits: a pit heated by fire, lined with eucalyptus leaves and covered with possum-skin rugs. The oil from the leaves evaporated and was inhaled. The Yaegl near Coffs Harbour heated tea tree leaves in the same way. At home a bowl of hot water does the job.

Ingredients

  • A handful of fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves (or 2–3 drops of eucalyptus oil)
  • 1 litre water just off the boil
  • A large bowl and a towel

Step by step

  1. Tear or crush the leaves and put them in the bowl.
  2. Pour the hot water over them.
  3. Drape the towel over your head and the bowl and breathe in calmly for 5–10 minutes, with your eyes closed.

Tips

  • This is widely known, public use. Much other Aboriginal plant knowledge belongs to the communities themselves.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Oceania · Herb · № 172

    Eucalyptus

    Eucalyptus globulus

    Eucalyptus oil is used for coughs and blocked noses with colds and externally for muscle pain; the European Medicines Agency recognises these as traditional uses. Strong clinical evidence is limited.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+4Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.