If you’re looking for relief from congestion or a quick pick-me-up when you’re feeling fatigued, eucalyptus is a great choice. Its clean, healthy smell is instantly recognizable and impossible to resist.

The Aboriginal people of Australia have used eucalyptus as a folk remedy for thousands of years. Some say it can even help detoxify the environment in a metaphorical sense so that disagreeing parties can reach accord. For these and many other reasons, eucalyptus is a favorite ingredient in aromatherapy and is now widely used in medicinal and personal-care products all over the world.

Eucalyptus is native to Australia and is perhaps best known as the favorite meal of koalas. The mammals live in eucalyptus forests and can subsist entirely on the trees’ leaves. In fact, koalas rarely have to drink water; they get adequate fluids from the eucalyptus leaves, which are 50 percent water.

There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus, ranging from small shrubs to full-sized trees. The evergreens are also known as gum trees in Australia because of their sap production. Eucalyptus trees have a high oil content. In fact, the oil production is so high that eucalyptus trees gave Australia’s Blue Forest its name—the evaporation of the oil results in a bluish haze.

Aside from coloring the landscape and providing nourishment to koalas, the eucalyptus is important to the Australian economy. The essential oil distilled from eucalyptus leaves is widely used in aromatherapy and as an astringent. The versatile oil is used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions.

Sinus and lung congestion: Eucalyptus oil is a primary ingredient in vapor rubs and other treatments designed to relieve congestion and clear stuffy nasal passages.

Sore throat: Eucalyptus oil can be combined with other ingredients and gargled (but not swallowed) to help provide relief for a sore throat.

Antibacterial: Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in topical antibacterial creams used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.

Fatigue, low energy: Some herbalists use the scent of eucalyptus for invigoration. In fact, some recommend bringing eucalyptus on long car trips or using the scent to help enliven study time.

Liniments: Many over-the-counter balms contain eucalyptus since it can help soothe sore muscles or relieve arthritis pain.

Are you ready to give eucalyptus a try? If so, you won’t have to look far. Healing, invigorating eucalyptus is a common ingredient in a wide range of products. In fact, it’s probably in at least one item in your medicine cabinet right now. Look for the multipurpose eucalyptus and its derivatives in products such as herbal teas, bath oil, shampoo and conditioner, bug spray, toothpaste, shaving cream, decongestants, cough drops, and massage oils. You’ll find that eucalyptus is one of the most versatile oils on the planet, and you’ll probably find a way to use it to enrich your life. After all, 80,000 koalas can’t be wrong.

—Sherry Ciurczak