Eucalyptus Honey

The cultivation of Eucalyptus trees in malaria-infested regions proved to be instrumental in eradicating this dreadful disease. In certain parts of Australia, malaria entirely disappeared after these fast growing fever-trees had been planted. Important medicinal values were always attributed to the sap of these trees. Their blooms are rich in pollen and nectar.

The Trappist monastery of Tre Fontane, near Rome, was built by the monks on soil which was infested with malaria. (The name originated from the legend which relates that when St. Paul was decapitated there by a powerful blow, his head rolled along with great force and from three places, where it touched the ground, wells issued.) After the monks had planted forests of Eucalyptus trees, the region became habitable. The Trappist monks conduct extensive apiaries there with two honey harvests, in May and in October. Some hives produce yearly as much as 120 pounds of honey (H. Reepen). On account of the consider-able demand, Eucalyptus honey is high-priced and it affords a fair income to the priests.

Eucalyptus honey is dark in color, with a rather unpleasant taste and a strong aromatic odor. Australia supplies the largest part of the demand. In Germany they pay three to four marks a pound for such imported honeys. Dr. Ullersberger of Strasbourg thought that genuine Eucalyptus honey is an unparalleled substance; it is strengthening, blood-forming, blood-purifying, nourishing, and besides, produces appetite. He advised adding, on account of its reconstructive power, one to three tablespoonfuls to any diet.