Something cool about the forests where koalas live

These creatures are famously known for being very picky eaters. And what they pick are eucalyptus leaves. Because these have high water content, most koalas meet their water requirements by simply dining on the leaves.  Surprisingly, eucalyptus leaves are poisonous to most animals and humans. So how do koalas safely process the leaves’ toxic chemicals? It has to do with the unique microbes that inhabit the animals’ digestive tract.

Humans can’t safely ingest eucalyptus. However, clinical studies have indicated that eucalyptus leaves and its oils have promising antifungal and antiseptic properties when applied topically.

Also

Over the past few years, various medical journals have investigated eucalyptus oil as an insect repellant. To this day, the most effective insect and mosquito repellent is DEET. […]

Dr. James Logan, researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, worries that DEET is losing its effectiveness against mosquitos. […]

Fortunately, many scientists have been searching for effective alternative mosquito and insect repellents. This is where eucalyptus becomes important! Another study conducted at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine revealed that eucalyptus-based natural repellent gave 97% protection for 4 hours, while DEET only gave 85%. […]