The Eucalyptus: Properties and Benefits for Health

The Eucalyptu, Eucalyptus Globulus, is a tree of the botanical family Myrtaceae originating in Australia and of which there are more than 400 subspecies. It is well known for its stimulating qualities for the body due to the medicinal properties of its leaves, which contain an essential oil called eucalyptol.

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This tree can reach up to 60 meters high. The trunk is smooth grayish, has light green and elongated leaves, its flowers are white and without petals.

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Active principles of eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus leaves contain essential oil (especially cineol), fravonoids, tannins and acids, which provide eucalyptus expectorant action, antimicrobial, analgesic, balsamic, antibacterial, febrifuge, diuretic, healing, antirheumatic, vermifuge, antiviral, rubefacient , antiseptic, depurative, decongestant, antispasmodic, fluidifying, vulnerary and anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus presentations.

Eucalyptus can be found in presentations such as:
• Tea bags or infusions.
• In the form of tablets or capsules.
• In the form of syrup or drops.
• Essential oil.
• Ointments.
• Candies

Medicinal benefits of Eucalyptus:

• Respiratory problems: the eucalyptus is excellent for cases of flu, cold, asthma, bronchitis and nasal congestion, since it is a bronchodilator that helps the air to pass through the bronchi smoothly cleaning them from mucus.

• Eucalyptus reduces fever naturally, reduces or eliminates headache such as migraine.

• Gingivitis: Reduces pain and disinfects the throat, for this the eucalyptus leaves are boiled in water and gargle with the infusion.

• Conditions in the muscles and bones: due to its anti-inflammatory action eucalyptus helps people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or muscle pain. Mix the essential oil with almond oil and massage the area twice a day.

• Healing: eucalyptus oil is used to accelerate the healing of minor wounds and acne marks on the face, as well as to disinfect and clean wounds, cuts, ulcers or sores on the skin.

• Cleans the urinary system: Taking two drops of eucalyptus essential oil, this prevents the reproduction of bacteria, fungi and viruses in the urinary system, relieving the symptoms of infections.

• Mental and emotional fatigue:The balsamic aroma of its leaves gives comforting and relaxing sensations, it is ideal to raise the mood and relieve depression temporarily. Stimulates the nervous system and helps concentration.

• Diabetes: eucalyptus leaves infused lower blood sugar levels. You should not consume more than one cup per day.

Tips for the use of Eucalyptus:

• Infusion: 10 grams of dried eucalyptus leaves per liter of water. In cases of respiratory or urinary tract conditions, you should consume between three and four cups per day, at most.

• Steam baths: 20 grams of dried leaves of this tree per liter of water for the chest and head. Pour the leaves in a bowl with the boiling water and place the face on top to inhale their vapor (as much as possible with the naked torso). A steam bath per day is enough to decongest the respiratory system.

• Gargling or nasal washes: also 20 grams of leaves per liter for laryngeal affections or colds and nasal congestion.
Gargles up to three times a day and nasal washes with a rubber bulb at most twice.

•Inhalations:20 grams of eucalyptus leaves or 20 ml of fluid extract per liter of boiling water. Up to three times per day.

• External use: tincture or ointment directly on the area to be treated two to three times daily. Baths can be prepared, with 20 ml of fluid extract per 10 liters of water, for cases of canker sores or minor injuries.

• Tea: 40 grams of leaves per liter of boiling water. Filter and sweeten with honey. Drink three or four cups a day.

Contraindications:

Eucalyptus oil should be used sparingly because excessive consumption can cause skin irritation, should not be applied to infants or children under six years of age, or in asthmatic people. It is advisable to consult its internal use with a qualified professional. It is recommended not to use if you are taking other medications, as it may reduce the effectiveness of them. It should not be consumed in case of suffering some gastrointestinal inflammations, suffering from the biliary tract or liver failure.