You almost certainly know the characteristic aroma of the eucalyptus tree, especially its fruits. Although it is associated with the relief of respiratory problems such as a stuffy nose or a cold, the truth is that it also works for other disorders.
Discover in this article what are the benefits of eucalyptus for our health. Although it is very beneficial for the respiratory system, it also hides many other healing virtues.
Eucalyptus main characteristics
We are going to fully devote ourselves to the uses and benefits of eucalyptus, which go beyond aromatizing the house or allowing us to breathe better. But first, you should know that it is a tree native to Australia and that there are more than 400 subspecies. Oil, resin and dried leaves have been used as natural remedies for centuries.
The uses of this tree are varied, because being fast-growing, it is used to make paper. It is also useful for building in places where floods are common, as they have the capacity to absorb a large amount of water.
You can get from eucalyptus candy to tea, ointments or oils. Whenever possible, it is advisable to consume the flowers, natural resin or leaves to avoid the artificial ingredients that add to the products that are marketed.
Eucalyptus oil needs to be taken or smeared dilute because otherwise, it can be very toxic. It is necessary to consume any product derived from this tree with caution and consult a doctor in case of children, pregnant women or people with diabetes or the compromised immune system.
What are the different presentations of eucalyptus?
You can take advantage of the benefits of eucalyptus in different ways:
- Teabags or teas for colds or flu.
- Inhalant candies to cure respiratory problems.
- Dry extract, in the form of tablets or capsules. It acts faster for bronchial problems and as a balsamic and antiseptic.
- Fluid extract, in syrup and consumed in drops. For children and the elderly with bronchial problems and combined with other plants.
- Essential oil for cough or bronchitis.
- Ointments for people over 12 years old to treat bronchial problems.
What benefits does eucalyptus provide?
Respiratory tract
- Respiratory conditions: As previously stated, this is its greatest property. Cures cough, cold, nasal congestion, bronchitis, etc. The leaves can be boiled to draw steam or consumed as an infusion.
- Sore throat: Boil eucalyptus leaves in water and gargle when it gets warm once strained. They reduce pain and disinfect the area.
Other properties
- Rheumatism: Some people soak in a tub of warm water and eucalyptus leaves to temporarily relieve the symptoms of this disease.
- Muscle and bone problems: This tree is pain reliever and relaxing. For muscular conditions, it is recommended to rub with four drops of its essential oil dissolved in 100 cc of almond oil twice a day.
- Scars: Eucalyptus oil is used effectively to speed up the healing of minor wounds and acne marks on the face.
- Urinary tract infections: It inhibits, like blueberries, the reproduction of bacteria in the urinary system. Thus it alleviates the symptoms of infections.
- Diabetes: Eucalyptus leaves infused serve to reduce blood sugar levels. However, you should not consume more than one cup per day.
Unknown and surprising virtues
- Purify the air: It is ideal for environments where it has been smoked.
- Insect repellent: Many place a bag or net with the dried fruits of the eucalyptus so that when releasing its aroma they form a “barrier” against insects such as mosquitoes or flies.
- Mental and emotional fatigue: This is because eucalyptus is energizing and stimulating. Therefore, it is ideal for raising spirits and temporarily alleviating depression. In addition, it stimulates the senses and provides a feeling of relaxation.
- Cleaning and purification: It is effective, according to Australian popular belief, to absorb and transmute negative energies.
- Dry hair: Finally, you should know that you can put eucalyptus tea in the shampoo or conditioner to restore shine and softness to the hair. In addition, it is also useful in relieving itchy scalp.
How to prepare the eucalyptus?
- Infusion: 10 grams of dried eucalyptus leaves per liter of water. In cases of respiratory or urinary tract conditions, a maximum of three to four cups per day should be consumed.
- Steam baths: 20 grams of dry leaves of this tree per liter of water for the chest and head. Put the leaves in a container with the boiling water and place the face on top to suck its steam (if possible with the naked torso). One steam bath per day is enough to decongest the respiratory system.
- Gargling or nasal washes: Also 20 grams of leaves per liter for laryngeal conditions or colds and nasal congestion. Gargle up to three times a day and nasal washes with a rubber knob a maximum of two times.
- Inhalations: 20 grams of eucalyptus leaves or 20 ml of fluid extract per liter of boiling water. Up to three times a day.
- External use: Tincture or ointment 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 wounds.
- Tea: 40 grams of leaves per liter of boiling water. Filter and sweeten with honey. Drink three or four cups a day.
