2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Eucalyptus / Eucaliptys Globulus Labill / is the tallest deciduous tree in the world. Originally from Australia, today it is widespread throughout Africa, India and China, as well as the countries around the Mediterranean basin.
The healing power of eucalyptus has been discovered by Australian aborigines. They healed their open wounds with leaves from eucalyptusto prevent the development of infections and accelerate wound healing.
The oil from eucalyptus proved to be one of the most reliable weapons against the deadly malaria epidemics. This is believed to be the reason why many call eucalyptus a "tree of life". The West discovered the properties of the tree in the 19th century, and the cultivated plant spread very quickly in North America and Southern Europe.
An interesting fact is that the production of 500 ml of eucalyptus oil requires as much as 25 kg of young eucalyptus branches and leaves. Many people associate eucalyptus leaves as food for cute koalas, but eucalyptus oil is deservedly gaining more and more popularity.
Composition of eucalyptus
In the 60s of last century began more extensive research on the composition and useful properties of eucalyptus. Scientists of German origin found that its leaves contain between 1.5-3% of essential oil, whose main ingredient is eucalyptol - up to 80%. Other valuable ingredients include camphene, pine, terpineol. Tannins were also found in the leaves.
Benefits of eucalyptus
From eucalyptus one of the most famous essential oils is extracted. It is effective against almost any microbe. The properties of essential oils vary slightly from species to species, but all are antiseptic. In addition to malaria, eucalyptus oil is very effective against staphylococci, dysentery, salmonella, Helicobacter pylori. Researchers from around the world have confirmed its broad-spectrum action against antibiotic-resistant diseases, but the natives instinctively knew these qualities and took advantage of them.
A number of studies in recent years have shown that eucalyptus not only has a very good antiseptic effect, but also has the ability to dilate the bronchioles of the lungs. Rubbing the essential oil into the chest has a slightly warming and intoxicating effect, which helps relieve respiratory infections.
Eucalyptus oil is a common component of asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and runny nose. It is also used in products for oral use - it refreshes the breath and neutralizes bacteria in the oral cavity.
The oil from eucalyptus is included in the composition of massages for arthritis, rheumatism and muscle pain. It soothes inflammation and pain, relaxes tense muscles, refreshes and tones.
One of its traditional uses is to use it as a pleasant fragrance, as well as to relieve depression, which inevitably occurs with certain diseases. Herbalists use the oil to treat small skin sores. Massaging the skin or adding it to the bath accelerates the healing of skin infections, abrasions and cuts.
In South America, oil is very often used eucalyptus for the treatment of respiratory infections and as a rubifacient - a substance that increases blood flow to the skin.
Recent studies have found that oral intake of eucalyptus oil helps lower blood sugar levels. However, the doctor must consult a doctor. Other studies prove that eucalyptus is a very good stimulant that improves heart function.
If you want to disinfect the home environment, add just a few drops eucalyptus to detergents. A few drops of essential oil dissolved in water are enough to disinfect any surface.
Harm from eucalyptus
Be careful, because in large doses eucalyptus is toxic. Less than 3.5 ml of eucalyptus oil can kill a person. Do not apply preparations that contain the oil on the faces of babies and children, as throat or bronchial spasms that resemble asthma attacks may occur. It can even lead to suffocation and death. Eucalyptus should not be used by people suffering from liver disease, inflammation of the bile ducts or gastrointestinal tract.
