Herbal Wellbeing

Eucalyptus plant - Herbal Remedies

The Eucalyptus plant is well regarded as a traditional Aboriginal herbal remedy that is used to treat fevers and various other ailments. In the 19th century, the director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens first introduced the Eucalyptus plant in the West. The cultivation of the tree began to spread throughout North America and Southern Europe shortly after. The plant has several properties derived from its oils, and different species of the plant are known to vary slightly. However, all species of Eucalyptus plants are known for its antiseptic properties. Recent Russian research suggests that some species of the Eucalyptus plant can counteract several kinds of influenza viruses. There are many kinds of Eucalyptus varieties that are also known to have antimalarial properties and that are known to be highly active against bacteria. The taste of the Eucalyptus plant is known to be cool, slightly bitter, pungent, and moist. The constituents of the Eucalyptus plant include volatile oils, tannins, aldehydes, and bitter resins. The actions of Eucalyptus have been described as antiseptic, antispasmodic, and stimulating. It is also well known as a febrifuge, expectorant, and it is regarded for its ability to expel worms and reduce blood sugar levels.

The leaves of the Eucalyptus plant are most commonly used to make herbal remedies. In traditional Aboriginal medicine, the leaves of the Eucalyptus plant were used to create poultices to treat any type of inflammation or skin wounds. Decoctions made from Eucalyptus leaves were also used. These were usually taken internally to treat a variety of ailments. These days, it is much more common to take Eucalyptus in lozenges and capsules to treat chest and congestion problems. Eucalyptus is often taken as an infusion as well.

Another popular way to use Eucalyptus is through its essential oils. These essential oils are created by steam distillation of the plant's leaves. The oil of the Eucalyptus plant is highly regarded as one of the most potent antiseptic essences of all known herbs. Eucalyptus essential oil is widely used to treat a whole range of infections, including influenza, typhoid, measles, scarlet fever and other serious infections. Most Eucalyptus essential oil is now available commercially, but many herbalists still prefer to make it at home with fresh leaves.

The essential oil of Eucalyptus can be used in many ways. It can be used effectively as a compress. Simply soak a pad in two ml of Eucalyptus essential oil that is diluted in a cup of water, and then apply the mixture to painful joints, burns, and inflammations. The essential oil can be used in a gargle to treat throat infections. To make a Eucalyptus essential oil gargle, dilute five drops of essential oil in a glass of water, mix well, and gargle. To create a chest rub to treat the symptoms of asthma, influenza and bronchitis, dilute 0.5-2 ml of oil in 25 ml of almond oil and rub into chest. Eucalyptus oil also makes a powerful inhalation herbal remedy. Simply add ten drops or so into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to treat congestion or chest infections.