Due to their properties, eucalyptus (or eucalyptus) leaves are the great natural remedy to combat flu, colds, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Whether in infusion with other plants, in syrup form or in vapors, its antiseptic and expectorant power is unrivaled.
Scientists have identified some 822 species of eucalyptus, native to Australia and New Guinea, of which about 193 (23%) are threatened with extinction. In herbalism, The most used species of eucalyptus is the blue eucalyptus. (Eucalyptus globulus Labill). This eucalyptus tree measures between 30 and 55 meters, has a very straight trunk, with deciduous bark and long, pointed, hard, bluish-green leaves. It is native to southern Australia and Tasmania. It is one of the species that is grown in controversial plantations, intended for obtaining paper and cardboard, but also for the manufacture of furniture and bodywork. It is widely planted in parks and gardens, with mature specimens of notable size. It is an easy tree to care for, but tends to dry out the ground where it is planted.
For medicinal purposes The mature leaves are used as well as the flowers and fruits in capsules. Eucalyptus infusions and inhalations or vapors (made with the steam from boiling eucalyptus leaves) deserve the highest consideration as a natural and traditional remedy to treat respiratory conditions.
Eucalyptus properties
Eucalyptus leaves are especially rich in essential oil, with limonene, alpha-pinene, eucalyptol, aldehydes such as myrtenal and other volatile substances.
In its composition we also find phenolic acids, triterpenes, flavonoids such as quercetin and tannins.
Eucalyptus leaves stand out, above all, for their antiseptic propertiesbut it is also attributed high efficiency as expectorant, mucolytic, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic.
Externally, the eucalyptus also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is eucalyptus used for?
Eucalyptus leaves give us broad benefits to relieve different respiratory conditions. They are very effective for the natural treatment of flu, colds, bronchitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, mild allergic and asthmatic processes, spring allergies with rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory ailments. It can often be used as an alternative to pharmacy medications in these conditions.
It has also been intended to treat the urine infections, like cystitis, and as a natural remedy for support in antidiabetic treatments.
Eucalyptus vapors
Eucalyptus inhalations or vapors, which can be easily prepared and done at home, are ideal for:
- Decongest mucus in the nose and upper respiratory tract
- Treat mild or moderate episodes of bronchitis
- Reduce fever.
How are eucalyptus vapors prepared?
To make eucalyptus vapors you need a large pot, which you have to fill three-quarters of the way with water. Then you put boil water with a handful of eucalyptus leaves and fruits. If you want, to further enhance the benefits, you can add a thyme bouquet and a couple of sage leaves. You can also add some 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oilsold in herbal stores.
Once it starts to boil, carefully place the covered pot on a table and sit facing it. cover your head with a big towel that it also covers your shoulders and part of your back, and with the help of a cloth or mitten, remove the lid, which should be very hot. Breathe in the steam deeply that the pot exhales.
It’s about you doing some healing inhalations for 6 to 10 minuteswith your head tilted towards the pot, trying not to get too close.
Once finished, you rub your face with a dry towel in order to close the pores and prevent moisture from cooling on your skin.
Eucalyptus infusion
Eucalyptus infusions are very effective in relieving the symptoms of fluof the respiratory allergiesof the bronchitisthe rhinitisthe nasal and lung congestionthe irritating cough and the tenths of fever.
There are various herbal options to make an eucalyptus infusion that you can prepare at home. Here we propose two formulas:
Eucalyptus infusion with thyme for bronchitis
You can make this infusion, highly recommended to combat cough and congestion:
Ingredients: Eucalyptus leaves, thyme sprigs, Scots pine buds, hyssop flowering sprigs, mint leaves and bitter orange peel.
How to prepare it: You need 20 g of each plant, for 10 g of orange peel. Mix well and separate one tablespoon of the mixture per cup. Boil for 2 minutes and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
How to take it: Strain and add lemon juice to taste. You can drink up to 4 glasses a day, accompanied by a generous consumption of water.
Eucalyptus infusion for respiratory allergies
This other infusion combines very different plants that act on allergies:
Ingredients: Eucalyptus, immortelle, plantain, gentian root and echinacea root, plus star anise.
Preparation: You mix equal parts, one tablespoon for each cup of water. You boil it for 3 minutes and let it infuse for another 10.
How much to take: Two or three cups a day, in non-prolonged treatments. Star anise acts as a flavor corrector in this bitter formula, but also add syrup or stevia.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is its essential oilpresent in both the leaves and the fruits, obtained by steam distillation or by cold pressing in order to extract its volatile substances.
In herbalists and many pharmacies there is a good variety of eucalyptus essential oil products, simple or mixed with other essences.
The essential oil is used topically, added to baths and washes, to relieve pain rheumatic, muscle pain linked to the flu or to incorporate into vapors or respiratory inhalations. 3 to 5 drops are enough.
Aerosols or sprays of eucalyptus essential oil are used to disinfect rooms where a sick person sleeps or has slept, such as a effective natural air freshener.
Other remedies with eucalyptus
You can find eucalyptus in herbalists and many pharmacies in other presentations, such as those detailed below:
- Eucalyptus syrup for cough and congestion
- Liquid extract in drops, to take between 20 and 30 drops in three daily doses, mixed with water or citrus juice.
- Eucalyptus tincture, to take with water or lemon juice
- Eucalyptus capsules between 25 and 100 mg, to relieve flu symptoms
- Eucalyptus powder for infusion
- Eucalyptus suppositories, with 40 mg of essence, for the symptoms of bronchitis.
Contraindications of eucalyptus
Pure eucalyptus essential oil internally is not recommended. Even more so in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in case of gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and if sedative, analgesic and anesthetic medications are being taken.
Too long treatments with eucalyptus should not be followed, beyond 10 days in a row. Better set rest periods.
Before using eucalyptus essential oil in vaporscheck that there is no rejection or allergic reaction to its inhalation.
Jordi Cebrián Advisor: J. Mª. Teixé, herbalist from «El Manantial de Salud»