Eucalyptus: Australia's Marvelous Medicine


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Eucalyptus globulus is a tree native to Tasmania and mainland Australia. There are about 300 different species of Eucalyptus, making it one of the most common genera of the Australian flora.

The Eucalyptus Tree

The eucalyptus tree has leaves that hang obliquely or vertically from its stem and are leathery to the touch. Glands within the leaves secrete a fragrant, volatile oil used for many medicinal purposes.

The blossoms of the eucalyptus are covered in a cup-like membrane when in bud. In fact, the plant's name can be translated to "well-covered." When the flower expands and is fully in bloom, the bud membranes are discarded, like a lid. Eucalyptus fruits are encompassed by woody, cup-shaped receptacles that contain many tiny seeds.

The eucalyptus tree grows very quickly and can reach 480 feet, higher than even the mighty California giant sequoia. Eucalyptus trees are used for timber, but they are more valued for the oils they produce. Eucalyptus oils can be divided into three main classifications, each with commercial significance: aromatic, medicinal and industrial oils.

Eucalyptus Oil

Oil is removed from eucalyptus leaves by aqueous distillation. It is a colorless or straw-colored liquid material with a characteristic odor and taste and soluble in its own weight of alcohol. Likely the most powerful antiseptic of its class, eucalyptus oil has decided disinfectant action. It is most potent when it's aged and it can destroy the lower forms of life.

The most important component of eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol. E. globulus species contains up to 70 percent eucalyptol, making it a capable disinfectant.

Internally, eucalyptus oil acts like a typical volatile oil to a remarkable degree. It is a stimulant and can be employed as an antiseptic gargle. If locally applied, eucalyptus oil can diminish sensibility and increase cardiac action. With its antiseptic properties, the oil from this plant may have some response against malaria but it's not as powerful as the more traditional anti-malarial remedy, cinchona.

Two of the significant effects of eucalyptus are its role in balancing and stimulation. Its middle note aroma, suggestive of camphorous or woody scents makes it an important ingredient in aroma therapy and as a nasal inhalant. Eucalyptus has several medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and stimulant.

Eucalyptus is also beneficial when used as a decongestant and an air disinfectant. It is used as a remedy for bronchitis and asthma, and used to treat headaches, influenza, burns and cuts. The powerful aroma of eucalyptus even makes it an effective insect repellant. Eucalyptus can be used to treat muscle aches, sinusitis, rheumatism, skin ulcers, urinary infections and wounds.

Inhaling Eucalyptus Steam

Steam inhalation permits hot, moist air to enter the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus is widely regarded for its decongestant properties. By using the oil as a steam inhalation, your nasal passages and sinuses can be unblocked.

To make a eucalyptus steam inhalation, you need the following materials: kettle with boiling water, oil (E. globulus), sheet or large towel, and sizable bowl or container.

With the materials at hand, pour about four to six cups of boiling water from the kettle to the bowl. Add three drops of eucalyptus oil to the boiling water. Place your head over the bowl with your eyes looking downward. Use the sheet or towel as a "tent" to enclose your face and head over the bowl. With eyes closes, inhale deeply and breathe slowly. Continue for about 15 minutes, or until the nasal passages are cleared.

Author Venus Enock writes regularly for a variety of popular Internet magazines, on health news and personal health care topics.
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.


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