Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaf
Eucalyptus is best known for the treatment of respiratory ailments. Health benefits include;
- When rubbed onto the chest it helps relieve congestion and cough. It can also be very effective to relieve these symptoms when the leaves are steamed and vapors are inhaled.
- Great to use as an insect repellant, especially for mosquitoes and fleas.
- Externally, the antiseptic, slightly anesthetic, anti-bacterial, and warming properties of eucalyptus make it a valuable resource for treatment of burns, sores, ulcers, scrapes, boils, and wounds.
- Helps to ease pain from rheumatism, aching, pains, stiffness, and neuralgia.
- Can be used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat.
- Used in many throat lozenges as it is a great expectorant, and helps remove mucous from the body.
- Can be used as an antiseptic bath when used in a sachet with bathwater run over it.
How to Use
- Along with uses mentioned above, it is most often used externally as an inhalation tea or rubbed on the skin.
Cautions and Side Effects
- Can interfere with prescription and over the counter medications as it weakens the ingredients found in them.
- Do not use over extensive periods of time as it is somewhat difficult to eliminate from the kidneys. Use in extreme moderation if you are pregnant, or if you have other kidney or liver problems.
- Never take continuously for more than a few days at a time.
- Do not use if you have low blood pressure as use can make it drop too low.
- Should not be applied directly to the face or nose areas as it has a tendency to burn if not mixed with an oil such as sunflower.
