Eucalyptus, known as the Australian Flu Remedy does wonders in making us feel better.
If you ever used Listerine mouthwash or decongestants like Vicks Vapor Rub, you are surely familiar with the unique refreshing scent of eucalyptus. And if you have ever seen a koala bear, you have also seen eucalyptus, because its long shaped leaves are the sole food source for the cute, furry koala.
The symbol of Australia is also known to herbal healing. It’s a Food and Drug Administration approved cold and flu remedy.
Eucalyptus roots hold a huge amount of water. Australia’s aborigines chewed the roots for water in the dry outback and drank the leaf as a tea for fevers. The Eucalyptus leaf oil contains a chemical (eucalyptol) that gives the herb its pleasant aroma and healing value.
How to use Eucalyptus
For colds and flu, eucalyptol loosens phlegm in the chest, making it easier to cough up. That’s why so many cough lozenges are flavored with it. Some studies have showed eucalyptol to kill influenza, a virus that causes the most serious form of flu. Eucalyptol kills some bacteria, meaning it may help prevent bacterial bronchitis, a common complication of colds and flu.
For wound treatment, the antibacterial action of eucalyptol also makes it an effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes.
For an inhalant, boil a handful of leaves or a few drops of essential oil in water.
Rub a drop or two of eucalyptus oil into minor cuts and scrapes after they have been thoroughly washed with soap and water.
For an herbal bath, wrap a handful of leaves in a cloth and run bathwater over it.
For a cool, spicy, refreshing infusion to treat colds and flu, use one to two teaspoons of dried, crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to two cups a day. If you use the essential oil to make an infusion do not use more than one or two drops.
Using Eucalyptus Safely
Do not give eucalyptus to children under age two. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.
Used externally, eucalyptus oil is considered nonirritating, but sensitive individuals may develop a rash.
When taken internally, eucalyptus oil is highly poisonous. Fatalities have been reported from ingestion of as little as a teaspoon.
Before using any herbs, a doctor should be consulted first.
Sources:
1.http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/power-eucalyptus-colds/
2.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1268313/?page=3
3.http://www.naturaldatabase.com/%28S%281czktsvhx34me145yv442trc%29%29/nd/Search.aspx?cs=&s=ND&pt=100&id=700&ds=&name=EUCALYPTUS&searchid=17380297
Eucalyptus full monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
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