Eucalyptus: medicinal properties and contraindications

The benefits of nature for our well-being are inexhaustible, especially those flowers and plants that have a pleasing aroma: we perceive them that way because they let us know that they have benefits for our health waiting to be discovered. One of those pleasant plants is the Eucalyptus, a perennial tree native to Australia but has spread throughout the world both for the beautification it provides to landscapes and for its rapid growth and benefits for the human body.

Learn in this FastlyHealarticle about the eucalyptus plant: medicinal properties and contraindications.

Medicinal properties of Eucalyptus

Just as this plant imposes a predominant and pleasant sensation for our smell, the benefits of Eucalyptus for the health of our organs and respiratory tract are widely recognized for their medicinal properties.

Eucalyptus mist is frequently used to relieve coughs and sinusitis and help expel sputum or excess mucus from the airways naturally. This plant is considered one of the best species to treat flu processes or any disease that affects the respiratory tract.

But not only in that case can Eucalyptus be helpful, below you will know all the medicinal properties of Eucalyptus:

• Antiseptic properties: eucalyptus essential oil allows it to be used on the skin to treat cuts, eczema, sores, wounds, or irritations. Eucalyptus has an astringent effect, which in addition to disinfecting, allows faster healing.
• Respiratory diseases: the relief that Eucalyptus produces to conditions such as the flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, or rhinitis has made it famous. Its expectorant properties allow the respiratory tract to deflate; it also reduces the urge to cough, allows expectoration, soothes a sore throat, and helps eliminate the bacteria that have caused the infection.
• Hypoglycemic: it favors blood sugar levels, which is why it is effective in treating diabetes but remember to consult your doctor before treating this plant.
• Calms pain: thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Eucalyptus is ideal for treating pain caused by diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, or any muscle pain.
• Oral hygiene: due to its antibacterial function, it helps eliminate microorganisms that cause bad breath and gum inflammation, so the cosmetic industry often uses it as an ingredient in mouthwashes.

Home remedies with Eucalyptus

Now that we know the medicinal benefits of Eucalyptus, such as its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, we recommend some home remedies with Eucalyptus to treat different ailments.

Eucalyptus for pain

• Dissolve 1 ml of eucalyptus essential oil in 1 liter of water and apply it to the sore area and rub.
• Another way to use Eucalyptus for pain is to crush eucalyptus leaves and place them as a plaster on the affected muscle.

Eucalyptus for respiratory diseases

• Beam vapor eucalyptus boiling a handful of leaves in a liter of water. Let it cook for 1 minute, remove it from the heat and inhale the steam from the infusion. You can cover your head with a towel to take advantage of the steam.
• If your condition also affects your throat, you can make an infusion of Eucalyptus with a cup of boiling water and a tablespoon of dried leaves. It is recommended to take three times a day, and it can be sweetened with honey if you wish.

Eucalyptus for oral hygiene

• Another home remedy for Eucalyptus can benefit oral hygiene. Boil a handful of eucalyptus leaves in 1 liter of water and use it as a mouthwash.
• In case of gingivitis, you can massage the gums with eucalyptus essential oil.

Eucalyptus for topical use

• Dilute 1 ml of eucalyptus essential oil in 1 liter of water and apply it with gauze on the wound.
• For mouth sores, use the same mixture and gargle. This home remedy can also be used for the natural treatment of cold sores or genitals, or acne.

Next, we will talk to you more specifically about the medicinal properties of Eucalyptus for each condition and condition.

Eucalyptus for sore throat and respiratory problems

Eucalyptus mist therapy, that is, inhaling the infusion of its leaves, helps not only to clear the airways by reducing sputum but also helps our breathing by counteracting the inflammation that may be present in these airways.

This inflammation can occur in the tonsils and at different levels of the respiratory tract for various reasons. Here are some of the causes of these respiratory problems that can be treated with eucalyptus remedies:

• Asthma and allergic reactions
• Bronchitis
• Forcing the voice and vocal cords
• Ingestion of irritating foods (pepper, ginger, and spicy)
• Rhinitis

Eucalyptus is an antiseptic

The essential oil of Eucalyptus can be used to fight infections and even prevent them, strengthening the immune system, especially in the event of the breakdown of resistant barriers such as skin, oral and intestinal wounds. The essential oil of this plant is also effective against eczema and acne.

An additional form of application of Eucalyptus against these infectious and respiratory problems, in general, is to gargle with the infusion for several minutes, using just under one liter.

Eucalyptus for rheumatism and arthritis

Faced with severe body pain and including those caused by osteoarthritis, you can use eucalyptus essential oil diluted with other oils such as almonds to massage the painful area. There are also presentations on soap, creams, ointments, and syrups.

In addition to these possibilities, you can prepare an infusion or steam in greater quantity (approximately 1 liter) and add said water to your bathtub (previously filled with hot water) to give yourself a good relaxing bath with the aroma and benefits of Eucalyptus. This bath can be therapeutic for the vast majority of the problems already mentioned and the retention of liquids in the legs, in addition to purifying the skin by opening the pores, and it is an effortless de-stressing gift to achieve.

Eucalyptus as a mouthwash

Many problems with our gums and teeth are due to stress or improper food. This generates the existence of wounds that weaken the health of the mouth, but also of the whole body since they give way open to infections of many types. In addition, a continuously acidic environment in the mouth favors the appearance of cavities, and these wounds remain open and worsen over time.

For this reason, Eucalyptus is beneficial for taking care of and recovering your oral health since its antiseptic power eliminates possible infections, reduces or prevents periodontitis (inflammation and hypersensitivity of the gums), and helps restore balance in the natural bacteria of the mouth. The Eucalyptus thus contains the appearance of plaque and cavities, among other conditions that damage your teeth. As an additional effect, it has been proven that Eucalyptus has viricidal properties that fight herpes simplex or oral herpes.

One more alternative against these dental problems is consuming chewing gums or gums low in sugar with Eucalyptus. However, this alternative is complementary and does not equal the benefits of natural eucalyptus rinse or complete dental treatment.

Eucalyptus for diabetes and fatty liver

Scientific studies, such as that of the University of Teikyo in 2015, have shown the benefits of Eucalyptus in favor of glycemic homeostasis, thus avoiding the worsening of diabetes and the acuteness of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Other research also scientifically confirms that the properties of eucalyptus leaves work against the metabolic syndrome of non-alcoholic fatty liver, as well as the damage caused in metabolism by high fructose diets.

Contraindications of eucalyptus

The eucalyptus leaf, in general, does not present contraindications on the organism. What can cause problems is the essential oil of Eucalyptus or eucalyptol.

It is essential to know that eucalyptus essential oil, like most essential oils, must be diluted. The essential oil without dilution may involve high dermatitis risks and allergic skin reactions. Therefore, it is recommended that the eucalyptus oil be cut to avoid poisoning.

Regarding the use of eucalyptus mist, it should not cause a reaction if it is not produced by smelling it naturally. If you are a person with frequent allergic reactions, we recommend trying a mist first before taking a eucalyptus infusion.

Once the risks of the eucalyptus leaf, essential oil, and mist have been identified, it is necessary to know the contraindications of Eucalyptus that we must take into account:

• Essential oil is not safe for children under two years of age.
• Eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
• Eucalyptus essential oil should not be applied for a period exceeding 12 weeks.
• There are drug interactions for the treatment of liver diseases.
• Eucalyptus essential oil should not be ingested for topical use only.
• Consuming Eucalyptus in excess can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

The signs of poisoning by Eucalyptus essential oil can be identified as follows:

• Stomach ache.
• Dizziness and nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscular weakness.

If you have symptoms and you think you may have ingested an overdose, you should see your doctor so that, in the case of confirming said overdose, perform a stomach wash and thus prevent the body from absorbing the toxins.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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