Eucalyptus

General information:

The essential oil derived from the plant Eucalyptus has various health and medicinal benefits. 

Topical ointments containing Eucalyptus oil have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections. Teas containing Eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. The therapeutic uses of Eucalyptus soon spread to other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-European.

Nilgiri Oil (Eucalyptus oil distilled in the Nilgiri mountains, Tamil Nadu, India) has been studied by the Medical Department, Government of Madras, India, for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. The results revealed that the oil acts as an expectorant and loosens phlegm in the respiratory passages.

Therapeutic constituents:

The essential oil of Eucalyptus contains the principal compound eucalyptol, which is a potent antiseptic. Eucalyptus leaves contain tannins, which are believed to help reduce inflammation, flavonoids that have antioxidant properties and volatile oils.

Key therapeutic benefits:

• Eucalyptus oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, a runny nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis.

• The oil is an effective antiseptic and a germicidal that heals superficial cuts and wounds.

• Because of its anti-inflammatory property, the essential oil relieves rheumatism and other muscle and joint aches.