What is eucalyptus for?
In addition to being used in the manufacture of paper and charcoal, eucalyptus has medicinal properties
Koala sleeping in the eucalyptus tree, on which it feeds. Edited and resized image of Vita Vilcina is available on Unsplash
Eucalyptus is a generic name that refers to some species of trees belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, being important in the composition of the region's tropical forest and essential for the conservation of koalas. In Brazil, eucalyptus is an exotic tree introduced at the initiative of politician Joaquim Francisco de Assis Brasil. Despite being harmful to Brazilian biomes because it demands an exorbitant amount of water from the soil, there are large areas of eucalyptus monoculture to meet the economic demand for the production of pulp used in the manufacture of paper, charcoal and wood.
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In addition, eucalyptus leaves are dried, crushed and distilled to release the essential oil used for its medicinal properties, such as relieving cough and treating oral health. Understand:
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Benefits of Eucalyptus
1. Relieves cough
For many years, eucalyptus essential oil has been used to relieve coughs. Some over-the-counter cough remedies have eucalyptus essential oil as one of their active ingredients. Vicks VapoRub, for example, contains around 1.2% eucalyptus essential oil along with other cough suppressant ingredients. The popular massage is applied to the chest and throat to relieve the symptoms of coughing from the common cold or the flu.
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2. Helps expel mucus
Are you coughing but nothing is coming? Know that eucalyptus essential oil can not only reduce coughing, it also helps to clear mucus from the chest. Inhaling the steam made with the essential oil of eucalyptus can loosen the mucus so that it is expelled with the cough. To enjoy this effect, you can dilute three drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, among others; and apply to the chest.- Coconut oil on hair: benefits and how to use
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3. Keeps away insects
Mosquitoes and other insects that feed on human blood can carry viruses that cause dangerous diseases such as dengue. You sprays DEET are the most popular repellents, but they are made with strong chemicals. An effective natural alternative - in addition to avoiding leaving standing water - is to use the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus , also called Corymbia citriodora. To do this, put a few drops in a diffuser or make a spray of water.
4. Good for wounds
Australian Aborigines use eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infections. Eucalyptus essential oil diluted in carrier oil can be used on the skin to combat wound inflammation. It can also be used on minor burns or other uncomplicated injuries that can be treated at home.
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5. Good for asthma and sinusitis
Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis can improve with steam inhalation with eucalyptus essential oil. The oil reacts with the mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus, but helping to loosen it so you can expel it.
It is also possible that eucalyptus blocks asthma symptoms. On the other hand, for people allergic to eucalyptus, it can make asthma worse. More research is needed to determine how eucalyptus affects people with asthma.
7. Inhibits herpes growth
The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus can alleviate herpes symptoms. Applying eucalyptus oil to a cold sore can reduce pain and speed up the healing process.
You can buy over-the-counter balms and ointments for cold sores that use a blend of essential oils, including eucalyptus, as part of their active ingredient list.- Herpes zoster: treatment, symptoms and transmission
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8. Good for oral health
the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus it has antibacterial properties, which help fight germs that cause bad breath. No wonder it is present in many mouthwashes.
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9. Relieves joint pain
Eucalyptus essential oil helps reduce pain and inflammation in injured back, joints and muscles.
What researches say about eucalyptus
In February 2016, researchers in Serbia found evidence of the antimicrobial action of eucalyptus. They concluded that a positive interaction between the essential oil of E. camaldulensis (a Eucalyptus family tree) and existing antibiotics could lead to the development of new treatment strategies for certain infections, reducing the need for antibiotics.
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A study published in the journal Clinical Microbiology & Infection suggests that eucalyptus essential oil can fight bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract illnesses, including Haemophilus influenzae, a bacterium responsible for a variety of infections, and some strains of streptococci.
The use of eucalyptus extract in chewing gum can promote the prevention of oral diseases, according to a study published in Journal of Periodontology.
In 2012, researchers from New Delhi, India, found that oil from E. globulus it was active against fly larvae and pupae.
Eucalyptus extract can act as a pain reliever, and research indicates that the oil may have analgesic properties. In a study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the scientists concluded that eucalyptus essential oil produced significant physiological responses that may be beneficial for pain relief and useful in muscle warming up in athletes.
Eucalyptus essential oil may stimulate an immune system response, say findings published in BMC Immunology. The researchers concluded that eucalyptus essential oil can improve the destruction of foreign material to the body through phagocytosis.
Precautions and Side Effects
Eucalyptus products can generally be used safely on the skin. The essential oil needs to be diluted in a proportion of 1% to 5% eucalyptus essential oil between 95% and 99% carrier oil. Eucalyptus can produce irritation and a burning sensation. It should not be used too close to the eyes.
It is important to take an allergy test before using eucalyptus as it is highly allergenic. An allergy test can be done by adding eucalyptus essential oil to the carrier oil and placing a drop on the arm. If there is no reaction within 24 hours, it is safe to use.
Allergies can develop over time. If you have used eucalyptus oil in the past and now seem to be having an allergic reaction to it, discontinue use.
It is not safe to take eucalyptus oil orally because it is poisonous. In some individuals with asthma, eucalyptus can make the condition worse. Others find it helps relieve their asthma symptoms.Side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- vomiting
Adapted from Natalie Butler, Medical News Today, Wikipedia and PubMed
