Eucalyptus: all the properties of this great natural remedy for coughs and congestion

Due to its properties, eucalyptus (or eucalyptus) leaves are the great natural remedy to deal with flu, colds, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Whether infused with other plants, in the form of syrup or in vapors, its antiseptic and expectorant power is unrivaled.

Scientists have identified some 822 species of eucalyptus, native to Australia and New Guinea, of which some 193 (23%) are threatened with extinction. In herbalism, the most widely used eucalyptus species is the blue eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill). This eucalyptus tree measures between 30 and 55 meters, has a very straight trunk, with drooping bark and long, pointed, hard, bluish-green leaves. It is native to southern Australia and Tasmania. It is one of the species that are cultivated in controversial plantations, destined to obtain paper and cardboard, but also for the manufacture of furniture and bodywork. It is widely planted in parks and gardens, with mature specimens of remarkable size. It is an easy tree to care for, but tends to dry out the soil where it is planted.

for medicinal purposes the mature leaves are used as well as the flowers and fruits in capsules. Eucalyptus infusions and inhalations or vapors (made with the steam from boiling eucalyptus leaves) deserve the highest consideration as a natural and traditional remedy to treat respiratory conditions.

Eucalyptus properties

Eucalyptus leaves are especially rich in essential oil, with limonene, alpha-pinene, eucalyptol, aldehydes such as myrtenal, and other volatile substances.

In its composition we also find phenolic acids, triterpenes, flavonoids such as quercetin and tannins.

Eucalyptus leaves stand out, above all, for their antiseptic propertiesbut it is attributed a high efficiency also as expectorant, mucolytic, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic.

Externally, the eucalyptus also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is eucalyptus used for?

Eucalyptus leaves give us extensive benefits to alleviate various respiratory conditions. They are very effective for the natural treatment of flu, colds, bronchitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, mild allergic and asthmatic processes, spring allergies with rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory ailments. It can often be used as an alternative to pharmacy drugs in these conditions.

It has also been designed to treat urine infections, such as cystitis, and as a natural remedy for support in antidiabetic treatments.

eucalyptus vapors

Eucalyptus inhalations or vapors, which can be easily prepared and made at home, are ideal for:

Decongest mucus from the nose and upper respiratory tract Treat mild or moderate episodes of bronchitis Reduce fever.

How are eucalyptus vapors prepared?

To make eucalyptus vapors you need a large pot, which you have to fill three-quarters full with water. Then you put to boil water with a handful of eucalyptus leaves and fruits. If you want, to further enhance the benefits, you can add a sprig of thyme and a couple of sage leaves. You can also add some 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oilfor sale in herbalists.

Once it starts to boil, carefully place the covered pot on a table and sit facing it. cover your head with a big towel that it also covers your shoulders and part of your back, and with the help of a cloth or mitten, remove the lid, which must be very hot. Take a deep breath of the steam that the pot exhales.

It’s about making some healing inhalations for 6 to 10 minuteshead bent toward the pot, trying not to get too close.

Once finished, you scrub your face with a dry towel in order to close the pores and prevent moisture from cooling your skin.

eucalyptus infusion

Eucalyptus infusions are very effective in relieving the symptoms of fluof the respiratory allergiesof the bronchitisthe rhinitisthe nasal and lung congestionthe irritative cough and the tenths of fever.

There are several herbalist options to make a eucalyptus infusion that you can prepare at home. Here we propose two formulas:

Infusion of eucalyptus with thyme for bronchitis

You can make this infusion, highly recommended to combat cough and congestion:

Ingredients: Eucalyptus leaves, sprigs of thyme, Scots pine buds, flowery sprigs of hyssop, mint leaves and bitter orange peel.

How to prepare it: You need 20 g of each plant, for 10 g of orange peel. Mix well and separate a tablespoon of the mixture per cup. Boil for 2 minutes and let stand for about 10 minutes.

How to take it: Strain and add lemon juice to taste. You can drink up to 4 glasses a day, accompanied by a generous consumption of water.

Eucalyptus infusion for respiratory allergies

This other infusion combines very different plants that act on allergies:

Ingredients: Eucalyptus, immortelle, plantain, gentian root and echinacea root, plus star anise.

Preparation: Mix in equal parts one tablespoon for every cup of water. You put it to boil for 3 minutes and let it infuse another 10.

How much to take: Two or three cups a day, in non-prolonged treatments. Star anise acts as a flavor corrector, in this very bitter formula, but also add syrup or stevia.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is its essential oilpresent both in the leaves and in the fruits, obtained by steam distillation or by cold pressing in order to extract its volatile substances.

In herbalists and many pharmacies there is a good variety of eucalyptus essential oil products, simple or mixed with other essences.

The essential oil is used topically, added to baths and washes, to relieve pain rheumatic disorders, muscle pain associated with the flu or to incorporate into respiratory vapors or inhalations. 3 to 5 drops are enough.

Eucalyptus essential oil aerosols or sprays are used to disinfect rooms where a patient sleeps or has slept, such as a effective natural air freshener.

Other remedies with eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can be found in herbalists and many pharmacies in other presentations, such as those detailed below:

Eucalyptus syrup for cough and congestionLiquid extract in drops, to take between 20 and 30 drops in three daily doses, mixed with water or citrus juice.Eucalyptus tincture, to take with water or lemon juiceEucalyptus capsules between 25 and 100 mg, to relieve the symptoms of the flu Eucalyptus powder for infusion Eucalyptus suppositories, with 40 mg of essence, for the symptoms of bronchitis.

Contraindications of eucalyptus

Pure eucalyptus essential oil internally is not recommended. Even more so in pregnancy, lactation and in case of gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and if sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics are being taken.

Excessively long treatments with eucalyptus should not be followed, beyond 10 consecutive days. better set rest periods.

Before using eucalyptus essential oil in vaporscheck that there is no rejection or allergic reaction to its inhalation.

Jordi Cebrián Adviser: J. Mª. Teixé, herbalist of “El Manantial de Salud”