The The use of herbs and plants to relieve pain and cure diseases is ancientand the same happens with this tree, whose use dates back to the 18th century, and with it, the use of eucalyptus steam.
Recently, people have started to internalize more because of what they consume and the damage that this causes to the environment. That is why many returned to the customs of the ancestors of trying to alleviate ailments with plants and reduce the consumption of drugs and chemicals.
In that sense, there is a custom or a social idea that the Eucalyptus is used to cure cold or reduce cold symptoms, but what is the truth in this?
eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus), is a tree of the myrtaceae family that is cultivated almost everywhere in the world. There are approximately 700 species of it, most of them native to Australia and New Guinea.
It is so, that its leaves are used, or its oil is extracted but it is also boiled and eucalyptus steam is used which has some benefits since the leaf contains chemical substances that help control blood sugar, pain and inflammation.
Benefits
There are many and diverse uses and benefits of eucalyptus steam, such as for the flu or to relieve nasal congestion.
– Headache. Both eucalyptus vapor and plant oil, applied to the forehead or temples, reduce severe headaches, as well as relax and reduce stress.
– Asthma. According to some research, eucalyptol, a chemical present in the oil of the plant, helps reduce mucus in people with asthma. Some have even been able to lower the consumption of medications from the use of eucalyptus steam for asthma.
– Bronchitis. The use of eucalyptus mixed with some other herbs can improve the symptoms of this disease.
In addition, eucalyptus leaves and oil are also used for:
– Oral problems. Chewing gum containing eucalyptus, between 0.3% and 0.6% extract, can reduce dental plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.
Also, eucalyptus steam is used for rhinitis, to eliminate lice, acne; attack bladder diseases, liver problems and ulcers; relieve bleeding gums, wounds and burns; reduce diabetes and fever.
Also, some people use eucalyptus steam for the face, as eucalyptus has antioxidant and antiseptic properties, which helps with various skin related issues such as clearing oil, removing pimples, removing blemishes, and relieving itches and hives.
Another use of eucalyptus steam is for sinusitis, since it contains expectorant and antiseptic properties, relieving nasal congestion quickly and effectively, according to many.
Contraindications
Although there is research that recommends use of eucalyptus in general for the diseases and ailments mentioned aboveaccording to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, maintains that further research is still needed to confirm efficacy.
Although eucalyptus vapor for babies is not usually harmful, it may be that the oil of the plant is not safe for children when ingested, inhaled or applied to the skin.
Ways of using eucalyptus
As mentioned earlier, eucalyptus can be used in various ways, the leaves, from steam, oil and as a plant.
– Decoction. In the case of using the leaf, it will be necessary to boil it over low heat for at least 10 minutes, approximately 4 leaves per cup of water. This water can be used to drink tea or cold, to relieve colds, congestion, asthma and sinusitis, for example.
– Inhalations. They can be made with 10 drops of essential oil or place between 5 and 6 eucalyptus leaves in a container with hot water. This also works for respiratory complications.
– Cloths. They serve to pass through joints or places with swelling. Dip a cotton ball or cloth in 10 drops of oil and 60 milliliters of water.
– Pectoral friction. 10 drops of oil in 30 milliliters of almond oil and place on the chest and rub. This is used for various issues such as cold, asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory complications. Also, for herpes and pimples.
And you, are you one of those who use the elements provided by nature? What use do you give to the eucalyptus?
Source: US National Library of Medicine, Web Queries, Hogar ManÃa