There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus trees.. It is a highly valued plant for several reasons: it grows very fast providing durable and quality wood, its leaves are used in traditional medicine and it has many therapeutic benefits.
Eucalyptus has different uses and ways of preparation to enjoy them. In addition to essential oils, it is prepared in infusion, used in a vaporizer, as a mouthwash or as poultices. Learn about the properties and benefits of eucalyptus in this article.
- Related article: “The 15 medicinal plants with more properties and benefits”.
Eucalyptus, how to use it and enjoy its 12 benefits
Eucalyptus has been used since ancient times to alleviate various ailments.. Currently, some scientific studies support the healing properties of this plant only for certain conditions, in others there is still no scientific support.
However, for many years herbal medicine was left behind to give way to allopathic medicine. But there are some traditions that are still present, and the use of eucalyptus to enjoy its properties and benefits is one of them.
Related: “Tea tree oil: what it is used for and 11 properties”.
1. Respiratory diseases
The main use of eucalyptus is in the treatment of respiratory diseases.. Eucalyptus leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, in addition to being an effective expectorant.
For this reason, eucalyptus is used as an aid in the treatment of diseases such as asthma, and for simple colds, bronchitis and sinusitis. The combination of these properties in the eucalyptus plant make it effective in these types of diseases.
2. Insect repellent
Eucalyptus is an effective insect repellent.. Although there are products on the market that perform this action, eucalyptus remains the favorite of many, as it is a natural alternative to keep insects away and save us from their bites.
To use eucalyptus as a repellent, it is best to use it as an essential oil and apply it directly on the body. It is effective to keep away mosquitoes, ticks and even mites, and it is also kind to sensitive skin.
3. Herpes
Eucalyptus is a very effective healing agent.. And when a person has herpes, the sores can be painful, annoying and irritating. A natural way to alleviate the discomfort and also accelerate healing is to use eucalyptus.
Simply apply a few drops of essential oil on a gauze and apply on the skin affected by herpes. This should be done several times during the day, and besides providing freshness, the healing process will be faster.
4. Antirheumatic treatment
Another property of eucalyptus is that it works as an effective antirheumatic.. This is due to its anti-inflammatory capacity. It can be used externally directly on the area that is affected by rheumatoid inflammation.
For this reason, eucalyptus is used in traditional and herbal medicine as an alternative to relieve pain in patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also provides pain relief.
5. Acne
For mild to moderate cases of acne, eucalyptus is an excellent choice. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make this plant a good ally to treat acne and accelerate the disappearance of pimples.
Once again, eucalyptus can be used as an essential oil. Adding a few drops to a clean cloth and tapping on the area affected by acne. Another option is to prepare an infusion and put the face towards the steam, avoiding that it is too hot.
6. Oral health
Eucalyptus is used in many products for oral health.. Being an antibacterial plant, plus its anti-inflammatory property, eucalyptus helps maintain proper oral health.
In cases of gingivitis or gum inflammation, it is recommended to wet a cotton ball with eucalyptus infusion and gently massage the gums. In addition to making mouthwashes that also help eliminate bad odor.
7. Disinfectant
Traditional Chinese medicine used eucalyptus as a disinfectant.. With it they used to clean medical instruments. Nowadays there are investigations that assure that this is valid, proving that eucalyptus has powerful antibacterial qualities.
For this reason, the use of eucalyptus is still recommended today as a natural alternative to disinfect utensils or surfaces, especially in the kitchen. Eucalyptus essential oil may be the most effective way to use it for this purpose.
8. Helps against diabetes
Eucalyptus is a hypoglycemic plant.. This means that it has the property of reducing blood sugar levels. For this reason, always under medical supervision, this plant can be used as an aid to treat diabetes.
A eucalyptus-based honey has even been developed as a sweetening alternative for people suffering from diabetes. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before indiscriminately consuming the eucalyptus plant in any form.
9. Strengthens the immune system
Another property of eucalyptus is that it strengthens the immune system.. Regularly taking an infusion of eucalyptus has, among many benefits, that the body’s defenses are strengthened to attack possible diseases.
There are scientific studies that are still in the process of proving this property of eucalyptus, however the first results have pointed out that tests on animals were positive.
10. Headache
Eucalyptus is an effective natural remedy for headache relief.. This is due to its analgesic properties. So if there is an episode of headache, take an infusion of eucalyptus, make vaporizations or apply a little essential oil, helps to relieve the pain.
It is important to remember that if the headache persists for several days, or if the eucalyptus does not eliminate it, in addition to being accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to see a doctor to rule out any other condition.
11. For scratches and bruises
In case of a minor accident, eucalyptus can be a good ally.. As already mentioned, besides being an anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus helps to accelerate the healing process. For this reason, it is recommended for minor scratches or wounds.
Likewise, if there is a blow, it can be applied topically to help reduce inflammation. There are ointments on the market that contain eucalyptus. Although you can also prepare an infusion and moisten a cloth to apply it on the affected area.
12. Aromatizer
The smell of eucalyptus is refreshing and pleasant.. Eucalyptus can be used to scent the environment. Whether it’s placing a bunch of eucalyptus leaves in a vase, using a diffuser with essential oil, or adding the oil to a lit candle to spread the scent, all are ways to freshen the air with its fragrance.
Another option is to dilute coconut oil with essential oil in a spray bottle and spray some into the room. This also has therapeutic benefits as you are breathing in the eucalyptus fragrance. It could help alleviate flu symptoms while enjoying its scent.