Interesting Facts About Eucalyptus Leaf
It is believed that eucalyptus leaf must have been used by European explorers that settled, however, there are no known botanical collections of them prior to 1770. This flowering eucalyptus tree dominates in Australia and Tasmania and with over 700 species, only 15 of them are found in other parts of the world.
Environmentalists and global development researchers find themselves extremely attracted to this tree because it is an extremely fast growing wood source, a natural insecticide and the oil can be used to work as a fabulous cleaning product. However, what really makes the eucalyptus leaf so incredibly special are the endless medical uses and healing effects of it.
Australian aborigines use to extract valuable water from the roots of the plant and then they used the leaves to relieve fevers. They were able to effectively treat and cure fevers with the eucalyptus leaf.
Eucalyptus is currently sold as a supplement and also a key ingredient found in many over the counter products sold for bronchitis, cough and rheumatism, as well as those products that offer relief from nasal congestion and minor muscle aches and pains.
The Special Oil
The eucalyptus leaf medicinal properties reside in the special oil that is extracted from fresh leaves, branch tips and even dried leaves. It is approved for external and internal healing of a patient's respiratory tract as well as externally to remedy rheumatic complaints.
Health Benefits
Supplements that are derived from the eucalyptus leaf come from the volatile oil of the plant referred to as eucalipto. Eucalyptus can greatly benefit your respiratory system as well as work as a fabulous expectorant if you are suffering from the flu, congestion or pneumonia symptoms. You can either enjoy breathing in by diffusing it into the air or the oil can be diluted and then applied to your skin. It is stimulating, cooling and penetrating.
Eucalyptus leaf is also antimicrobial and can benefit many conditions of the urinary and digestive tracts. Additionally, inhaling eucalyptus vapors can treat asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and whooping cough.
Interestingly, the leaves have actually been know to be made into cigarettes and cigars to be smoked to provide relief from asthma, bronchial catarrh and other ailments of respiratory organs. Physicians even use the oil to disinfect wounds and their medical equipment.
Most medications are created from the yellowish-green oil that is obtained from the eucalyptus leaf. Medications, rubs and ointments are all made from this amazing oil and it is also added in many household items such as candles and cleaning products. The healing effects are enormous with very few and extremely rare reported side effects.
Cautions And Side Effects
It is inadvisable for eucalyptus supplementation to be used by children, pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding, chronically ill or elderly people. It is also not recommended for anyone either suffering from or with a history of stomach problems, liver disorders, low blood pressure, intestinal inflammation or insulin dependent diabetics.
Eucalyptus can affect the metabolism of drugs including aminopyrine, amphetamine and phenobarbital by the liver and therefore should not be used by anyone taking any of these drugs.
The manufacturers of supplements and herbs, unlike pharmaceutical companies do not have the requirement to report adverse effects of using their products the way that official drug companies do. There have been life-threatening poisonings reported from eucalyptus oil overdose. Initial symptoms of toxicity are violent cases of vomiting and epigastric pain which can then be followed by coma and central nervous system depression. Emergency medical treatment should be found immediately if you suspect eucalyptus leaf overdose and be sure to keep all essential oils out of reach from children and pets to ensure their safety.