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EUCALYPTUS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Let me introduce to you my Australian friend, Eucalyptus. He is tall with creamy white bark and bluish green leaves, and his essential oil is a tried and true remedy for sinus congestion and cough. Koalas love him. He smells great, too ...
The Australian Aborigines were the first to use Eucalyptus for its medicinal properties. They would use the oil externally to heal wounds and infections. It is both an anti-septic and astringent and therefore effectively dries up and cleans the affected area.
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EUCALYPTUS |
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Commonly used to treat wounds, infections and fevers. |
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It was later discovered that the oil's primary active ingredient eucalyptol (cineole) is what gave the leaves this anti-septic quality and its effectiveness against a variety of bacteria, especially Staphylococcus. Eucalyptus has the common name of fever tree, not only because it brings down fever, but more so because it helped to wipe out Malaria in the 1800's. The roots of eucalyptus trees absorb a huge amount of water, thus drying up mosquito infested marshes, sending the mosquitoes packing and stopping the spread of the deadly disease.
Eucalyptus is also a expectorant, anti-inflammatory, deodorant and anti-spasmodic. Ointments made of eucalyptus oil can be applied under the nose or over the chest to relieve congestion and loosen phlegm in the case of a dry cough. It is often added to cough drops, cough syrups and chest rubs for this purpose. Diluted eucalyptus oil can be used as a soothing rub for rheumatism, neuralgia, bruises, sprains, and sore muscles. Some individuals will use eucalyptus teas and tinctures as an internal deodorant for bad breath and body odour. As an anti-spasmodic, eucalyptus is again used for cough relief and to reduce menstrual cramping.
Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment, essential oil, or lozenge. Many health food stores carry fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf in bulk. Eucalyptus can be ingested through the use of teas or tincture preparations, inhaled, or applied externally. Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested. Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems, collapse, suffocation, or death. Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed, or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin. Applying eucalyptus to the skin may cause a rash in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus. Eucalyptus tinctures should include 5-10% essential oil, at a dose of 1-3 ml/day. Ointments should contain 5-20% essential oil to be effective. |
Eucalyptus –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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· Leaves, Oil. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Cough, chest and sinus congestion, fever, rheumatism, sore joints & muslces, wound and infection.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Tincture: 1-3 ml/day (5-10% essential oil), Ointments/Rubs: 5-20% essential oil, Eucalyptus can also be added to commercial vaporizers, or the dired leaves can be made into tea (1-2 tsp dried leaves) with 1 cup boiling water, steeped for 10 minutes. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Lavender oil, Thyme oil, Pine oil and lemon balm. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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· Never ingest undiluted eucalyptus oil or apply undiluted eucalyptus oil externally, as it is very toxic. Do not use in pregnancy or during lactation.
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copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
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see fit, that the information on
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