Eucalyptus Globulus (known also as Blue Gum) is one of the most popular medicinal plants which is utilized in homeopathy as the mother tincture and widely used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory remedy to treat chronic cough, influenza and other illnesses. Eucalyptus is a giant tree which grows in tropical forests of Australia and the Caribbean region. It grows up to 200-300 feet and considered to be the tallest tree in the world. Balmy sap, essential oil and even the roots of this plant were used by Australian aborigines in their daily life.
Eucalyptus is a one of the plants which has an impressive number of therapeutic properties: antispasmoic, antibiotic, analgesic, cooling, vermifuge, febrifuge, depurative, antirheumatic, diuretic, expectorant, hypoglycemic and even sedative. For centuries it has been used by many nations throughout the world as a consitiuent of various medicinial mixtures, blends and brews. In particular, Arabic people used to add several drops of eucalyptus oil into a glass of vine and receive a great remedy for healing wounds. In Ottoman Empire eucalyptus oil was used in famous Turkish bathes and saunas for its aromatic and relaxing effects. The people of Jamaica used to lace the leaves of eucalyptus in the bed or bath in order to relief fever. Venezuelans were using weak decoction of eucalyptus leaves (by drinking or inhaling) for treating flue or cold. Other Spanish Americans used to chew the leaves of this plant in order to improve their oral health.
Certainly, in modern medicine eucalyptus is used, first of all, to relief congestion and ease breathing. Together with other ingredients (for example, camphorous oil, menthol, etc.) eucalyptus oil is used for inhalation, for rubbing it into the chest or for gargling. Extracts of eucalyptus can be used to relief pains, especially arthritis and muscular pains. The medicines containing eucalyptus extracts and oil can cure such diseases as laryngitis, bronchitis, catarrh, asthma, diabetes, malaria, cystitis, diphtheria, dyspepsia, tuberculosis, as well as to relief such problems as burns, wounds, sores, abscesses, tumors, miasma, spasms and so on.
Along with mint and cinnamon, eucalyptus is supposed to be one of the most effective remedies for colds and bronchitis. However, you must remember that despite of a certain “universality” of eucalyptus oil, it is not always compatible with other medications and their ingredients. Therefore, if your medicines for oral use contain eucalyptus oil, you should better consult your doctor before taking them in order to avoid possible side effects (especially of your suffer from liver disorders or digestive problems).
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
