Eucalyptus Leaves can help Asthma

The eucalyptus tree makes a welcome change in color, its stands out for its bluey silvery green, round leaves. The leaves are thick and when rubbed together in your hands release a wonderful aroma. The Eucalyptus essential oil comes from Australia, where the plant is very different, its leaves are long, thin and just a little curved. The koala bear has a diet of eucalyptus leaves, they yield very little in the way of nutrients or energy and this is probably why the bear is not very lively at the best of times.

Topical ointments containing eucalyptus oil have been used traditionally in Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections for centuries. Teas containing eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. Worldwide there are about 700 varieties of Eucalyptus all bearing oils but not all equal in quality. Amazing only 11 qualify for their therapeutic value as the various oils are graded by the amount of a phyto-compound called cineole. That is not to say that some of the other varieties do not contain some healing properties, even if it is to a much lesser extent.

The therapeutic properties of the eucalyptus leaves are also believed to help reduce inflammation and fevers. In fact, one study conducted in Russia found that an alcoholic extract (tincture) containing eucalyptus leaves helps relieve chronic ear infections. Many researchers believe that the beneficial effect of the eucalyptus tincture may have been due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Eucalyptus has been used traditionally to treat diabetes and a few studies done suggest that this has some merit. Eucalyptus is commonly used in remedies to treat coughs and the common cold, found in many throat lozenges, cough syrups, rubs, and vapor baths throughout the United States and Europe. Herbalists recommend the use of fresh leaves in teas and gargles to soothe sore throats and treat bronchitis and sinusitis. Ointments containing eucalyptus leaves are also applied to the nose and chest to relieve congestion. The pure concentrated essential oil is very rich in cineole a potent antiseptic, only a couple of drops are needed diluted.

To make a tea from the fresh leaves. Take a eucalyptus leaf and chop it up and place into a large cup add boiled water, cover with a saucer or something similar and leave for about 3 to 5 minutes. Covering the tea prevents the volatile oils from evaporating and being lost in the steam. You can drink 1cup of eucalyptus tea just for the taste or as a preventive medicine. If you have a cough, then you drink 3 to 4 cups a day, for a few days ONLY. To make tea from the dried eucalyptus leaves is not very effect as most of its healing powers have been lost.

To make your own tincture (a much stronger solution than the tea). Take 250grams of the chopped fresh leaves, place the clean leaves into a large glass jar, and completely cover the leaves with vodka (completely covered is very important) cover with a tight fitting top. Shake the mixture every day for 14 days. Then strain the liquid into a clean glass bottle. Use 1 teaspoon in some warm water three times a day, while you have a cold, flu or sore throat. This mixture can be stored for a few months in a cool dark place.

To use as an inhaler – chop some leaves at to a saucepan of cold water with a lid and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and inhale.

To use in the bath – place some chopped leaves into a piece of cotton and tight up, place the bag into the bath tub.

A word of caution – anyone with inflammation of the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, bile duct inflammatory disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure should not use eucalyptus leaf in large amounts. Tannins in the leaves may cause stomach upset or kidney and liver damage. People with asthma should use eucalyptus with caution due to the herbs potential for triggering an asthma attack in some people.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not use eucalyptus.

Never take continuously for more than a few days.

Tags: asthma, Breathing problems, eucalyptus