Eucalyptus for the winter

Tell eucalyptus it is almost synonymous with winter. Mists, balms and candies have been in the traditional way, and continue to be today, symptomatic relief from the colds that usually accompany the coldest season of the year. The eucalyptus or eucalyptus (Eucalyptus, sp) is a genus of trees in the Myrtaceae family, of which there are more than 700 known species, of which most are native to Australia and Tasmania. However, as they are fast-growing and well-adapted trees, today they are scattered throughout much of the world, exploited in plantations mainly for the paper, wood and chemical industries.

• The leaves and essential oil of the Eucalyptus globulus Labill species are mainly used for medicinal purposes.
• The leaves are collected from spring to the end of summer.
• Only the leaves of adult specimens and old sickle-shaped branches are used, as they are the richest in essential oil and other active ingredients.

Plant

This tree easily reaches the 30 to 60 meters high and in certain areas it can reach 100 meters. The trunk grows upright and the outermost bark of the trunk and branches is easily shed in longitudinal strips. Has leaves all year, but they are of two types: in the young plants, or in the branches that sprout from the vine, they grow without a petiole (stalk), they are opposite and oval; Those that grow in the most grown trees and in the old branches have petioles, grow alternately and hanging, have a sickle shape (sickle-shaped) and are of sturdy consistency, although flexible. Both have secretory glands, which are seen in the light as clearer points. The flowers grow in the axils of the upper branches, they are large, with the calyx and crown joined by a kind of lid that covers the stamens and the pistil, which when opening, releases a large number of very showy stamens, with filaments of light creamy yellow color. The fruits are dark-colored capsules with a bluish-gray cap, with three or four cells that contain many seeds. Blooms during the autumn and winter.

The reason for his name

Eucalyptus is a name that comes from greek (eu = good and kalyptós = cover), which refers to the capsule that closes the calyx in the flower and that when it opens reveals the stamens and pistil. Globulus means rounded, and can refer to both the flower and the fruit.

Its use in the past

The introduction of medicinal use of eucalyptus in West is relatively recent, because until its expansion in the eighteenth century it was not known outside its areas of origin. It is known, therefore, that the Australian aborigines used its leaves to cover wounds and prevent them from becoming infected.

Current uses

Since their introduction to the rest of the world, both leaves as essential oil, for the treatment of colds, the flu and other respiratory disorders, due to its antimicrobial, mucolytic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as decongestant of the nose.

How to take eucalyptus?

According to the indications of the monographs published in various books, it can be said that eucalyptus can be used in several ways:

• In decoction: 3 g of leaves per cup. Boil 2 minutes. Take two or three cups a day. If it is sweetened with honey, the softening and soothing action of cough and irritation of honey joins the action of eucalyptus.
• In capsules: 230 mg of powder, against cough, 1 to 2 capsules at breakfast, lunch and dinner with a glass of water.
• Decongestant nose and bronchial fumes: 5 to 10 g of leaves per liter of water.
• Toilets: To a liter of boiling water add a handful of eucalyptus leaves. Let stand 10 minutes, filter and add the liquid to the very hot bath water.
• Ointments: based on essential oil of eucalyptus, rub the chest and back two to three times a day.
• Essential oil for inhalations: 12 drops of essential oil in 150 ml of boiling water.

Are introduced in a pot a handful of leaves (approx. 10 g) and a liter of water. Wait for it to boil. When it is boiling, it is removed from the heat and the container is placed in the room near the person who must breathe in the vapors, allowing the steam to diffuse into the environment. Another option is to pour the entire content into a basin or bowl and have the person inhale the vapors directly, covering the head with a towel to make better use of them; You must be careful not to bring your head too close to the basin so as not to burn yourself. There are specially designed plastic containers, which consist of a small saucepan (where the water and the leaves are poured) covered with a funnel (where it is aspirated), whose anatomical shape exactly covers the mouth and nose.

Contraindications, adverse effects and recommendations

The ointments and inhalations based on essential oil should not be used in children under 3 years nor asthmatics without medical recommendation, because they could cause bronchial spasms. For babies, there are balms based on other essential oils (for example, balsamic fir, black fir, marjoram, olivardilla,) that can be used.

People with antidiabetic treatment should control their sugar levels if they take eucalyptus orally (infusions, drops or capsules), since eucalyptus leaves have a certain hypoglycemic action and could enhance the effect of hypoglycemic agents.