The healing power of plants: eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Leaves

As we continue our series on the healing power of plants, I now bring you eucalyptus; a member of the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family whose native land is Australia but, it can now be found in several other countries including Europe, Africa, China, and the USA.

Eucalyptus is used in aromatherapy, as an antiseptic, and as a stimulant. You can often see eucalyptus being used for spa treatments such as body wraps and detoxifying facials in human spas. Groomers often use eucalyptus in similar ways with animals through the use of shampoos and sprays with eucalyptus in them. The essential oil of the eucalyptus shrubs and trees is often administered to dogs suffering from distemper, dogs and horses with influenza, for parasitic skin infections, and is used for septicemia.

Eucalyptus is also used for ulcers, sores, fever, asthma, diphtheria, sore throats, in cleaning supplies, and is a natural insecticide. It is an anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and has properties that can be used as expectorant for congestion, as a flea repellent, and as an air freshener.

In other respects, because eucalyptus (specifically the e. globules species) is invasive and has antiseptic properties, it is planted in countries in which malaria is a problem because it soaks up the affected waters and reduced the risk of malaria to those inhabiting surrounding areas of the swamps. This makes it one magnificent healer (I think).

Remember that eucalyptus is strong and should therefore only be used under the supervision of a doctor. It should never be used on a creature with high blood pressure, gastrointestinal tract inflammation, inflamed kidneys, liver disease, on a breastfeeding mother, a pregnant being, or in children under 6 years of age. Eucalyptus can also interact with Phenobarbital, aminopyrine, and amphetamines such as those used in hyperactivity disorders.

If you missed last weeks discussion on the healing power of chamomile, be sure to link over to it. As always, you can become a subscriber and receive emails whenever a new article comes out by pressing on the subscribe button. At any rate, be sure to come back next week to read about the healing power of lavender.