Latin name: Eucalyptus globus. Genera: Myrtle plants. Volk names: Fever tree.
Plant description: The tree grows up to 70 m high. Grey-white bark, screwy twisted trunk, tough, leathery, elongated leaves. On the blue-green underside, the main nerve protrudes strongly. The whitish, sometimes also red blossoms develop into rough fruits. Origin: Home is Australia, today also South America, California, China.
Medicinally used plant parts
The older leaves, mainly from cultures. The essential oil obtained by steam distillation.
Ingredients
Essential oil with the main component cineol, which is also called eucalyptol. Inhibits the formation of mucus in the bronchi, liquefies the viscous mucus, the essential oil has a disinfecting effect. Used for cough, bronchitis and asthma, colds.
Eucalyptus oil is used more often than tea. For rubbing in, inhaling and also for ingestion for colds. Also ointments for gout or rheumatism often contain eucalyptus oil.
Preparation of eucalyptus
Pour 1⁄4 l boiling water over 3 teaspoons of dried eucalyptus leaves, let it stand for 15 minutes, strain and drink it in sips throughout the day. Combination with other medicinal plants: Tea mixture against cough: coltsfoot leaves, eucalyptus leaves and thyme leaves mixed in equal parts. 2 teaspoons of this mixture on 1⁄4 l water, as prepared above. Drink well warm sweetened with honey.
Combination with other medicinal plants
You can mix eucalyptus leaves in equal parts with coltsfoot and thyme. Pour a large cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of this mixture, let it stand for 10 minutes and strain. Sweetened with honey, up to three cups can be consumed daily for coughs.
Application in homeopathy
Eucalyptus in potentiation D2 is used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, more rarely for diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys.
Side effect
Eucalyptus oil should not be used on or near the face of infants or small children. Skin irritations may occur. Eucalyptus oil may cause an allergic reaction in some people in the form of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. No side effects are expected with eucalyptus tea.
