EUCALYPTUS

EUCALYPTUS

* Eucalyptus, large genus of mostly very large trees, of the myrtle family  (Myrtaceae), native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands.

* More than 500 species have been described. In Australia the eucalypti are commonly known as gum trees or stringybark trees.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS

* The oil that comes from the eucalyptus tree is used as an antiseptic, a perfume, as an ingredient in cosmetics, as a flavoring, in dental preparations, and in industrial solvents.

* Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Greek, and other European styles of medicine have incorporated it into the treatment of a range of conditions for thousands of years.

* There are over 400 different species of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Blue Gum, is the main source of eucalyptus oil used globally.

* Leaves are steam distilled to extract the oil, which is a colorless liquid with a strong, sweet, woody scent. It contains 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol.

* The leaves also contain flavonoids and I tannins; flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants, and tannins may help to reduce inflammation.




Other conditions that eucalyptus may help with include:

* Arthritis - potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

* A blocked nose.

* Wounds and burns
Ulcers.

* Cold sores - perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

* Bladder diseases.

* Diabetes - eucalyptus might help lower blood sugar.

* Fever.

* Flu.