Eucalyptus is one of the most effective plants to treat diseases of the respiratory system.
This plant has gained a lot of popularity due to the number of benefits attributed to it, and it is currently distributed throughout the world. Although it is not a plant typical of the West, today it is already one more medicinal plant that can be used to combat different health problems.
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12 properties and benefits of eucalyptus
Today this plant is well known around the world . It can be found cultivated in many regions of the planet, and the human being has found many uses for this tree.
In addition to the fact that eucalyptus has many properties and health benefits, this plant has also had environmental uses. It is insect repellent, and has also been used to reduce the humidity of different wet environments, since it absorbs a lot of water.
It has thus been a plant used in the transformation of some marshy areas. In addition, it has uses for the chemical and wood industries and is also given ornamental value.
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1. Contains many phytochemicals
Eucalyptus is a plant with many beneficial phytochemicals for health . Eucalyptus essential oil contains tannins, flavonoids such as eucalyptin, very healthy acids such as ellagic acid, and other substances present in its essential oil such as sesquiterpenes. To all of them we owe the following properties and benefits of eucalyptus.
2. It is antiseptic
The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of eucalyptus are very beneficial . Thanks to many of the phytochemical substances that this plant contains, it is possible to fight a large number of infections. Subsequently, some of the most important are highlighted, which are based on the inhibition of the growth of bacteria and fungi.
3. Fight different respiratory conditions
Eucalyptus is well known for fighting different respiratory conditions . It is capable of combating the growth of germs as important as tubercle bacteria, different staphylococci, fungi of the candida genus and even the rabies virus. In addition, it improves cough, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, cold, pharyngitis or the flu (the more respiratory problems).
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4. It has anti-inflammatory properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus are a great help against different types of conditions . In particular, they are used to combat different problems of the respiratory tract, and that is that less inflammation guarantees better breathing. This advantage is mainly attributed to its flavonoid components and some organic acids.
5. Boosts the immune system
Many of the phytochemical substances in eucalyptus help improve the body’s defenses . The immune system fights the different opportunistic microorganisms that try to attack the body. They also combat different problems that can appear in the body, such as the appearance of cancer cells or the presence of free radicals.
6. Promotes expectoration
Eucalyptus allows to improve various respiratory conditions also thanks to the fact that it is an expectorant . This plant, through compounds such as eucalyptol, pinene, thymol or limonene, is capable of eliminating excess mucus from the respiratory tract. This greatly improves some conditions, as it allows expelling phlegm that can complicate clinical conditions such as those generated by bronchitis.
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7. Take care of the skin
Different skin conditions can improve thanks to eucalyptus . Thanks to its astringent properties, it can combat wounds such as scratches or cuts. In addition, it is capable of improving the condition of the skin in dermatological problems such as those caused by acne or the herpes virus.
8. Improves oral hygiene
There are different problems related to oral hygiene that eucalyptus can help with . These are conditions such as mouth sores or gingivitis. One way to treat these problems is with a poultice, which can be achieved simply by crushing some leaves. This poultice is placed on the affected area and its essential oils can help regenerate the affected area.
9. Fight bad breath
Eucalyptus is also useful in improving halitosis . Bad breath is not only something that can be unpleasant for the people you talk to, but it can lead to health problems. It is normally caused by the fact of having bacterial plaque or tartar on the teeth, but also by eating certain types of food.
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10. It has analgesic properties
Another benefit of eucalyptus is found in its analgesic properties . Different phytochemical substances from this plant are capable of relieving pain in different areas such as the throat. With a few eucalyptus leaves you can prepare an ideal infusion for gargling. This allows to reduce discomfort and reduce inflammation of the tonsils and other tissues.
11. It is recommended for diabetics
Eucalyptus has properties to regulate blood sugar . This is great news for people with diabetes, since it is necessary to prevent blood glucose from being high. These properties are due to substances such as quercetin, ursolic acid or daucosterol.
12. Fight arthritis
This plant also has beneficial properties for people suffering from arthritis . Its ability to improve this type of ailment is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory capacity. Phytochemical substances that improve arthritis such as thymol, gentisic acid and eucalyptol also improve muscle pain and pain associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis.
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Bibliographic references
- Brooker, M.I.H. y Kleinig, D.A. (2006). Field Guide to Eucalyptus. Melbourne: Bloomings.
- Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Pub.
- Stuart, M. (1979). The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism (1st Grosset & Dunlap ed.). Nueva York: Grosset & Dunlap.
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