Eucalyptus: healing properties and health benefits

Eucalyptus is Tiktok’s latest protagonist. Generation Z (born between 1994 and 2010) has discovered its millenary properties and has not taken long to make viral the trick of strategically placing a bunch of eucalyptus stems above the shower head, which with the steam from the hot water turns the bathroom into a paradise of smells and mentholated effluvia relieving stress, relaxing and turning the daily shower ritual into an almost mystical experience.

The properties of eucalyptus have been known for centuries. Native to Australia, scientists collected these plants in Recherche Bay, Tasmania, and brought some seeds back to France.
The trees grow quite fast, which made it easy to plant in Europe. The green leaves of the eucalyptus tree are rich in essential oils, and contain limonene, alpha-pinene, eucalyptol, aldehydes such as myrtenol and other volatile substances. They also contain phenolic acids, triterpenes, flavonoids, such as quercetin and tannins. The leaves have antiseptic properties and are also highly effective as an expectorant, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic. Used externally, eucalyptus also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
In the realm of natural medicine, eucalyptus leaves are a great remedy for flus, colds and bronchitis. It can be taken in the form of an infusion with other plants, as a syrup or in vapours.
Eucalyptus vapours are a very effective decongestant of mucus in the nose and upper respiratory tract. They are very useful in the treatment of mild to moderate bouts of bronchitis and help to reduce fevers.

To prepare a eucalyptus mist, a large pot of water, three-quarters full, is needed. The water is brought to boil with a handful of eucalyptus leaves and fruits. To enhance its effect, a sprig of thyme, a couple of sage leaves and a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil can be added.
Once it starts to boil, carefully place the pot on a flat surface, and with your head covered and shoulders draped, begin to inhale the steam. Inhalations should last between six and ten minutes to begin to feel the relief of the respiratory tract.

Eucalyptus can also be consumed in infusions that are very effective in relieving the symptoms of flu, respiratory allergies, dry coughs, rhinitis, or nasal congestion.
Eucalyptus infusion mixed with thyme has been shown to be useful in relieving coughs and congestion caused by bronchitis. The mixture usually contains eucalyptus leaves, thyme sprigs, Scots pine buds, flowering hyssop, mint leaves and bitter orange peel. It should be boiled for two minutes and steeped for ten minutes before drinking. It is recommended to drink up to four glasses a day.

Another combination of eucalyptus leaves with medicinal plants is effective in relieving respiratory allergies. Eucalyptus leaves, immortelle, greater plantain, gentian root and echinacea root are mixed together, and star anise is added. Boil for three minutes and leave to infuse for a further ten minutes. This is a bitter-tasting formula, and the star anise is used to improve its flavour. It is recommended to drink two or three cups a day.
Eucalyptus essential oil, present in both leaves and fruits, is obtained by steam distillation or cold pressing. It is sold in herbalists’ shops on its own, or mixed with other essences. It is used topically or added to baths and washes to relieve rheumatic and muscular pain linked to influenza. It can also be added to respiratory inhalations. This essential oil is an effective natural air freshener.