The use of eucalyptus - plants from the myrtle family, for medicinal purposes today is not a curiosity. And this despite the fact that his homeland is located on the other hemisphere of the planet, in Australia. Nowadays, the widespread use of eucalyptus is not limited by geographic boundaries, it is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world and even in the CIS, in the Crimea, Azerbaijan and Moldova. This is an evergreen plant, considered a champion in terms of growth rate. Trees reach heights of over 100 meters. It has a powerful and branched root system, covering a large area, due to which it pumps huge volumes of water from the soil.
For medical purposes, the use of eucalyptus is limited to its leaves and young shoots, from which various preparations are made or essential oil is extracted. Collect them almost all year round, except for spring. One ton of raw material is enough to produce five kilograms of oil. The best in terms of the concentration of nutrients are considered leaves and shoots collected in winter and autumn. The procurement technology is quite simple. For this, a part of the branches is chopped off and all leaves and shoots are cut off from them. In order for the use of eucalyptus to be as effective as possible, when drying, the raw materials that are subsequently used for preparations cannot be exposed to temperatures above forty degrees, if it is higher, a significant loss of essential oils will occur. After drying, leaves and shoots are stored in iron or glass jars for no longer than three years.
A large number of nutrients contains eucalyptus, its treatment is effective thanks to tannins and astringents. Their particular concentration is observed in its oil. There are more than forty components present. The most significant for the treatment and prevention of diseases are volatile, flavonoids, cinnamon, elagic and coumaric acid, cineole and gallotannins, red burning juice, aldehydes (isovalerianic, cuminic, caprylic).
Obtaining essential oils in the processing of eucalyptus is the main direction in terms of medical use of this plant. They are used for erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes, for infections of the urinary tract, as a bactericidal agent for diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Eucalyptus oil is used to treat migraines, fever, bronchitis and sore throats as a drug for thinning sputum and soothing coughs. In dermatology, it is used as a deodorizing, antiseptic and regenerating substance. With it, acne, furunculosis, spots on the skin, dandruff are treated . It is an effective antiparasitic substance against lice, to repel mosquitoes and ants. Oil also helps with muscle pain and radiculitis.
Eucalyptus tea and tincture are also known preparations of this plant. They are also used for the ailments listed above. In addition, eucalyptus preparations are used as a sedative, sedative and painkiller. Lotions and washing solutions are made of it in case of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs. It is used to quickly heal infected and fresh wounds.