Eucalyptus is a large genus of evergreen woody plants. Without exaggeration, this is one of the most popular fragrances. As a rule, it is associated with conifers, but actually belongs to the Mirtov family.
Where does it grow?
Most of the species mentioned plants grow in the forests of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Eucalyptus can also be found in Indonesia, New Guinea and the Philippines.
Today this tree is bred in many countries. This is done not for the sake of its disinfecting properties, but for the sake of its ability to drain marshy places.
Raw material application
Eucalyptus wood is quite solid and dense. It is very often used for the construction of ships, various tools and paper production.
The bark of this tree contains a large number of tannins. From it make healing broths.
As for the leaves of the plant, they also do not disappear. Of them make the well-known eucalyptus essential oil. Such a product is actively used for inhalation procedures, rinses, and also as a distracting agent for rheumatism, neuralgia and lumbago.
The properties of eucalyptus oil are such that it is part of many medicinal ointments intended for wound healing. Also, this substance is ideal for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
Description
Eucalyptus essential oil (the properties and use of this substance are described below) is a transparent and easily moving liquid. It may be colorless or slightly dyed yellow. Such a product has a characteristic and recognizable smell. Many consumers describe it as chilling, tarry, tart and light.
As mentioned above, the homeland of eucalyptus is Tasmania and Australia. The natives of these lands called this evergreen plant "the tree of life" and "the diamond of the forests."
Even in ancient times, this product was used to treat infectious diseases and wounds, relieve fatigue and muscle pain, as well as from the common cold and as a seasoning in cooking.
The composition and method of obtaining
Few people know what eucalyptus oil contains. The instruction reports that this product is 60-80% composed of cineol. Such a high content of this component determines its therapeutic effect.
In addition to cineole, tannins, organic acids, flavanoids and various aldehydes are present in this product. According to experts, a total of about 40 medicinal components are contained in the oil.
How to get eucalyptus oil? In a pharmacy, this natural product can be purchased in a ready-made form. However, prior to being placed in the vial, this product undergoes many different processing processes.
As you know, eucalyptus eucalyptus oil through hydrodistillation. Young shoots and leaves of fast-growing plant species (for example, spherical, ashy and rod-shaped) are subjected to this procedure. Typically, about 3-5 kg of essential oil is made from one ton of feedstock.
Basic properties
What is remarkable about eucalyptus essential oil? We will describe the properties and application of this product right now.
The product in question has pronounced phytoncidal properties. It is actively used as a painkiller, antiseptic and antiparasitic.
It should also be noted that the effectiveness of the oil in question lies not only in the properties of its unique components, but in their ability to produce fumes. The manly aroma of this plant is able to quickly restore the human body after stress and various diseases. Also, this oil increases concentration and sexual energy, reveals the internal reserve and intellectual capabilities.
Features of the tool
How does eucalyptus essential oil affect the human body? The properties and applications of this product are known to many. However, not everyone knows about the benefits of this medicine compared to others.
- Eucalyptus, or rather the oil derived from its leaves, has a variety of uses. Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious action, it is indispensable for colds, including coughing and throat infections. It should also be noted that such a product is prescribed for the common cold.
- Due to the pronounced antipyretic properties that are inherent in eucalyptus, it is actively used to treat bronchitis, flu and tuberculosis.
- In a positive way, the product in question affects the human NS. It helps to improve concentration and activation of intellectual capabilities. Thanks to the use of this oil, the body is very quickly restored, having suffered severe stress and various diseases. Also, this drug eliminates emotional overload and relieves stress.
- Eucalyptus oil is prescribed to children very often. This is due to the fact that it well strengthens the immune system. Thus, this tool is always included in the complex treatment of herpes and hepatitis. With the help of the product in question, inflammatory processes are also eliminated (including in the genitourinary sphere), respiratory and viral infections. Doctors often recommend using it for the treatment of dermatological diseases.
- In the presence of acne and age spots, this tool also shows high efficiency. It promotes the healing of abrasions, wounds, as well as minor frostbite and burns. In addition, this oil has a beneficial effect on the hair.
- Using eucalyptus oil, you can permanently eliminate dental diseases, including inflammation and bleeding gums.
- The beneficial work of this product is also observed in relation to the digestive tract. In addition, oil can lower blood sugar, especially in patients with diabetes.
- The use of eucalyptus oil improves blood circulation. This is due to the enrichment of blood O2.
- The product in question has an analgesic effect. It eliminates not only pain in the head, but also vertebral, articular. Also, this remedy is often prescribed for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis.
Drug use
Why else use eucalyptus essential oil? The properties and use of this drug are indicated in this article. The said agent can be prescribed for disinfecting air, as well as neutralizing unpleasant odors. As you know, it refreshes and disinfects the air, and therefore is an indispensable drug for seasonal viral epidemics.
Another useful feature of this product is that the pronounced aroma of eucalyptus drives away mosquitoes and lice. Therefore, it is often used to disinfect rooms.
Eucalyptus broom
Above, we told you about how to get oil from eucalyptus. However, it should be noted that such a product is not always used in its pure form. In some cases, the leaves of this plant are not processed. For example, in bath procedures and in the sauna, eucalyptus brooms are very popular (sometimes used as part of birch, oak and juniper).
In the process of soaring, oil begins to evaporate actively from young shoots. Thus, a person inhales vapors that have a beneficial effect on his respiratory tract, immune system and skin.
It should also be noted that with a runny nose, eucalyptus leaves are often applied to the nose and kept in this position for half an hour. For a better therapeutic effect, the leaf should be pre-kneaded by hand.
Instruction for use
How and in what quantity should the agent in question be used? According to the instructions, this drug is used as follows:
- Eucalyptus inhalations (hot) are carried out for 8-10 minutes. For this, 4 drops of ether are added to 200 ml of boiled water.
- It is necessary to add 5-6 drops of oil to aroma lamps.
- To take aromatherapy, 5 drops of ether are also used. If desired, it can be combined with sub-base oils.
- In aromatic medallions, it is recommended to add 2 drops of the product.
- For the implementation of the massage using about 7 drops per 10 ml of the base.
- When grinding painful and inflamed areas, 8 drops of oil are used, which are also added to 10 ml of the main agent.
- In specialized shampoos use 5 drops of ether and 10 ml of the base.
- In cosmetology, this drug is recommended to be used in the amount of 10 drops per 5 ml of the base.
- When visiting saunas and baths, eucalyptus ether is well combined with other types of oils. Moreover, they should be taken in an amount of not more than 6 drops.
Application restrictions
Many experts know that the product in question is a potent oil. After applying it to the skin, the patient often has a burning sensation, slight redness and tingling. As a rule, such phenomena last for 2-3 minutes, after which they disappear.
Doctors say this is a completely natural reaction. However, in some cases, against the background of the use of the ether in question, individual intolerance of its components is also possible.
Contraindications
The product obtained from the leaves and young shoots of eucalyptus is not recommended for children under two years of age. Also, this remedy is contraindicated in pregnant women for up to 4 months. It can not be combined with homeopathic medicines, use with high blood pressure, epilepsy and after chemotherapy.
Air cost
How much does eucalyptus oil cost? The price of this tool is quite high. As a rule, it is about 200 rubles.
Product Reviews
Almost all reviews of medicines containing eucalyptus oil are positive. Patients say that the use of this unique product has a beneficial effect not only on the well-being of a person, but also on his mood. Also, this medication helps in solving such painful conditions as colds, tonsillitis, runny nose, sciatica, neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism and others. In addition, relaxing procedures using the ether in question helps to relieve fatigue, as well as replenish strength after a hard day.
As for negative messages, then most often they are associated with the appearance of allergic reactions. In this case, it is better to refuse the drug.