What Are the Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaves?

The health benefits of eucalyptus are many. The tree has a blue-white bark with smooth, lance-shaped leaves. Compounds derived from eucalyptus leaves and branch tips, such as eucalyptus oil and eucalyptus tea, utilize the volatile oil euclyptol. This essential oil has properties of an expectorant, an antiseptic and a relaxant, which have been used for centuries by aborigines for their medicinal properties.

Expectorant

• Eucalyptus oil, derived from eucalyptus leaves and branches, is popular for treating a variety of respiratory problems. Eucalyptus oil is used in many medicines to treat colds, coughs, running noses, asthma, bronchitis, congestion or sore throat. Gargle eucalyptus oil mixed with water to relieve sore throats. In addition, when eucalyptus leaves are brewed into tea, simply inhaling the steam can help to alleviate chest congestion and coughs.

Antiseptic

• Early on, aborigines recognized the usefulness of eucalyptus leaves as an antiseptic for wounds. The oil heals wounds, cuts, burns and sores. In addition, it can used to treat ulcers when taken medicinally. However, eucalyptus oil alone should never be swallowed. In addition to helping ease a sore throat, gargling eucalyptus oil with water is effective as an antiseptic mouthwash to clean oral cuts or sores.

Relaxant

• The aroma of eucalyptus oil has a cooling and refreshing effect that is used to help people relax. The uplifting effect of candles and lotions made from eucalyptus oil can help to rejuvenate the mind and relieve mental sluggishness. In addition, when applied to the skin, eucalyptus oil-based products can help to relieve muscle pain.