How to Boil Eucalyptus Leaves

A member of the myrtle tree family and growing up to 480 feet tall, the eucalyptus tree makes up 75 percent of all the trees in Australia. It's no wonder that the eucalyptus leaves are all the koala bear eats. With proven antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and expectorant capabilities, the leaves contain a powerhouse of medicinal properties. The eucalyptus leaves are most commonly used to make an infusion or tea that you drink to treat congestion, coughs and colds, or to create fumes for inhalation that also help with congestion and bronchitis.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves
• Pot
• Mug

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Instructions

Infusion

• 1

  Boil a cup or two of water in a small pot.

• 2

  Add 1 to 2 tsp. of crushed eucalyptus leaves to the bottom of the mug.

• 3

  Pour a cup of boiling water over the leaves in the mug.

• 4

  Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

• 5

  Strain and add honey if desired. Consume up to two cups a day.

Inhalation

• 6

  Fill a medium-sized pan halfway with water.

• 7

  Place on an oven burner at high heat until it reaches a full boil.

• 8

  Add two to three fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves to the water.

• 9

  Remove pot from heat and place on a hot pad or heat-resistant surface.

• 10

  Create a steam tent by leaning your head over the pan and covering your head and the pan with a towel to keep in the steam. Inhale slowly.