Eucalyptus - A Herbal Supplement and An Oil

Eucalyptus contains a powerful essential oil, which accounts for its lovely aromatic aroma. As a herbal supplements, it is a decongestant and an expectorant (helps expel phlegm and catarrh).

Eucalyptus used Externatlly
Most of us are familiar with 'Vick's Inhalor' and 'Rub', whose main ingredient is Eucalyptus. The rub is applied to the back and chest of anyone with a cold, bronchitis, or a similar ailment. It will help to break up any catarrh in the lungs and bronchial tubes, and loosen it so that it can be coughed up and expelled.

Externally, Eucalyptus is used as a vapor rub and while it is recommended that it be rubbed on the chest and back area it is also good for inhalation in such ways as steam vaporizers. Some even boil water and drop a teaspoon of vapor rub into it so an ill person can breathe in the fumes which will help to break up the congestion in the lungs. Quite often people have used the very same rub for sprains, bruises, and muscle aches and pains. Eucalyptus can also be used as a herbal tea. In this case, its other properties come to light.

Eucalyptus used Internally
As a herbal supplement, eucalyptus is also used as:

• an antibiotic
• a diuretic - that is, it helps the kidney to expel water
• as an anti-diabetic herb
• an anti-tumour agent. The oils appear to have some anti-cancer properties.

Eucalyptus is a strong oil - as most essential oils are. First, oil of Eucalyptus it is a very powerful antiseptic, it is used to treat pyorrhea which is a gum disease. It is often used to treat burns too. Insects do not like Eucalyptus so it is mixed with water and put it in a spray bottle and sprayed into the air. A small drop on the tip of the tongue is said to take away nausea. Some people will soak a cloth in Eucalyptus and put them in their pantries or closets to fend off bugs and roaches. Another quick tip is a few sniffs of Eucalyptus is said to help someone who has fainted and when mixed with cinnamon is known to alleviate the symptoms of the flu.

Eucalyptus is also commonly used for aromatherapy too because when mixed with other oils it is extremely beneficial. The effects of Eucalyptus are stimulating and balancing and the scent is very woody. For the purposes of aromatherapy it blends well with Juniper, Lavender, and Marjoram. Eucalyptus when used in aromatherapy does the body good as it helps to relieve mental fatigue, improves mental clarity and alertness, sharpens the senses, refreshes and revives, stimulating, energizing.

Eucalptus is known for a whole variety of health purposes, both when used as a herbal supplement, in a tea; and when its essential oil is used. It relieves pain and and the aching of sore muscles, breaks up congestion in the lungs and bronchial passages, and reduces inflammation.

Incorporated with aromatherapy, Eucalyptus can reduce stress and lessen depression, and generally increase the sense of well being. Eucalyptus is great when added to a bath, and is an excellent component of a massage oil.