Eucalyptus: The Way to Smoother Breathing

The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first introduced to the world by the aborigines as a treatment for many kinds of ailments. Its uses range from treating wounds, suppressing colds, relaxing the mind to repelling insects.

History

In the 19th century, the Director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens introduced the eucalyptus plant to the West. Upon which, cultivation of the tree has spread to Europe and North America.

Ecology

The eucalyptus is a tall, evergreen tree of the myrtle family that is mainly found in Australia and Tasmania. It bears pendent leaves and umbels of white, red or pink flowers. Its value lies in its timber, gum and of course, its oil. One of its species, known as the blue gum eucalyptus, is found in the United States. It has a trunk that grows to 300 feet or more and is covered by peeling papery bark. The leaves, when young, are opposite, sessile, soft, oblong, pointed and have a hoary blue colour. When matured, they are alternate, petioled, leathery and shaped like a scimitar. The flowers are solitary and white, with no petals, many white stamens and a woody calyx.

Aroma

The eucalyptus has a clear and sharp piercing aroma coupled with a sweet undertone but bitter taste. Like peppermint oil, it feels cool to the touch.

Health Notes

A prominent quality of the eucalyptus is that its cooling effect makes it a febrifuge (substance that reduces body temperature), which is recommended for most kinds of fevers.

The antiseptic nature of the eucalyptus leaf has made it the ideal remedy for most viral infections, respiratory problems, burns, blisters and wounds. Its characteristics are aplenty, from decongesting, analgesic, antiviral to deodorising. When the oil is burned, it is effective in killing most airborne bacteria and viruses.

It improves blood circulation and therefore relieves muscle aches and pains.

Its piercing scent, which is also similar to peppermint, helps to relieve breathing congestions caused by colds and hay fever, which is common in most households. Being an expectorant, eucalyptus is good for relieving chesty coughs.

Its smell may also be used as an insect repellant. The calming effect of eucalyptus also offers emotional benefits to the users. It has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and helps calm a person emotionally.

---

Sports Massage

What is Sports Massage? Rapidly gaining in popularity, Sports Massage... Read More

Three Immune System Building Natural Remedies

Here are three products that can help you elevate your... Read More

Treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Without the Use of Antibiotics

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? A Urinary Tract... Read More

Know About the All Purpose Holistic Medicine

Understanding what holistic medicine is:Holistic Medicine is a wellness-based approach... Read More

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility

Although health and healing are the common goals of Traditional... Read More

Far Infrared Sauna Technology Comes of Age

What exactly is infrared, or radiant heat? No need to... Read More

History of Essential Oils

Extracted from botanicals, that is, from plants and trees. They... Read More

Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids

Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand.... Read More

Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief

"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So... Read More

Enhanced Healing Through Music

Music has always been a very important part of our... Read More

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More

The 7 Best Ways To Use Your Subconscious for Pain Relief

Your subconscious has influence over 7 different factors that could... Read More

The Raindrop Technique Massage

Raindrop Technique is a procedure for applying therapeutic grade essential... Read More

Pain Relief: Is There an Alternative?

Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... Read More

Lemon and Parsley Home Remedies

You might think of lemon and parsley as great garnishes... Read More

Top 3 Yogis Secrets for Health and Happiness

For hundreds of years, the yogi's have been known to... Read More

Mental Health Maintenance Is Made Simple

Your mental health is often drastically improved when you use... Read More

How to Use Natural Remedies for Ulcers Caused by Helicobacter Pylori

One of the bacteria that live in your mouth and... Read More

Watch Out for Alternative Medicine Charlatans!

Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an... Read More

Garlic ? My Favorite Healing Herb

Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of... Read More

Arthritis and Aromatherapy

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized... Read More

The Science Of Mind Over Matter

We possess an incredible power. It's the power of mind... Read More

Drug Addiction Treatment Centers: A Fresh Start

Half a decade ago, I started working on a hotline... Read More

Self Hypnosis CD Recordings

The purpose of this article is not to offer an... Read More

Revolutionary Medicine: Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Stripped from the scenes from science fiction novels and films,... Read More

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

With the growing number of people being affected by newly... Read More

Use Fresh Herbs In Your Cooking

Many common herbs that you might use in cooking are... Read More

Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Climate Control

The problem of high levels of CO2 in ambient air... Read More

Pendulum Dowsing: Easy To Learn Techniques

Pendulum Dowsing is a very fun and simple way to... Read More

Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or... Read More

Making Your Lungs Work Better With Water

All of us know when our lungs aren't quite working... Read More

Herbe Fraiche Essential Oil : A Combination of Forest Essences

Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex... Read More

Exercise: Tai Chi for Mind, Body, and Spirit

The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing movement and breathing... Read More