Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

A native of Australia, has been progressively introduced in Europe. In Spain is located in the north, but can not withstand the extremely low temperatures. Initially cultivation was used to drain swamps that existed in the great plagues of malaria, because this tree, by the fast growth rate it has, is characterized by the large amount of water it needs, resulting in the dehydration of the land on which grows, and thus be able to avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes that transmit the disease that often use this type of land as "breeding ground".

FLOWERING

Flowering takes place in autumn and winter. Harvesting is done by selecting the cladodes leaving well-trained and well ventilated and dry in the sun.

APPLICATIONS

The essential oil consisting of a large amount of eucalyptol, has antiseptic action on the airways, both inhalation and by mouth, although the latter should be administered at low concentrations, which can cause gastric irritation, heartburn, vomiting ... Topically used in the preparation of ointments soothing, healing and antiseptic properties. It also has an expectorant action, and, though to a lesser extent anthelmintic and hypoglycaemic, using light diabetes. Its use is contraindicated in treatment with sedatives, anticonvulsants and pain relievers, and that accelerates the hepatic metabolism of these, and inappropriate use during pregnancy and lactation.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. Three well-shredded leaves, cup-by, leaving it on the boil for one minute, remove from heat once allowed to stand ten minutes infusion. This preparation can be repeated three times a day.
Suppositories. It employs 100 to 400 milligrams per suppository can be utilized from one to three times a day.
Syrup. Prepared with 10% of eucalyptus, can take up to three tablespoons a day.
Inhalation. It should first ensure tolerance to this substance, as there may be cases of allergies to this plant. Apply for 15 seconds and wait half an hour to check that there is adverse reaction. The infusion is prepared with 10 grams of shredded leaves or also with 12 drops of essence in a quart of boiling water is allowed to cool while inhaling water that carries the essence of the leaves. Its use is also suitable in winter to counteract the dryness that produce certain types of heating systems and dryland environments themselves. In these cases, using a pair of leaves in a bowl with boiling water or a humidifier.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Myrtaceae
HABITAT: Warm temperate
FLOWERING: Fall and winter
PART USED: Cladodes (adult leaves)
CASTILIAN: Eucaliptus
BASQUE: Eukalitu
GALICIAN: Eucalipto

USES

Strong Antiseptic, Moderate Expectorant, Healing Light.