Health Benefits of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an annual to biennial herb native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The plant has a tall, erect stem, branched and furrowed but not spiny. The leaves of the plant are rather large and grow alternately. The leaves are waxy-lobed, toothed and thorny. The plant has hermaphrodite flowers, which are pollinated by bees, and are made up of red to purple florets that produce blackish seeds with a tuft of white hair. When ripe, these are harvested and are used to make medicine.

History of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has been used for more than 2,000 years and was used traditionally to help nursing mothers produce milk. It was believed that the distinctive white marking on the veins of the plant’s leaves were caused by the Virgin Mary’s milk. Primarily, milk thistle was used as a treatment for liver dysfunction.

The earliest reported use of the plant was by Dioscorides, who recommended the herb as a treatment for serpent bites. Later on, Pliny the Elder mentioned that the plant’s extracts mixed with honey is excellent for “carrying off bile.” In the Middle Ages, milk thistle was used as an antidote for liver toxins. British herbalist Culpepper reported it to be effective for relieving obstructions of the liver. Another notable herbalist, John Gerard, recommended milk thistle for “expelling melancholy”, a term that referred to liver disease in that era.

In the 19^th century, German doctors treated jaundice and other liver disease with extract from the seeds of the milk thistle. In 1949, German researchers found that milk thistle protected animal livers that were exposed to high doses of a strong liver toxin. Until finally, in 1968, an active agent was found in the seeds of the plant which is now referred to as silymarin.

Milk Thistle Benefits

Milk thistle is an astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant and a tonic. Homeopathic practitioners used preparations made from the seeds of the plant to treat jaundice, gallstones, peritonitis, hemorrhage, bronchitis, and even varicose veins. Recent studies show that the plant is most effective when treating the liver, spleen and kidneys.

Milk thistle may also lower cholesterol, reduce insulin resistance, and limit the growth of cancer cells in particular areas of the body including the breast, cervix and prostate. Milk thistle is also said to treat psoriasis. The German Commission E also recommends milk thistle for those who have dyspeptic complaints, toxin-induced liver damage, hepatic cirrhosis and as a supportive therapy for those who suffer from chronic inflammatory liver conditions.

Milk Thistle Side-Effects

Milk thistle may cause allergic reactions to people who are allergic to the daisy family. Known side-effects of milk thistle are mild laxative effects, nausea, minor gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and headaches. These side-effects rarely occur and may happen in varying degrees from person to person.

Pregnant or nursing women and people with hormone-dependent conditions should use milk thistle with caution. To add, men who have prostate cancer should not take milk thistle without consulting their doctors first. Lastly, milk thistle could also decrease the insulin requirements of diabetics with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Health Benefits of Valerian

Valerian is a hardy perennial flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Its fruit is a one sided nut. When the plant reaches two years old, its roots and rhizomes are harvested for medicinal purposes.

Valerian History

Valerian has been used in Indian and Chinese medicine for millennia. The plant was also used as a medicinal herb by Ancient Greeks and Romans. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. In medieval Sweden, valerian was placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the “envy” of the elves. In the 1600s, Valerian was already considered as one of the most effective sedative and restorative for the nervous system. During the 17^th to 18^th century, valerian has been widely used as a sedative, sleep aid and as a remedy for spasms. In 20^th century, valerian was used to treat hysteria or hypochrondirasis. Velerian was also used to treat many kinds of ailments including diarrhea, neuralgia, cough, flatulence, muscle cramps, epilepsy and delirium. Valerian was also a popular herb for insomnia before the advent of synthetic drugs. Valerian is also considered as a pain reliever and appetite stimulant.

Today, valerian is still being used as a sedative and restorative to treat nervous disorders.

Valerian Health Benefits

Valerian has a long history of efficacy. It is considered as an anti-spasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative and stimulant. In Europe alone, there are hundreds of different valerian products available in the market. Some say that its scent alone can calm and relax you.

Often referred to as ‘Nature’s Valium’, valerian is best known for its tranquilizer and calmative effect. It is mainly used to encourage and improve the quality of sleep and to lower blood pressure brought about by stress and fatigue.  Valerian is also a useful herb for those who suffer from anxiety, nervous tension, panic attacks and other conditions that are associated with stress and depression.

Aside from its tranquilizer and calmative effects, valerian can also be used as a muscle relaxant, a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, irritability, headaches and hypochondria.

According to clinical studies, valerian is one of the safest herbs to use.

Cautions:

Excessive use of valerian may cause headaches, giddiness, upset stomach, blurred vision, restlessness and nausea. It is not advisable to combine valerian with other sedatives or alcohol. If you’re using valerian, it is wise to exercise caution while driving or operating machinery. Valerian should be avoided by people with liver problems, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Ever experienced stomach discomfort due to gas which leads to flatulence? There are people who just ignore this odd feeling, but to some to some: this can really affect their daily routine.  Gas in the stomach is caused by swallowing air when gulping down food, sipping on a straw, drinking sodas, chewing gum or sucking on candy. Other factors which lead to gas in the stomach are wearing loose fitting dentures, smoking and constipation. Some of the food you eat can also cause excessive flatulence like beans and any food with sugar substitutes.

Flatulence Remedies:

-          Walk around as you drink a cup of peppermint tea. This can give you an instant relief.

-          Stir 1 teaspoon of anisette liqueur to 1 cup of warm water and drink it.

-          Mix ½ teaspoon of bay leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep and strain it before drinking.

-          List of seeds that may provide you relief: caraway seeds, aniseeds, dill seeds, and fennel seeds. What you need to do is to crush 1 teaspoon of seeds and mix it to a cup of just boiled water. Allow it to steep for about ten minutes. Remember to strain it before drinking. After drinking a cup of this mixture and the pain doesn’t disappear, consider drinking another cup of seed tea before eating your next meal.

-          You can also mix 1 teaspoon of powdered allspice to a cup of just boiled water. Drink the mixture and experience a relief from gas pain and flatulence.

-          After a heavy meal, it is also best to drink ginger tea. You need to steep ¼ teaspoon of powdered ginger in a cup of just boiled water for 5 minutes. It is also good to use small pieces of fresh ginger instead of the powdered one. Slowly drink the tea while watching your favorite tv show.

-          While taking your warm shower make sure that the water flow down on your stomach. It can provide remedy for stomach cramps and gas pain.

-          Hot water compress or a heating pad can be also place on your stomach to relieve gas and flatulence.

These are just few of the many gas and flatulence remedies available. There are some over the counter medications that are recommended to treat this stomach discomfort, but if you want to experience all natural and 100% side effects free treatment, then you are on the right blog post.

Health Benefits of Beetroot

Beetroot, also known as the table beet, garden beet or red beet, is one of the many cultivated varieties of beets. The plant is a dark red root vegetable that is usually eaten boiled either as a cooked vegetable, or cold as a salad. Its ancestry runs through prehistoric times in North America, and grew along other continents. It is also native to Russia and other cool areas of the world. Red beet is related to swede, turnip and other red-veined plants like the Swiss chard.

History:

Red beets were already cultivated thousands of years ago. Based on evidence found in the Neolithic site of Aartswoud in the Netherlands, beetroot was already used cultivated in as early as 8500BC. There were also excavated remains in the Saqqara pyramid at Thebes in Egypt dating as far back as 2648BC.

The Ancient Romans were one of the first civilizations to cultivated beets and used its roots as food. They also recognized its healing abilities, regarding it as a cure to all illnesses. Red beets were offered to Apollo in his temple at Delhi, where it was regarded to be worth more than silver. Apicius, a renowned Roman gourmet, even included beetroot in his book ‘The Art of Cooking’. Beetroot was also considered as an aphrodisiac, probably because of salacious scenes that were discovered on the walls of brothels in Pompeii.

Health Benefits of Beetroot

Beetroot is an excellent source of folate, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and betaine which is important for cardiovascular health. It is also abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants. Beets are also good in keeping cholesterol levels at bay while protecting the body against heart diseases. The plant also protects against birth defects and certain types of cancer. The herb is also a good general tonic that can be used by pregnant women, and is also good in purifying the liver, kidney and gall-bladder.

Beet’s juice and leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants contained in its pigments, including anthocyanins, beta-carotene and multi-nutrient compounds. Beetroot is also a rich source of boron which plays a role in the production of testosterone, this is probably the reason why beetroot is considered as a modern aphrodisiac.

Preliminary studies also suggest that the betaine content of beetroot may protect against liver disease, especially the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver brought about by alcohol abuse, protein deficiency and diabetes. Betaine also helps people with hypochlorhydria.

Another research suggests that drinking 500 ml of beetroot juice can reduce a person’s blood pressure within one hour. The effect is attributed to the high nitrate content of beetroot. Another study shows that beetroot has positive effects on humans who undergo exercise. Scientist found that cyclists who drank half a liter of beetroot juice several hours before setting off were able to ride 20% longer.

Cautions:

Some people who eat beetroot may experience a red or pink color in the urine or stool. This may not look normal, but is really harmless and transient. Over-consumption of beetroot greens, on the other hand, is not advisable to those with kidney stones because of its oxalate content. Beetroot also has high amounts of natural sugar and are not advisable for those with diabetes.

The Benefits of Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea (Eastern purple coneflower or Purple conflower) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Echinacea. Echinacea is a drought-tolerant perennial that is native to eastern North America and can be found (to some extent) in the wild in much of the eastern, southeastern and Midwest United States. The plant grows to a height of 1.2 m tall and has rich purple, composite flowers. The plant’s rhizomes are aromatic and sweet-tasting. These rhizomes are lifted after four years before they are cut, dried and be used medicinally.

History:

Echinacea was widely used by Indians as a medication against colds, flu, and other infections. It is one of the 14 species that were used by at least 14 tribes of Native Americans to treat respiratory ailments and other infections. Native Americans also used it to treat snake bites and other natural poisons.

In the 1900s, Echinacea was documented by the ‘Eclectics’ -a group of North American doctors who primarily used botanical medicine to treat their patients- and used the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties to cure their patients ailments. The Eclectics later used Echinacea to treat liver, stomach and intestinal inflammation, boils, poison oak, syphilis and gangrene.

During the 1930s, Echinacea dropped in popularity due to new discoveries in pharmaceutical drugs. In Europe, on the other hand, Echinacea’s popularity grew.

Echinacea Benefits

Echinacea is one of the world’s most popular herbs. It is said to treat a wide variety of ailments including colds, coughs, flu, upper respiratory conditions, enlarged lymph glands, sore throat, urinary tract and other minor infections; it can help combat herpes and candida wounds; it also helps in skin regeneration and combats skin infection and ailments including psoriasis, eczema and inflammation. It is also considered as an antibiotic, antiallergenic, bactericidal, collagen protectant and a cytokine stimulant against tumor cells and microorganisms.

Echinacea is used principally as an immune-system booster because of its ability to nourish the blood, improve circulation and stimulate white blood-cell activity. Published reports even mentioned that when the plant is taken as a preventive remedy, it can decrease the incidence and duration of the common cold. Echinacea can also prevent staph and strep infections. The plant is also said to destroy mutant precancerous cells.

Cautions:

Echinacea has been reported to cause adverse effects. But these are quite minor and uncommon. These include abdominal discomfort, nausea, sore throat, rash, drowsiness, headache, dizziness and muscle pain. If you’re allergic to the daisy family, refrain from using Echinacea. The plant is not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women. The use of the plant is also discouraged to be used by people who have HIV.

Oregano Health Benefits

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a common species of Origanum which is a member of the mint family. The plant is a perennial herb that grows to around 20-80 cm tall, with olive-green leaves and pink flowers that are produces in erect spikes. It is native to warm-temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is sometimes called wild marjoram and is closely related to sweet marjoram.

History:

Oregano is native to northern Europe and has been recognized for its distinct aroma. Greek mythology dictates that the goddess Aphrodite invented the spice and gave the herb to man to make his life happier. The word “oregano” is actually derived from the Greek phrase “joy of the mountains”.  Hippocrates also used oregano as an antiseptic. The Greeks and Romans give high regard to the herb, making it a symbol of joy and happiness. It has become a tradition for the Ancient Greeks and Romans to crown newlyweds with a laurel of oregano.

Oregano has been cultivated in France and other parts of Europe since the Middle Ages, but was only brought to the US in the early 20^th century, when GIs returned from Italy.  Today, oregano is being enjoyed by those who love Mediterranean food.

Health Benefits of Oregano

During the Middle Ages, oregano was used as a cure for rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and as a cold remedy. The spice then found its way to China via the spice road and since then has been used to relieve fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice and itchy skin.  Today, we can find oregano mostly on pizza and other European dishes, but what we don’t know is that it has its share of health benefits.

Oregano is actually a good source of vitamin K, vitamin E, tryptophan, manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Oil extracted from the herb is considered as an effective anti-bacterial because of its potent thymol and carvacrol content which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa which can cause septic shock, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infection, and Staphylococcus aureus which can cause septic arthritis and staphylococcal endocarditis. One research conducted in Mexico compared oregano to tinidazol, a prescription drug that treats amoeba infection. Researchers found out that oregano is more effective than the drug.

Oregano is also rich in phytonutrients including thymol and romarinic acid which function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxidation of the cells throughout the body. A particular study found out that oregano has stronger antioxidant capacity than the two most synthetic antioxidants commonly added to processed food. In addition, the study also concluded that one gram of fresh oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than those in apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

Cautions:

Oregano is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates and purines and is therefore generally recognized as safe, though oregano has been known to cause allergic contact dermatitis and eczematous rash to a handful of individuals.

Health Benefits of Lobelia

Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco, has long been used as an herbal remedy.  Lobelia is an annual herbaceous plant that is native to dry places. It can be found growing from sou-eastern Canada down through the north-eastern United States. The plant has tiny flowers of pale blue-violet that are tinted yellow on the inside. It grows to a height of 5.9 – 39 inches tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs.  

History of Lobelia

Lobelia has been introduced to Europe in the mid 1620s. After a couple of years, it has been known by the name ‘cardinal flower’, its color being compared to the mitres that cardinals from the Roman Catholic Church wore. The flowers were used as a cure for syphilis. Before its arrival in Europe, the plant was already used by the North American Penobscot tribe as a remedy to a wide range of conditions which include respiratory ailments, muscle disorders and was also used as a purgative.

Health Benefits of Lobelia

Lobelia has a long history of therapeutic use. It is considered to be an anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, nervine, relaxant, sedative, sialagogue and stimulant. It is also considered as a cathartic, diuretic, and an astringent. The whole plant can be used for healing, though the leaves and seeds are used more often. The most potent part of the plant is its seeds since it contains loneline which is the main component that gives the plant its psychoactive property. It is often used by mystics who want to go in a trance.

As an herbal remedy, lobelia is used as an ointment that is used externally to treat pleurisy, rheumatism, tennis elbow, whiplash injuries, boils and ulcers. Lobelia is also being used today to treat bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and food poisoning. It is also used in smoking-cessation programs to help someone who wants to quit. Lobelia also has a relaxant property that is used as a nerve depressant which eases tension and panic.

Lobelia is also burned as an insect repellent.

Cautions:

Due to its similarity t nicotine, it is wise for children, pregnant women and those with cardiovascular conditions to avoid using lobelia internally. Lobelia is not a poison, but poisonous symptoms may occur if it is absorbed by the epidermis. Lobelia side effects include profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma and possibly death. Check with your health care provider to determine the right dose for you.

Healing Properties of Frankincense

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is the purified aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. These trees grow in mountainous climates on rocks, often with only morning dew for moisture. The tree is a deciduous, but hardy forest tree that grow to a heaight of 23-26 ft. The tree branches at the base and may have white or pale-rose flowers.

Frankincense is tapped from the tree by slashing the bark and allowing the exuded resins to bleed out and harden. These hardened resins are called tears. The gathered ‘tears’ are then purified and used for healing and perfumery. On the other hand, frankincense essential oil is made by extracting the gum-resin through steam distillation.

History

Frankincense is one of the oldest aromatic materials that have been used by humans. It has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa for more than 5,000 years. A mural depicting sacks of frankincense traded from the Land of Punt still graces the walls of the temple of Queen Hathseptut of ancient Egypt. It was then used as incense in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. The use of incense was later adopted by the Catholic Church and is still being practiced in church services today. Though, during the early days of the Catholic Church, the use of incense was forbidden which resulted in the rapid decline in the incense trade.

Healing Properties of Frankincense

Frankincense has been used throughout the years as incense and herbal remedy for many ailments. Frankincense is said to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and spiritually uplifting. It is also said to aid in healing all kinds of respiratory problems and is used as a relexant during meditation.  A recent research by Johns Hopkins University also found that frankincense smoke contains a chemical compound known as incensole acetate which is said to be a psychoactive drug that may be used to relieve depression and anxiety.

Cautions:

Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should also avoid using frankincense. It is also advisable that young children, nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease to avoid using frankincense. Frankincense is also known to cause gastrointestinal distress to some people.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus appear and flourish outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries. This occurs when the endometrial tissue, which is supposed to line the inside of the uterus and be shed each month during menstruation, grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, around the fallopian tubes, or across the ligaments that support the uterus. Where these cells land, they weave scars as they anchor themselves in the internal tissues. Then, just like the normal cycle of endometrial tissues they swell and bleed and are flushed out during menstruation, but this time they leave a discharge that can’t exit the body that can cause inflammation and scarring.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Pelvic Pain – Women who suffer from endometriosis experience recurring pelvic pain. The pain can be mild to severe cramping that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, the lower back, and even down the legs. The amount of pain a sufferer feels may vary from person to person. Some women experience little to no pain, while others may have severe pain even though they have only a few small areas of endometriosis.  Pain may include the following:

• Dysmenorrhea
• Chronic pelvic pain (usually accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal pain)
• Pain during intercourse
• An urge to urinate frequently
• Throbbing, gnawing and dragging pain to the legs
• Rectal pain

Fertility – Studies show that women with endometriosis are more likely to be infertile than women who are otherwise normal. Women who conceive may also have a higher rate of miscarriage and a higher rate of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition on where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Other Symptoms:

• Constipation
• Chronic Fatigue
• Pain during ovulation
• Pain during bowel movements and urination
• Pain during exercise
• Pain during menstruation

Home Remedies for Endometriosis

1. Join a Support Group.  Knowing that you’re not alone helps. Hearing others just like you can give you the strength to deal with your condition.  Being in a support group is also a great source of information from people just like you. You might even discover things that may work for the pain.

2. Charting.  Charting your cycle, taking note when your symptoms are worse, taking note of what and how much you eat, and taking note of your exercise routines may give you hints on when your condition starts to get worse. Knowing when will give you the ability to take charge of some of your symptoms by avoiding the things that cause pain.

3. Prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a hormone in the uterine lining. Too much prostaglandin is one of the reasons for cramping because it over stimulates the uterine muscles which forces them to work overtime.

4. Eating Fish. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids which suppress prostaglandin production. If fish is not available, taking omega-3 supplements should do the trick.

5. Heat Packs. Some women get relief by putting a heating pad on the abdominal area. This relaxes the cramping muscles.

6. Ice Pack. If heat doesn’t work for you, try placing an ice pack on your lower abdominal area.

7. Caffeine. There have been reports that caffeine in soda, tea or coffee aggravates the pain in some women. Cutting down on your caffeine intake may help.

8. Moxibustion. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa, or mugwort. The herb mugwort is rolled tightly into a sticklike cigar and are lit at one end until they glow. The burning sticklike cigar is then help close to acupressure points that correspond to painful areas. There have been reports from women who have used this kind of treatment that it works and they stay symptom free for hours.

9. Accupressure. There are two pressure points that you need to find and before applying pressure. One is located 2 inches above your ankle bone and the other is at the base where the bones of your thumb and index finger meet. These points should feel a little tender. Press as hard as you can on these areas.

Eucalyptus is a genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family. There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus that are mostly native to Australia, but there are some species that can be found in New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines. One of the most widely cultivated among the species is the Eucalyptus Blue Gum.

Eucalyptus Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus Blue Gum , also known as the Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum, or Blue Gum, is one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. It typically grows to a height of 98 to 180 ft. It is a tall, straight, evergreen tree that is mainly cultivated in unhealthy, low-lying or swampy areas. The rough, deeply-furrowed bark of the tree can be bluish-grey or reddish in color and peels off in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are about 6 to 15 cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the name “blue gum”. The broad juvenile leaves are succeeded by a mature, dark blueish-green, sickle-shaped leaves. The tree also has cream-colored flowers which produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavored honey. The fruit is a woody capsule with valves that open on the top which sheds small seeds.

History of Eucalyptus Blue Gum

Blue Gum was first collected on the coast of Tasmania in 1792 by French botanist Jacque Labillardiere. He first described the plant in his publication Relation du Voyage a la Recherche de la Perouse (1800) and was mentioned again in his Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen. It is indicated in his writings that he named the plant E. Globulus because its’ spherical, waxy fruit has a strong resemblance to a kind of round button that is worn in France during that time. In 1962, the tree was proclaimed as the official floral emblem of Tasmania.

Believed to be the world’s oldest wind instrument, the didgeridoo or yidaki is made from eucalyptus and is used by Aborigines for healing, ceremonies, initiation rites and social gatherings. Didgeridoo is used in vibration medicine. The sound coming from the instrument is said to affect the brainwaves directly and can put the listener to another state of consciousness. On the other hand, regular didgeridoo playing is a widely accepted treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Medical research also suggests that the healing benefits of didgeridoo can aid in aggressiveness, behavioral disorders, energetic blockages, hysteria, phobias, speech impediments and traumatic burdens. It is also said that it can help bone, muscle and hormone function plus it can also lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Eucalyptus Health Benefits

Eucalyptus’s health benefits have been enjoyed by the Western world for around 150 years, but have been enjoyed by Aborigines longer. The Aborigines crushed eucalyptus leaves that are sniffed as medicine. The tannin-rich gum was used to make an antiseptic wash to treat minor burns and skin infections. Aborigines also believed that bathing in lakeside places were eucalyptus trees grow can get rid of their skin conditions. Manna made from the leaves and young bark of eucalyptus was also used to treat diarrhea.

Eucalyptus is considered as an antibacterial, anti-Candidiasis, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral. Eucalyptus essential oil is used for a number of conditions including halitosis, rheumatism, tuberculosis and viral infections. The main compound that can be found in eucalyptus, eucalyptol, is noted for its anesthetic, analgesic, antibronchitic, anticatarrhal, antilaryngitic, stimulatory and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is used in aromatherapy, inhalants for sinus and bronchial congestions, coughs, colds, asthma, influenza and other respiratory diseases.

Cautions:

Pregnant women should avoid taking eucalyptus internally. It should also be avoided if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy. Eucalyptus may also interact with some prescription drugs. Eucalyptus preparations should not be applied on the face, especially the nose and the area around the eyes.