Eucalyptus tea: what it is for, benefits and how to prepare

Eucalyptus tea, prepared with the medicinal plant Eucalyptus globulus Labill, It is a drink rich in tannins, flavonoids, aldehydes and volatile oils, such as cineole and terpineol, which are substances with an antiseptic, decongestant, antispasmodic and antimicrobial action, capable of helping in the treatment of flu, colds or sinusitis.

In addition, the eucalyptus plant has antioxidant properties that can improve the action of the immune system and help to prevent and fight infections of the respiratory system.

This can even be prepared with eucalyptus bags, which can be easily purchased at herbalists, natural products stores or manipulation pharmacies, and even though it does not serve to replace the use of medicines indicated by the doctor, it can be used to complement the medical treatment, due to its benefits for health.

what is it for

Eucalyptus is a plant very popularly used for the treatment of some respiratory illnesses such as flu, rhinitis and sinusitis, due to its medicinal properties, as well as its essential oil, following the main indications:

1. Fighting cough with catarrh

Eucalyptus contains compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, phenolic acids derived from benzoic acid, phenolic acids derived from cinnamic acid and phloroglucinol, which help to fight respiratory infections, in addition to fluidizing bronchial secretions, helping to expel phlegms with mayor ease and lessening the feeling of discomfort

2. Alleviate inflammation

The eucalyptus products, in their essential oil composition, contain cineole and terpineol, which are components with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help in cases of respiratory infections to alleviate the symptoms of body discomfort and de-inflamm the airways. There is a good option for cases of flu and colds, for example.

3. Improve breathing

Eucalyptus contains cineole, a component that helps to fight respiratory infections such as flu, colds and sinusitis, in addition to helping to decongest the airways through its use in inhalations of eucalyptus steam, helping to improve breathing, relieving symptoms in the upper airways and uncovering the nose.

See more home remedies to decongest your nose.

4. Stimulate immunity

Eucalyptus oil helps to stimulate immunity, improving the function of defense cells, white cells, specifically monocytes and macrophages, increasing their ability to fight infections. Therefore, the use of this essential oil can reduce the possibility of manifesting symptoms of respiratory infections.

5. Fight infections

Eucalyptus essential oil has shown to have antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus Agalactiae, causing diseases such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and even meningitis. For its use, it is recommended to consult a phytotherapist, nutritionist or doctor specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

6. Combat the evil aliento

Eucalyptus has antibacterial and antiseptic action, due to eucalyptol and macrocarpal C, present in its composition, which helps to eliminate bacteria from the mouth that can cause ill alienation or gingivitis, providing a good option to use as a mouthwash.

How to prepare eucalyptus tea

The eucalyptus plant is very used to relieve the symptoms of flu and colds, in addition to helping to eliminate the pulmonary secretions accumulated during bronchitis.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of chopped eucalyptus seeds;
• 150 ml of water.

preparation method

Add the chopped eucalyptus seeds in the water for 1 minute. Turn off the fire, cover and leave to rest for around 5 minutes. Next, paste and drink 1 cup of up to 2 to 3 times a day.

This tea can also be used as an inhalation, prepared with fresh eucalyptus leaves, or used as a mouthwash.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that can arise while using eucalyptus are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seas, feeling of choking, tachycardia, drowsiness or hyperactivity.

The eucalyptus plant can also increase the action of the liver, as the effect of some medications is reduced. Therefore, people who use any medication every day should consult a doctor to find out if it is safe or not to use eucalyptus.

Contraindications

Eucalyptus is contraindicated in case of allergy to this plant, during embarrassment and in people who have gallbladder problems and liver diseases.

The inhalations of the children of this plant should not be used on children under 12 years old, as it can cause allergies and make it difficult to breathe, and the tincture alone must be used by adults, due to its high alcohol content. Asimismo, the preparations of eucalyptus do not have to be applied on the face, mainly in the nose of the babies, being able to generate allergies in the skin.